Rangelands represent over 54% of the Earth’s terrestrial surface, yet a substantial portion of these areas has either been converted to other uses or is experiencing severe degradation. According to the recent Global Land Outlook Thematic Report on Rangelands and Pastoralists by the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the current estimate of degraded rangelands has reached 50%, a figure that is double previous assessments.
Ibrahim Thiaw, UNCCD Executive Secretary, emphasised the critical importance of these ecosystems, stating, “Rangelands are extensive ecosystems that provide biodiversity and support rural livelihoods, yet they are threatened by land degradation, climate change, and land conversion. Their importance cannot be overstated in our collective pursuit of sustainable development and planetary stability; however, they have long been underappreciated in global environmental discourse.”
This significant degradation affects biodiversity, ecosystem services, and the livelihoods of pastoral communities, presenting a complex challenge for global sustainability efforts. Restoration initiatives have historically lagged behind those targeting forest ecosystems, and the effectiveness of some tree-planting schemes has been questioned. Despite various international frameworks, such as Resolution L17 on Innovations in Sustainable Rangelands and Pastoralism by the UN Environment Assembly, the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030), and the forthcoming International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026, the progress in addressing rangeland degradation remains insufficient.
Understanding and addressing this crisis requires a multifaceted approach that integrates ecological, socio-economic, and policy dimensions. Continued research and innovative solutions are essential for reversing degradation trends and promoting effective rangeland management strategies.
To learn more about the actions you can take to support sustainable land management, explore here.
