Global actions for Sustainable Rangelands and Pastoralism to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality

Abstract

This presentation focuses on the global actions required to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) through sustainable rangelands and pastoralism, aligning with the International Year for Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) and its sub-working group on LDN. The challenges and threats to rangelands are outlined, emphasizing the climatic and anthropogenic pressures leading to natural resource degradation, productivity losses, and land-related conflicts. Notably, the presentation highlights the global average rate of rangeland degradation, conversion to croplands, and the various drivers contributing to this phenomenon.

Addressing these challenges, the presentation introduces actions proposed by the IYRP International Support Group. These include urging the UNCCD COP to halt indiscriminate rangeland conversion, increase investment in nature-based restoration, and elevate LDN targets with specific commitments to rangeland restoration and sustainable pastoralism. Additionally, the group calls on UNCCD Member States, donors, civil society, and other parties to recognize the mobility of livestock through pastoralism as a viable solution, revise detrimental economic policies, and adopt integrated policies that acknowledge the multifunctionality of land.

In conclusion, the presentation emphasizes the importance of committing to LDN through sustainable rangelands management and pastoralism. It contends that such commitment addresses food security, climate change, economic development, livelihoods, and human well-being. The proposed actions by the IYRP International Support Group aim to encourage policy dialogues, improve the enabling environment of rangelands, support pastoralism, strengthen policies for LDN and land restoration investments, learn from successful models in dryland areas, and advocate for increased investments in sustainable development and rangeland restoration.