The Year of Pastoralists Must Be More Than Symbolic

IPS News (Inter Press Service)IndependentProgressive16 hr. ago

The article discusses the significance of 2026 being declared the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, highlighting the need for greater recognition and protection of pastoralist communities who manage critical ecosystems. It notes the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters such as wildfires and the potential impact of a strong El Niño event. The upcoming UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia is expected to focus on land degradation and climate resilience, with new initiatives like Land and People Day and tenure rights included in the agenda. The piece emphasizes that while pastoralists have historically managed these environments effectively, they remain underprotected and marginalized. The author argues that this year must lead to tangible rights and support rather than just symbolic gestures.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the marginalization of pastoralists as a systemic issue requiring institutional change, emphasizing their role in climate resilience and advocating for legal protections. It highlights the lack of policy support and suggests that current recognition is insufficient, which aligns a