International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists Begins

The United Nations General Assembly declared 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, a global campaign aimed at raising awareness of and enhancing the vital contributions of rangelands and pastoralists to sustainable agrifood systems, biodiversity preservation, and climate resilience. As lead agency, FAO will coordinate efforts worldwide to demonstrate how rangelands and pastoralists contribute to resilient rural economies, food security, climate solutions, and ecosystem preservation and restoration. FAO Director-General QU Dongyu launched the event in December, saying, “We must listen and empower women, youth, and pastoralist organizations to take part in the decisions that shape their lands and livelihoods. Too often, their voices remain unheard or ignored, and their contributions undervalued. We must safeguard rangelands through responsible governance, restoration, and investment and support the people who steward them.” He added, “Throughout this year, FAO will work closely with governments and all partners to advance work on rangelands and pastoralists under the overall objective of the Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, better environment, and a better life – leaving no one behind.”