From local stories to global action: inclusive governance for rangelands and pastoralists at UNCCD COP16

On December 6, 2024, during Governance Day at the sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the spotlight turned to inclusive governance for rangelands and pastoralists. Held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this pivotal event delved into the realities and opportunities of inclusive governance, emphasizing the importance of securing land tenure and mobility as a cornerstone of pastoralism and its role in fostering equitable and adaptive governance systems.

The event was co-organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), UNCCD, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), International Land Coalition (ILC), International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), and International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) Global Coordinating Group.

Jonathan Davies, representing UNCCD, opened the event with an overview of the journey from COP16 to COP17 and the upcoming IYRP in 2026. He highlighted the need to strengthen efforts to reinforce governance systems that respect pastoralist communities' customs, practices, and adaptive management approaches. The event aimed to bridge the gap between customary governance and contemporary legal frameworks, ensuring pastoralists can thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Event structure: three key levels of engagement

The session was divided into three segments, each providing a platform for diverse perspectives:

1. Local level – Stories from the ground:

Community leaders and local stakeholders from Kyrgyzstan, Iran, Tanzania, Kenya, and Burkina Faso shared their experiences in rangeland governance. Women leaders from Tanzania spoke about safeguarding the relationship between communities and the land. The representative from Kenya detailed improved water resource governance, while others highlighted successes and challenges in securing tenure and managing shared rangelands.

2. Regional initiatives – Cross-boundary collaboration:

This segment showcased regional efforts to address rangeland governance challenges collaboratively. Representatives from FAO/CENESTA in Iran, IYRP Support Groups, WWF, and ILC discussed initiatives aimed at securing tenure for pastoralists, fostering regional cooperation, and developing innovative solutions for sustainable rangeland use.

3. High-level engagement – Government perspectives:

Government representatives from Mongolia and Botswana underscored their commitment to supporting pastoralists and promoting inclusive governance. Mongolia and Botswana, in particular, have been championing the inclusion of rangelands and pastoralists at the forefront of COP discussions, ensuring these issues gain global recognition as we prepare for the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in 2026.

Key takeaways and closing remarks

Abdu AKIN, FAO Assistant Director-General for the Near East and North Africa, delivered the closing remarks. He emphasized the importance of balancing rangeland carrying capacity with sustainable livestock management. His recommendations included addressing rangeland degradation, improving governance systems, incentivizing sustainable practices, and scaling up investments in restoration efforts.

The event underscored the collective effort of a coalition of countries and people pushing for rangelands and pastoralists to remain at the top of the global agenda. By championing inclusive governance, participants highlighted the critical need for policies and frameworks that respect pastoralists' knowledge, mobility, and shared stewardship of rangelands in the face of modern challenges.

Conclusion

The COP16 event served as a call to action for the global community to recognize the unique value of pastoralism and rangelands. It advocated for inclusive governance models that empower pastoralists, foster sustainable land management, and adapt to today’s legal and environmental realities. This collaboration between local communities, regional initiatives, and governments is paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future for rangelands and their stewards.