[IYRPsupportgroup] FYI: SRM e-newsletter "Rangelands Around the World-2

[Ann Waters-Bayer]

Dear all,

Here is the “Rangelands Around the World” e-newsletter of the Society for Range Management (SRM) in the USA. Among other things, it brings a lot of information about the IYRP2026 (some of which you may recognise from the IYRP Dec update) and a regional highlight from Mongolia.

Happy reading!

Ann

Dr Ann Waters-Bayer
Agrecol Association for AgriCulture & Ecology
German Institute for Tropical & Subtropical Agriculture (DITSL) Research Fellow
Coalition of European Lobbies for Eastern African Pastoralism (CELEP) Core Group
Secretariat of International Year of Rangelands & Pastoralists (IYRP) Global Alliance
E: waters-bayer at web.de / waters-bayer at agrecol.de / a.waters-bayer at ditsl.org
W: www.agrecol.de / www.ditsl.org / www.celep.info / www.iyrp.info

> From: Society for Range Management <info at rangelands.org>
> Subject: Rangelands Around the World
> Date: 13 December 2024 at 18:42:39 PM CET
> To: <waters-bayer at web.de>
> Reply-To: Society for Range Management <info at rangelands.org>
> 
> View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/rangelands.org/rangelands-around-the-world-9546859?e=085ad42108>
> 
> This quarterly update will share news bits from rangelands across the globe and updates on the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026.
> 
> REGIONAL FEATURE <x-msg://25/#reindeer>: <x-msg://25/#FEATURE> FESTIVAL OF A THOUSAND CAMELS
> NEWS FLASH and IYRP UPDATES:
> Africa <x-msg://25/#africa>
> Asia <x-msg://25/#asia>
> Australasia <x-msg://25/#australasia>
> Europe <x-msg://25/#europe>
> North America <x-msg://25/#north america>
> South America <x-msg://25/#south america>
> SOCIETY NEWS <x-msg://25/#society news>: International Rangelands Congress, IYRP Action, SRM Annual Meeting
> 
> FESTIVAL OF A THOUSAND CAMELS <>
> 
> submitted by Lauren Svejcar and Ykhanbai Hijaba
>  
> The Thousand Camel Festival, held in the Gobi Desert, is a celebration of the endangered two-humped camel (Bactrian camel) and the role it plays in the lives of the Gobi’s nomadic herders. Bactrian camels were domesticated thousands of years ago to carry goods and people across Asia. Adapted for prairie and  desert conditions, the camels can carry 200 kg on long journeys, withstand +40°C (+104°F) degree summers and -40°C (-40°F) degree winters. After they have been properly nourished, their humps act as a fat reserve for energy and they can go without eating and drinking for weeks. 
> 
> Images from View Mongolia Travel <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=57fc51a620&e=085ad42108> site.
> The festival was first started in 1997 by local herding communities with the goal of protecting the critically endangered two humped Bactrian camels. The festival effectively accomplished this increasing the total population from 192,000 to 460,000 across Mongolia. In 2016, the Thousand Camel Festival assembled over 1,100 camels and broke the Guinness World Record for largest camel festival. While the festival started out as a race to raise awareness of and save populations of Bactrian camels, it has grown to be a major cultural event, celebrating not only the camels, but the herders whose lives and culture are dependent on this species. It is one of the largest festivals for the Gobi Desert nomads and is an opportunity to celebrate the culture and heritage of Mongolia.
> 
> The festival is a two-day event and is held in the village of Bulgan. Nomadic herders arrive on camel from all directions of the Gobi and everyone joins around a fire for hot drinks and vodka the night before the festivities start. The Thousand Camel Festival starts with an opening ceremony of pageantry, the 100 camel parade and the beautiful couple contest. Herder couples dress up in magnificent traditional winter dress and beautifully groom and adorn their camels, and ride through the festival square for all to see. The couples are judged on the presentation and traditional authenticity of not only themselves, but also their camels.  
> 
> While the festival was initially based on a race, the festival has grown to include a range of events that test the skills of both the camels and herders. Festival events include: 
> A 15 km long camel race with different camel age classes- full-grown camel, 3-year-old camel, and 2-year-old camel 
> Camel polo- Teams consist of 5 camel riding members compete playing with an 8-diameter ball and 130 to 140 cm mallets
> Team Competition: Teams consist of 5 members. Team members catch one untrained camel from the field, cut its wool to make a halter, and train the camel for approximately 20-30 minutes. Afterward, they load an entire Ger, a traditional Mongolian tent, onto the camel and then have to unload the Ger. 
