Sustainable rangeland management (SRM) toolkit with a holistic approach for addressing the socioecological aspects leading to more resilient pastoral systems

Abstract

The Sustainable Rangeland Management (SRM) toolkit advocates a holistic, participatory approach involving multiple stakeholders to elevate rangeland management, specifically addressing socioecological aspects for fostering resilience in pastoral systems. By placing a strong emphasis on integrating indigenous knowledge with modern scientific principles, the toolkit provides comprehensive guidance to practitioners throughout the diagnostic, planning, implementation, and continuous monitoring and evaluation phases of rehabilitation efforts. Demonstrated through case studies, the toolkit offers a systematic application, revealing practical solutions that effectively enhance socioecological sustainability and resilience within pastoral systems. In response to the widespread degradation of rangelands, SRM not only challenges short-term fixes but also encourages thoughtful and comprehensive actions. Its innovative approach includes capacity building, stakeholder engagement, governance establishment, and the implementation of site-specific tools and procedures. The positive outcomes of the SRM toolkit encompass enhanced management practices covering over 100,000 hectares across two sites, collaborative efforts with forestry departments and development agencies to enhance policies, and its global application in training programs. This aligns with the objectives of the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration and the designated 2026 UN Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.