International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026

The International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026 underscores the global significance of rangeland ecosystems and the communities who care for them. It draws attention to the essential contributions pastoralists make in maintaining biodiversity, enhancing food security, and managing extensive dryland and mountain environments through longstanding knowledge systems and highly adaptive livelihoods.

By elevating these critical roles, IYRP 2026 aims to strengthen recognition of pastoralists as key partners in sustainable land stewardship.

IYRP 2026 was officially adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in March 2022 and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) was designated to lead and facilitate its implementation, collaborating with member states, pastoralist groups and civil-society partners. In 2026, IYRP will roll out via global, regional and national events, awareness campaigns, policy dialogues, working groups and other events targeting rangeland sustainability, pastoralist livelihoods and ecosystem health around the world.

Other IYRP 2026 photos and videos from Mongolia and Central Asia

GLO Thematic Report on Rangelands and Pastoralists

Interactive map of pastoralists of the world

UNEP’s Global Rangelands Atlas

Rangelands are areas of grasses, grass-like plants, forbs, shrubs and sometimes trees that are grazed or have the potential to be grazed by livestock and wildlife. They also are home to millions of people, from pastoralists to hunter-gatherers to ranchers to conservationists. Rangelands feed millions of people worldwide. Rangelands have significant cultural and aesthetic value too, and for many, are places of inspiration and beauty.