> An exhibition of camel wool products and handcrafts go on display and up for sale during the festival. Similarly, local food and drink, including the traditional fermented camel milk, Hoormog/Hormog, and dried milk curd, Aruul, are available for everyone to try. The event ends with prizes being awarded for all the events and traditional singing and dancing, including a concert by the herder school children. 
> 
> To learn more about the Festival and see stunning images, check out these links:
> View Mongolia Travel Tours <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=43eee50aac&e=085ad42108>
> 10 Day Tour Description <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=f16a3df1b4&e=085ad42108>
> NPR Feature Story <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=09395ebae9&e=085ad42108>
> Professional Photo Blog by Matthew Lock <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=2d1422af9f&e=085ad42108>
> 
> AFRICA <>
> NEWS FLASH
> The Kordofan melon and pastoralist water strategy in Sudan: Potential for climate change adaptation and sustainable livelihoods <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=d85c465468&e=085ad42108>  The traditional cultivation of wild melon varieties to feed and water animals during the dry season has proven to be economically sound and environmentally sustainable. The practice is an example of mutual benefit and cooperation between settled agropastoral communities and mobile transhumant pastoralists. 
>  Alarm Over Spread Of Invasive Weeds In ASAL Rangelands <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=d468e94b69&e=085ad42108> The government has sounded an alarm over the spread of invasive species of weeds in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) rangelands due to overstocking of livestock.
> Instead of a Climate Villain, Livestock Can Be a Solution With Legs <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=606efce6b7&e=085ad42108>Livestock are a vital component of both the African food system and rural livelihoods. The continent has around 400 million cattle alone, and the livestock sector accounts for a significant 30-40% of the total agricultural gross domestic product across the continent.
> Livestock experts seek to boost animal feed production in rangelands <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=2278c514cd&e=085ad42108>  Livestock experts want various partners to support the production of pasture through rain fed and irrigation in the rangeland region to unlock the potential in the sector. The Grassland and Rangeland Society of Kenya (Grask) also called for the establishment of feedlots in the 24 semi- arid and arid (ASAL) counties for disease control and fattening of animals for sale.
> State raises concern over invasive weeds in rangelands amid overstocking <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=239f4babbf&e=085ad42108>  The government has termed as worrying the spread of invasive species in rangelands due to continued overstocking that has reduced land available for grazing in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs).
> Ten Ways Livestock Enhance Food Security, Climate Resilience <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=75f8bc814d&e=085ad42108>  Livestock play a crucial role in African agriculture, food security, and rural economies, but they are often unfairly criticised for contributing to environmental problems.
> OPINION: Building a Carbon Project in Africa: Lessons from our Journey <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=5b6b8b75ce&e=085ad42108>In 2020, after five years working on economic development projects in Papua New Guinea, I co-founded Rangelands Regeneration. This work would take me back to Zimbabwe, the country of my birth, to partner with communities in the Beitbridge District to transform the local landscape and their livelihoods.
> INTERVENTIONS CAN BOOST RANGELAND RECOVERY <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=76b9059696&e=085ad42108> Given the recurrent erratic rainfall activities and the continued pressure on rangelands, the shifts in plant and grass succession stages will take longer than desired, unless there are human interventions to facilitate the natural processes of rangeland revegetation.
> Side event on Camelids at the (Agro)pastoralism in Africa conference <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=9a5263a756&e=085ad42108>  The side event on the International Year of Camelids (IYC) was held on the first day of the conference “(Agro)pastoralism in Africa: Current Dynamics and Perspectives”.
> Opinion: African carbon markets require legislative guardrails to best serve everyone <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=e37cb0c394&e=085ad42108>  After five failed rainy seasons and the worst drought in 40 years, communities in Northern Kenya – mainly pastoralists – are negotiating with carbon project developers to save forests, wetlands and rangelands, and their livelihoods.
