Understanding the Value of Rangelands and the Role of Pastoralism

Importance of Rangelands

Rangelands, which include deserts, grasslands, and savannas, cover a remarkable 54% of the planet’s terrestrial surface. This vast expanse plays a vital role in hosting a third of the global biodiversity hotspots. Rangelands are essential for wildlife, showcasing iconic landscapes such as the Serengeti and South Africa’s Highveld.

Ecological and Economic Role

These ecosystems are key to carbon storage, maintaining soil fertility, and regulating water. Rangelands contribute significantly to global food production, accounting for 16% of it, and provide 70% of the feed necessary for domestic herbivores. An estimated 2 billion people rely on rangelands for their livelihoods, including around 200 million pastoralist households.

Threats to Rangelands

Major Threats

• Climate Change: This phenomenon alters rainfall patterns, raises temperatures, and contributes to desertification.
• Industrial Activities: Practices such as food production and mineral extraction lead to the degradation of rangelands.
• Unsustainable Livestock Practices: Overgrazing diminishes soil fertility and threatens biodiversity.
• Land Conversion: Transforming rangelands into plantations, including those aimed at carbon credits, disrupts native ecosystems.

Consequences

• Loss of wildlife habitats, resulting in a decline in biodiversity.
• Increased soil erosion and heightened water scarcity.
• A rise in the frequency of sandstorms while carbon stored in rangelands is released, worsening climate change.

Role of Pastoralists

Sustainable Practices

Pastoralists possess a profound understanding of their land and implement sustainable grazing practices that enhance carbon storage and soil fertility. Their traditional knowledge and mobility contribute significantly to maintaining ecosystem health and resilience.

Challenges Faced

• Many pastoralist communities encounter restrictions or eviction from their traditional lands, often viewed as impediments to wildlife conservation efforts.
• In East Africa, certain policies have compelled pastoralists to adopt sedentary lifestyles, which can result in mismanagement of rangelands.

Human Rights and Ecosystem Management

Forced removals and grazing restrictions adversely impact both human rights and the health of ecosystems. Effective management practices, such as rotational grazing and allowing periods of rest for vegetation, can significantly enhance soil organic matter and nutrient cycles.

Conservation Strategies

Integrating Pastoralism

Incorporating sustainable grazing practices into rangeland management plans is crucial for regenerating and protecting these ecosystems. Promoting rotational grazing and respecting vegetation regrowth periods can enhance soil carbon content.

Policy and Support

Governments should acknowledge the importance of pastoralist knowledge and support their traditional practices. Policies need to encourage the inclusion of pastoralists in conservation efforts rather than displacing them.

Community Involvement

Engaging pastoralist communities in decision-making processes can improve rangeland management. Learning from their adaptive strategies to navigate uncertain conditions is essential for sustainable rangeland management.

Conclusion

To protect the planet’s rangelands, it is imperative to recognize the significant role of pastoralist communities. By integrating sustainable grazing practices and supporting pastoralist livelihoods, we can ensure the health and resilience of these vital ecosystems.