Description :
Inserted within the European project Tramontana Network, co-financed by the European Union and dedicated to highlighting rural territories, their languages, memories and the experiences of the people who inhabit them, this episode of Radio Pays’s “Urality and Humanity” series presents another encounter with Pierre Tauriac and Jacqui de Barros. The programme explores their commitment to rural communities, their relationship with the land and their journey beyond European borders to meet other peoples who share similar struggles and values. Through their experiences and testimonies, the episode creates a bridge between Gascogne and Bolivia, between Occitan culture and indigenous Quechua traditions.
The conversation focuses on Pierre Tauriac’s book, a work inspired by the people and landscapes of the Tarn valley, particularly the rugged territory of the Raspes. Through a fictional story rooted in rural life, he reflects on the transmission of knowledge, the relationship between humans, animals and the land, and the importance of agroecology. The discussion introduces the concept of Pachamama, the Quechua vision of the Earth as a living entity, and highlights the similarities between European and Bolivian peasants: their attachment to the soil, their search for dignity, and their desire to preserve ways of life threatened by modern economic systems.
Jacqui and Pierre also discuss their encounters with Bolivian farmers and their reflections on international peasant solidarity. They describe the need for recognition, respect and support rather than simple economic aid, emphasising that rural communities across the world face comparable challenges. The episode also addresses political power, the trajectory of Evo Morales, and the difficulties of maintaining ideals once power is acquired. Ultimately, the programme conveys a message of humanity, solidarity and respect for rural cultures, showing how shared experiences between territories can create understanding beyond borders.