Action areas

The decisions made at UNCCD COP16 and insights from the Global Land Outlook Thematic Report on Rangelands and Pastoralists highlight the need for sustainable land and water management, inclusive governance and strategic investments.

The following priorities will guide policymakers, practitioners and stakeholders in securing the future of these crucial yet vulnerable landscapes:

Strengthening policies and investments

Governments need to prioritize policies and investments that support rangeland sustainability, recognizing their role in food security, biodiversity, climate resilience and Land Degradation Neutrality. These policies must integrate rangeland management into national and international development agendas.

Promoting inclusive governance and tenure security

Responsible governance ensures sustainable rangeland management. Strengthening legal frameworks will empower local communities, Indigenous Peoples, women and youth to participate in decision-making. Secure tenure, aligned with the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure, is critical to enabling pastoralists to act as agents of change for sustainable land management.

Enhancing sustainable land and water management

Conservation strategies that prevent land conversion, overgrazing and degradation while integrating sustainable grazing practices that boost biodiversity and ecosystem health must align with pastoralist-led approaches that enhance long-term sustainability of rangelands and resilience of those who depend on them.

Scaling up public-private partnerships and investment

Public-private collaboration is essential for implementing transformative projects that support rangeland health. Sustainable financing mechanisms, including investment in extensive livestock systems and market-based incentives, are needed to encourage private and public sector engagement.

Strengthening knowledge and capacity building

Education, research and participatory knowledge-sharing are key to informed decision-making. Governments and other stakeholders need to invest in training programs that enhance skills, foster collaboration and promote data-driven policymaking, with a focus on women’s leadership and inclusion.

Advancing multi-stakeholder engagement and collaboration

Strong partnerships between intergovernmental organizations, national authorities and civil society are the foundation of effective rangeland management. Dialogue and collaboration are key to aligning policies with sustainability goals while integrating traditional knowledge and governance systems.

Monitoring progress and ensuring accountability

The UNCCD Secretariat and Global Mechanism are taking the lead on tracking rangeland management progress, with reports to be presented at UNCCD COP17. Transparent reporting, data collection and impact assessments will be essential for guiding future policy and action.