The United Nations is thus putting the spotlight on rangelands and pastoralist ways of life worldwide. Rangelands cover large parts of the Earth's surface and are crucial for food security, biodiversity, climate adaptation, and sustainable animal husbandry.

Pastoralist communities, such as the Maasai in East Africa, have been managing these areas for generations – often under difficult climatic and political conditions – and make an important contribution to resilient food systems.

More about the goals and background of the IYRP.