International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists – 2026

Introduction

Rangelands constitute a major ecological zone of the world’s land surface. Recognizing their economic, environmental, and social importance, the United Nations General Assembly on 15.03.2022 declared the year 2026 as the “International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists”.

The resolution was proposed by Mongolia, and 60 countries including India supported it. It is a global initiative directly linked to sustainable development, food security, and climate change.

1️⃣ Geographical and Ecological Importance

🔹 Nearly 50% of the Earth’s land surface consists of rangelands.
🔹 The livelihoods of about 500 million pastoralists depend on them.
🔹 Grassland ecosystems → major carbon storage zones.

Grasslands:
✔ Store large amounts of underground carbon.
✔ About one-third of the world’s stored carbon is found in rangelands.
✔ Help mitigate climate change.

2️⃣ Economic Importance – Livestock Sector

In India:
🔹 53% of milk production
🔹 74% of meat production comes from pastoral systems.

The livestock sector contributes 4.5% to India’s GDP.
Of this, two-thirds contribution comes from pastoral communities.

✔ 70% of rural households depend on livestock as a supplementary income source.

3️⃣ Social and Cultural Aspects

🔹 Of 202 Indian livestock breeds, 75 breeds are conserved by pastoralists.
🔹 India has 13 million pastoralists belonging to 46 communities.

In Tamil Nadu: Todas, Bargur Lingayats, Yadavas, Kurumba Gounders and others.

✔ Seasonal migration (Transhumance) is a traditional practice.
✔ Grazing in agricultural lands → natural manure.
✔ Cultural links with Jallikattu, Rekla races, and traditional farming.

4️⃣ Legal and Administrative Challenges

🔸 Encroachment of grazing lands
🔸 Industrial / construction use
🔸 Blocking of traditional pathways
🔸 Forced evictions

🔹 Forest Rights Act, 2006 → recognizes traditional grazing rights in forests.
However, full implementation is still lacking.

5️⃣ Role of Pastoralists in Environmental Protection

✔ Biodiversity conservation
✔ Protection of water bodies
✔ Prevention of forest fires
✔ Methane control (through proper management)

Converting rangelands into forests is not always the best solution; grassland ecosystems have their own unique ecological role.

This is linked to SDG 2 – Zero Hunger, SDG 13 – Climate Action, and SDG 15 – Life on Land.

6️⃣ Government Initiatives

The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying:
Issued a circular to protect around 25 acres of grazing land in every Panchayat.

This is connected to Panchayati Raj, Local Governance, and Rural Development Administration.

Conclusion / Way Forward

“Grazing lands are meant for grazing” is not just a slogan; it is a fundamental principle of sustainable development.

✔ GIS mapping of grazing lands
✔ Removal of encroachments
✔ Full implementation of the Forest Rights Act
✔ Social security for pastoralists
✔ Livestock insurance and market access
✔ Grassland restoration

Through these measures, food security, environmental protection, and rural economic development can be integrated.