Standards

At present, there is no globally defined set of standards that apply specifically to rangelands. Those that do exist tend to confine their remit to either the protection of the land, a particular rangeland product or a specified geographic area.

The Rangeland Stewardship Council (RSC) and its patterns work together to promote healthy, sustainable rangeland ecosystems; to accelerate restoration and improvement of rangelands to properly functioning conditions and to provide for the sustainability of the livestock industry and communities that are dependent upon productive, healthy rangelands. They recognize that creating a unified global standard is needed to:

1. Reduce the environmental impact of rangeland production and promote the conservation of biodiversity through the rangeland stewardship standard by designing and implementing globally applicable solutions that are effective locally
2. Improve livelihoods and economic development and diversity of herders’ sources of income and support herders’ livelihoods through value chain innovations
3. Raise animal welfare to improve the health and welfare of livestock through the animal welfare principles
4. Reduce the environmental impact of rangeland product processing through the commodity processing principles to reduce environmental and social impact
5. To advance the awareness of sustainable production to consumption of rangeland production internationally and improve commitment to and flow of sustainable rangeland products throughout the supply chain

The objective of this standard is to provide an overarching set of global rangeland stewardship indicators that aim to: 

• Ensure the consistent implementation of the RSC rangeland stewardship principles across the globe
• Operationalize the RSC rangeland stewardship principles and criteria at the country level
• Improve the consistency and the credibility of national rangeland stewardship standards
• Support public and private multi-sector stakeholders contributing to Land Degradation Neutrality and serve as part of a tool of the RSC standard system
• Support efficient approval process of national rangeland stewardship standards and provide guidelines for establishing country-level standards

Creating a unified rangeland standard is a complex task that requires integrating diverse perspectives, knowledge and experience. The ongoing consultations led by the GRC are key to this effort, connecting policymakers, scientists, landowners, Indigenous communities and other stakeholders. These discussions bring forward the unique needs and challenges of rangeland users, ensuring the standard is not only scientifically robust but also socially and economically practical.

Purpose of consultations

• Share Information: Present the current state of rangelands, highlight stewardship efforts and outline future initiatives, including the Global Rangelands Standard (GRS)
• Seek input: Invite stakeholders—community members, landowners, environmental groups, businesses—to share concerns, ideas, and feedback on rangeland management and the GRS
• Build consensus: Promote collaboration to find common ground and develop solutions that benefit communities and ecosystems alike

Get involved

Attend workshops, roundtables and conferences to ask questions, share your views and help shape the principles and criteria of the GRS. This inclusive process is designed to ensure balanced and meaningful participation.