Corsica has a high cultural pastoral background but is facing important challenges to keep one’s livestock sector alive. The present public policies in favor of the livestock sectors and the several representations of pastoralism by the actors have been analyzed. We have identified that pastoralism, a production method based on the priority use of natural, local resources and more specifically range lands is seen by most of the actors as a rather idealistic and nostalgic activity and not as a viable technical option. The public payments to support livestock are important but either they promote a productivist model, either they are not based on a clear economic efficiency nor a clear strategy of pastoral development for rural areas. More generically, agro-ecological approaches could be a chance for the future of this sector if the public policies could support efficiently transitions toward a smart specialization strategy, based partly on pastoralism. To be viable, this option should internalize its ecosystemic services and more financial and human resources will have to be dedicated to support them. Re building an innovation system based on pastoralism, by developing specific capacities and enhancing the local know –how and skills would be also necessary.