> IYRP UPDATE 
> (Agro)Pastoralism in Africa Conference, Senegal 
> The second edition of the (Agro)Pastoralism in Africa Conference, held on 11–13 November 2024, brought together 170 participants from 22 nationalities in Dakar, Senegal. Organized by Pôle Pastoralisme et Zones Sèches (PPZS) and the West and Central Africa Regional IYRP Support Group, the event explored current challenges and prospects for (agro)pastoral systems, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration. For three days, development practitioners, representatives of pastoralist organisations, researchers, students and a whole range of other international actors exchanged, debated and co-constructed perspectives for the future. The opening ceremony of the symposium was co-chaired by Serena Ferrari, president of the symposium and co-chair of the IYRP Support Group in West and Central Africa.  A short report on the event in French can be found here <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=caf4897fe2&e=085ad42108> and in English here <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=dc81749fe4&e=085ad42108>. 
>  
> PRAPS-2 Entretiens Techniques (Technical discussions), Senegal 
> The Projet régional d’Appui au Pastora-lisme au Sahel-Phase II (Regional Project for Support to Pastoralism in the Sahel-Phase II PRAPS-2) held on 2–4 July in Dakar (Senegal) organised the fifth edition of the PRAPS Technical Discussions. Sessions were devoted to understanding the dynamics of Sahelian pastoral rangelands, lessons learnt from rehabilitation experiences evaluated in the six PRAPS-2 countries and perspectives on project implementation. This meeting made it possible to share rich experiences on the rehabilitation of degraded rangelands. 
>  
> Agriculture, Pastoralism and Protected Areas conference, Chad 
> CIRAD and the Chad Pastoral Platform held an international conference “Agriculture, Pastoralism and Protected Areas: Tensions and Solutions for the Future of Rural Territories in Central Africa and the Sahel” on 2–3 October 2024 in N’Djamena, Chad. The Conference allowed a review of the state of knowledge on the causes and consequences of tensions between agropastoral activities and protected areas within Sahelian and Sudano-Guinean ecosystems. It also reviewed the governance methods and technical innovations for better management of the interface zones between agropastoral spaces and protected areas, in order to promote the sustainable development of agropastoral territories. Finally, the conference encouraged the establishment of consultation bodies between actors in territorial governance so that they can jointly build future scenarios that integrate the demands of agropastoral households and environmental conservation.
>  
> 51st Commemoration of the Lokiriama Peace Accord
> The Accord was held on 21 September 2024 in Lokiriama, Turkana County, Kenya. Coordinated by members of the IYRP Alliance in Karamoja, Uganda, the event was held in support of the IYRP2026. This annual gathering aligns with the UN International Day of Peace and serves as a platform for regional peace-building and resource-sharing initiatives among the Ateker Cluster communities, which include the Karamojong (Uganda), Turkana and Pokot (Kenya), Toposa (South Sudan) and Nyangatom (Ethiopia). The event underscores the pivotal role of community and government leaders in fostering sustainable peace, economic development and regional cooperation, building on the enduring legacy of the Lokiriama Peace Accord.
>  
> PLACE Project
> RISG members RECONCILE (Resource Conflict Institute) and ESAPN (Eastern & Southern African Pastoralist Network) are collaborating in the preparation phase for a new FAO EU project with funding from the European Union “Pastoralism and Livestock Adaptation to Climate Change in Eastern Africa” (PLACE). In this project, they will strengthen inclusive multistakeholder platforms at local, national and regional/cluster to foster community rangelands governance and will enhance the capacities of pastoralist organisations to advocate for pro-pastoralist policies, especially with national and regional pastoral parliamentary groups. These RISG members plan to use the platforms to communicate messages on the IYRP2026 and to support pastoralists’ voices in related gatherings at national and international level.
> ASIA <>
> NEWS FLASH
> NCVC Dispersing 20 Tons of Seeds to Rehabilitate 15,000 Hectares of Natural Rangelands <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=b85a3ea0d2&e=085ad42108> The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development & Combating Desertification (NCVC) successfully implemented a comprehensive plan to rehabilitate natural rangelands across 15 locations in 7 regions across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The initiative utilizes modern equipment to enhance vegetation cover, preserve soil, improve its quality, and mitigate negative impacts on the environment
> Mongolia proposes global efforts to promote sustainable rangelands <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=bab84417cd&e=085ad42108>Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh has proposed global efforts to promote sustainable rangelands, the presidential press office said on Wednesday.
