In recognition of the vital importance of rangelands and the communities who steward them, the United Nations has declared 2026 the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP).

Rangelands, which cover nearly half of the Earth’s land surface, sustain a remarkable diversity of plant and animal life and provide essential ecosystem services, from carbon storage and soil health to water regulation. These vast landscapes are also home to millions of pastoralists whose lives and livelihoods are closely intertwined with the health and productivity of these environments.

Pastoralists raise livestock in ways that are deeply adapted to local conditions, contributing significantly to food security, nutrition, and rural economies. Beyond food production, pastoralist communities safeguard rich cultural traditions, languages, and systems of local and Indigenous knowledge. Their time-tested practices support biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management, helping to maintain resilient ecosystems in some of the world’s most fragile and climate-vulnerable regions.

IYRP 2026 offers a global opportunity to elevate the visibility of these landscapes and communities, promote sustainable management practices, and strengthen policies and partnerships that secure their future for generations to come.