Rangelands and Pastoralists Seen as Key to Tackling Global Climate and Land Crises
As the world faces growing challenges related to climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation, experts are increasingly recognizing the vital role that rangelands and pastoralist communities can play in building sustainable solutions. According to livestock experts at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), properly managed rangelands and traditional pastoral systems can significantly contribute to environmental restoration and food security.
In a recent discussion, Thanawat Tiensin, Director of the Animal Production and Health Division at the FAO, highlighted how pastoralists—communities that depend on grazing livestock across natural grasslands—have long practiced sustainable land management techniques that protect ecosystems while supporting livelihoods.
The Importance of Rangelands
Rangelands cover nearly half of the Earth’s land surface and are home to millions of people who rely on livestock for their survival. These landscapes include grasslands, savannas, shrublands, and other grazing areas that support a wide range of biodiversity.
When managed responsibly, rangelands help maintain soil health, store carbon, and provide habitats for wildlife. They also serve as an important buffer against desertification and environmental degradation.
Traditional Knowledge and Sustainable Practices
Pastoralist communities have developed centuries-old grazing systems that allow land to recover naturally while maintaining livestock production. By moving herds across different areas seasonally, they prevent overgrazing and support natural vegetation growth.
According to Thanawat Tiensin, these traditional practices offer valuable lessons for modern environmental management, especially as countries search for climate-resilient agricultural systems.
Addressing Multiple Global Crises
Experts say rangelands and pastoral systems are uniquely positioned to address several global challenges at once. These include:
- Climate change mitigation through carbon storage in grassland soils
- Biodiversity conservation by protecting natural habitats
- Combating land degradation through sustainable grazing practices
- Food security by supporting livestock production in arid and semi-arid regions
Because pastoral systems are adapted to harsh environments, they often provide food and income in regions where crop farming is difficult.
Global Recognition in 2026
The growing importance of these ecosystems is being recognized through the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026 (IYRP 2026), a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about the ecological and social value of rangelands.
The campaign encourages governments, researchers, and communities to work together to improve rangeland governance, support pastoral livelihoods, and protect fragile ecosystems.
A Sustainable Path Forward
Experts emphasize that supporting pastoralist communities and investing in sustainable rangeland management could play a major role in addressing some of the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges.
By combining traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches, policymakers hope to transform rangelands into a powerful tool for climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and sustainable rural development across the globe.