> IYRP UPDATE 
> IYRP Report to RCU ILC
> In the first part of this year, the Environment and Development Association JASIL, a member of the CAM RISG, reported on activities to support the IYRP2026 in CAM to the Regional Coordination Unit (RCU) of the International Land Coalition (ILC). During this meeting, support for the IYRP2026 was agreed to be included in the strategy and work plan of the National Land Coalition (NLC) in Mongolia and among the priority areas for 2024. In accordance with this decision, national-level support for the IYRP was indeed included as one of three sub-objectives of the NLC Mongolia Strategy for 2024–2027 and in the 2024 work plan. Thereafter, an online meeting of CAM RISG members was held. 
>  
> Mongolian IYRP Working Plan
> In November 2024, through a resolution of the Prime Minister of Mongolia, a Mongolian IYRP Working Group was tasked to prepare an action plan for the IYRP2026, incorporating inputs from supporting countries, international support groups, governmental and nongovernmental organisations, and the private sector. The secretariat is provided by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry.
>  
> Annual Meeting of Chinese Grassland Society
> During the IYRP session in the Annual Meeting of Chinese Grassland Society, Igshaan Samuels, Co-Chair of IYRP Global Alliance, was invited to deliver a talk on the IYRP and its progress globally. RISG co-chair Ruijun Long and five other scholars and three herders also gave talks on regional IYRP activities. Over 50 participants joined the session, chaired by RISG co-chair Han Guodong. 
>  
> ICIMOD Webinar
> ICIMOD (International Center for Integrated Mountain of Development) held a webinar on “Exploring synergies: pastoral practices, rangeland biodiversity, and ecosystem services”, aimed to i) increase awareness about the importance of rangelands and pastoralism for conserving biodiversity and providing ecosystem services; and ii) discuss threats to rangelands and pastoral systems, including habitat degradation, land-tenure issues, climate change, invasive species and conflicting land use. 
>  
> Yak Forum
> RISG co-chair Ruijun Long was invited to host the Yak Forum during the Yak Cultural Festival in Gannan Tibetan Prefecture of Gansu Province, China. Igshaan Samuels attended the Festival and delivered a talk in the Yak Forum. During the 3-day Festival, more than 10 thousand participants, including herders, scholars, entrepreneurs and officials, attended yak breed competition, milking competition, singing and dancing performance, and other programmed activities. 
>  
> Asian Highland Pastoral Network
> Lanzhou University and ICIMOD initiated the Asian Highland Pastoral Network during the workshop on “Networking High-Asian Community of Practice cum Regional Learning on Best Practices for Resilient Pastoralism and Sustainable Rangeland Management”. The network will serve the purposes of exchanging ideas and knowledge, sharing technologies, developing products, setting standards, common branding and aggregating resources and products by Asian highland stakeholders.
>  
> Pastoralist Youth Fair. 
> The South Asian Pastoral Alliance (SAPA) in association with the RISG South Asia organised a Pastoralist Youth Fair on 21–23 June 2024 in the Mehsana District of Gujarat, India, to empower young pastoralists by equipping them with the necessary knowledge, skills and tools to sustain and innovate within pastoral communities. It also raised awareness about the significance of the IYRP2026 and the importance of pastoralism on a global scale. The total of 320 participants, including 80 women pastoralists, came from from different states of India and also from South and Central Asia, namely Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. They came out with a Charter of Demands on Commons, Climate and Culture. 
>  
> Workshop on “Rangeland Management for Sustainable Rural Development”. 
> The Department of Rural Development, Jammu & Kashmir, in association with the RISG in South Asia and the NABARD Bank Regional Office Jammu, organised a workshop on “Rangeland Management for Sustainable Rural Development <>” on 29–31 July 2024 in Srinagar, Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, India. The 140 participants included representatives of government departments, NGOs and farmer/ pastoralist groups from different parts of Jammu &Kashmir, from other Indian states and from Mongolia. Pedro Herrera, author of the UNCCD Global Land Outlook (GLO) report on rangeland and pastoralists, gave the keynote address. Burmaa Dashbal, IYRP Alliance co-chair, spoke about activities of pasture user groups in Mongolia. The main aim of the workshop was to leverage ongoing government programmes and schemes of different departments in various states of India to develop a model of inclusive and sustainable rangeland management. 
>  
> Convention on Tamil Nadu Pastoralism.
