Page 4 - AWA Vol.42-No.1 issue

The International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026
to strengthen these ecosystems and support the people who

sustain them

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the But these ecosystems are under increasing
United Nations (FAO) today launched the In- pressure from droughts, floods and other cli-
ternational Year of Rangelands and Pastoral- mate impacts, land degradation, animal dis-
ists (IYRP 2026), a global campaign aimed at eases and competing land uses, limiting pas-
raising awareness of and enhancing the vital toralists’ mobility and threatening their way of
contributions of rangelands and pastoralists life. For example, while rangelands account for
to sustainable agrifood systems, biodiversity about 30 percent of global soil organic carbon
preservation and climate resilience. stocks, roughly half of them are estimated to be
degraded.
Rangelands cover around half of Earth’s land
surface in ecosystems such as grasslands, sa- Speaking at the launch event, FAO Direc-
vannas and shrublands, deserts, wetlands or tor-General QU Dongyu emphasized that the
mountain areas. The steppes of Central Asia, International Year is a moment for collective
the African savanna, the Alps and the Pyrenees action.
in Europe, Andes in South America and the “We must listen and empower women, youth,
Great Plains of the United States are all exam- and pastoralist organizations to take part in
ples of these landscapes. They preserve unique the decisions that shape their lands and liveli-
fauna and flora and provide essential services hoods. Too often, their voices remain unheard
including carbon storage and water regulation. or ignored, and their contributions underval-
They sustain the livelihoods, nutrition and cul- ued. We must safeguard rangelands through
tural identities of millions of pastoralists and responsible governance, restoration, and in-
are shaped by the movement of people and an- vestment and support the people who steward
imals. them,” the Director-General said.
Pastoralists are key custodians of these land- He added: “Throughout this year, FAO will
scapes. They manage around 1 billion animals work closely with governments and all partners
worldwide—from sheep and goats to cattle, to advance work on rangelands and pastoral-
camelids, yaks, horses, reindeer and buffa- ists under the overall objective of the Four Bet-
loes—contributing to food security while pre- ters: better production, better nutrition, better
serving ecosystems, cultural heritage and local environment, and a better life - leaving no one
and indigenous knowledge. behind.”

In The Next Issue

Main Features

Fisheries and Fish Farming
Fish farming equipment
Aquaculture technology/Fish feeds
Poultry
Advertise
Poultry health and medicines Advertise
Breeding / Feeding systems in the
in the
Animal Health
Next issue
& promote your
Livestock breeding, feeds and housing Next issue
Preventive measures & promote your
products !
Irrigation products !
Sprinkler and drip irrigation
Soil Nutrition
Manufacturers of fertilizers
Agrochemicals/Soil conditioners
Tractors and Combine Harvesters
Show Preview: Bahrain International Garden Show 2026
2 Vol. 42 No. 1