> This meeting was held on 18–19 October 2024 at the Agronomy Seminar Hall, Agricultural College, Madurai, organised by the Thozhuvam Farmer Producer Company Ltd, SEVA and the RISG in South Asia, along with other partners. It was focused on “Protection of pasture lands, commons and pastoralism: issues, challenges and way forward”. The over 200 participants included pastoralists, academics, civil society organisations, government officials and volunteers. The event aimed to assess the status of pastoralism and commons in Tamil Nadu, while leveraging government schemes for sustainable rangeland management. The workshop featured an inaugural ceremony, technical sessions and group discussions.
>  
> Plans for Global Gathering of Pastoralist Women (Mera+15) in India. 
> The IYRP Working Group on Pastoralism & Gender is planning a Global Gathering of Pastoralist Women to recognise and support women pastoralists and their initiatives, strengthen their solidarity and strengthen their voices in international discourse about rangelands and pastoralists. The first Global Gathering of Women Pastoralists was held in Mera in the State of Gujarat, India, and created an opportunity for pastoralist women from around the world to unite, share experiences and develop a Mera Declaration and Global Action Plan. The second Global Gathering is proposed to take place in November 2025, likewise in Mera, to mobilise pastoralist women in preparation for the IYRP2026 and to celebrate pastoralist women, their contributions to pastoralism, their knowledge, initiatives, innovations, skills and culture. The event will be hosted by women pastoralists from the local NGO MARAG, which has spent decades raising awareness on and supporting Maldhari pastoralists in northern India.
> AUSTRALASIA <>
> NEWS FLASH
> The living skin of the rangelands <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=f4a04c9d21&e=085ad42108>  Creating farm carbon accounts has been an important part of the four-year Rangelands Living Skin project, helping participants establish a baseline from which to identify and embrace opportunities for farm greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions improvements.
> Red, Whyte and blue: One family’s effort to increase moisture levels in the Rangelands <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=298e23ce88&e=085ad42108> AS one of four pastoral enterprises in the Rangelands Living Skin project, Kelly and Gus Whyte first appeared in North West Farmer in 2023 with their visually spectacular and environmentally ingenious ponding strategy at their Wentworth station Wyndham.
> All roads lead to Cunnamulla for 3rd Regenerative Rangelands Conference + PICS <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=73ec5a7b1d&e=085ad42108> Graziers from all over eastern Australia headed home with a positive mindset and new ideas after the third regenerative rangelands conference near Cunnamulla last week.
> New Rangeland Grazing Systems study shows promising results for livestock producers <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=8220f893ed&e=085ad42108>  A recent study undertaken by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) has revealed significant improvements in ground cover across several mixed grazing properties in the rangelands of western NSW. Ground cover is an important indicator of land condition and is associated with the support and provision of numerous ecosystem services.
> IYRP UPDATE 
> Award finalist: highlighting the value of pastoralism.
> The Western Australia IYRP group was part of the Southern Rangelands Project, which was a Finalist in the National Economic Development Awards (EDA) for Excellence. This award helps to highlight the important role of pastoralists in small rural and isolated communities in the rangelands. Pastoralism is the most extensive land use in the Australian rangelands, bringing in over 5 billion dollars to the country’s GDP, only eclipsed by mining. 
>  
> International Rangelands Congress. 
> The IYRP Australasian Group has focused on developing IYRP sessions for the International Rangelands Congress (IRC) to be held in Adelaide, Australia, in May–June 2025 (IRC2025). The IYRP Global Alliance is hosting two concurrent sessions during the IRC2025 about the regional and thematic work of the Alliance. It is also collaborating in several other events such as on “Women in the Rangelands” and a session with films on pastoralism worldwide and is co-organising a plenary forum together with the IRC Continuing Committee.
>  
> Traditional or Indigenous Knowledge Forum. 
> This forum, held immediately before the IRC2025, will be hosted by the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance Ltd (NAILSMA). It will highlight the role of traditional or Indigenous knowledge in rangeland management, helping pastoralists and other land managers care for native plants and animals, in terms of both maintenance and restoration of land. One key theme is re-imagining conservation from an Indigenous perspective.
> The two key components of the event are i) Traditional Indigenous Knowledge Forum, Sunday 1 June, open to all Congress delegates; and ii) Pre-forum workshop, Saturday 31 May, open to First Nations peoples only. The Forum is expected to make recommendations to the Congress for endorsement. 
> This forum is open to all IRC2025 delegates. Registration is not yet open and will be through the IRC website: https://irc2025.rangelandcongress.org/ <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=03c3c01a76&e=085ad42108>
> EUROPE <>
> IYRP UPDATE
> Landscape, Forestry & Sustainable Pastoralism
> On 14–18 October, RISG co-chair Francesca Pasetti attended a meeting in Clermond Ferrand, France, on “Landscape, forestry and sustainable pastoralism”, where inhabited natural areas and the rights of local people to continue their traditional activities in these areas were discussed.
>  
> Transhumance as Intangible Cultural Heritage Meeting
> On 19–21 October, representatives from FAO, IYRP and several European countries convened in Madrid to work on the Safeguard Plan of Transhumance as Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO. The meeting also honoured the longstanding tradition of the Transhumance Festival, which began in 1994 and features a flock of sheep passing through the heart of Madrid. This provides an opportunity for representatives from national Ministries and transhumant shepherds from Albania, Andorra, Austria, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Romania, Spain and Turkey to celebrate transhumance in Europe.
>  
> New German IYRP Group Formed
> Also in October, several herder associations, advocacy groups, environmental organisations and interested individuals, including shepherds, photographers and book authors, formed a German IYRP Group, initiated by the League for Pastoral Peoples, Aktion Agrar and Deutsche Umwelthilfe, which share coordination tasks. This group seeks to raise public awareness about the importance of grazing animals for natural landscapes and the skills of the people who graze their animals in these landscapes. It targets the general public through education, news media and consumer-awareness campaigns and also German and European policymakers and government officials to promote extensive livestock husbandry on natural pastures. It has a specific focus on the European Nature Restoration Law, a key element of the European Biodiversity Strategy.
> NORTH AMERICA <>
> NEWS FLASH
> 
> Rangeland sustainability program opens for new fiscal year <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=0b2001b572&e=085ad42108>  Alberta’s Rangeland Sustainability Program is now open for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. October 16. According to Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, this program promotes the conservation and sustainability of the province’s rangelands <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=4544da3cb2&e=085ad42108>, which provide ecological goods and services as well as sustainable and renewable sources of livestock forage.
> IYRP UPDATE 
> 
> Fall Webinar Series
> The Fall 2024 Webinar Series by the North America Strategic Visioning Task Force of the Society for Range Management (SRM) was organized in collaboration with the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF), likewise designated by the UN to be celebrated in 2026. The series brought together diverse perspectives on critical topics in rangeland management, exploring themes such as biodiversity conservation, fire management and adapting to a changing world. The 9 October webinar on "Biodiversity in rangelands: how to simultaneously conserve and manage in working landscapes" highlighted strategies to balance conservation goals with the practical realities of rangeland use. On 23 October the webinar on "Dealing with fire on the range: managing land in a changing world" addressed fire management challenges and explored innovative practices to mitigate fire risks while enhancing ecosystem resilience. 
> SOUTH AMERICA <>
> NEWS FLASH
> The president of Argentina, Javier Milei, has threatened to completely dismantle the Department of Agriculture and Technology (INTA), a resource that many small farms, ranches and other land managers rely on for both science and management. Petitions are being sent around to support our fellow rangeland scientists and land managers:
> https://www.change.org/p/detengamos-el-desmantelamiento-de-inta <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=944dc1c9e6&e=085ad42108>
> https://www.clarin.com/rural/inta-ideas-javier-milei_0_gm78OncrEA.html?srsltid=AfmBOoodtZZ02p_Qshvxx0jPekv5YSi4reDCgoJvOm1YkX9FU3IE-Ezq <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=89077259b9&e=085ad42108>
> The Artisenal Experiences of Peru <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=513e49062f&e=085ad42108>, an event to celebrate local culture in the International Year of the Camelid. This is an opportunity for people to try their hand at making artisanal products with alpaca products.
> The International Congress of South American Camelids <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=c9c5c5c249&e=085ad42108> recently occurred as a celebration of the International Year of Camelids.The goal was to highlight sustainable camelid production and identify existing knowledge, areas of future research and create plans for action.
> Nov 15th is now National Vicuña Day <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=edef8a28a4&e=085ad42108> and Peru held a vicuña forum to celebrate.
> “VII Congreso Nacional de Criadores de Camélidos Domésticos del Perú – Pasco 2024”  <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=72a7fca471&e=085ad42108>(National congress of domestic camelid producers) took place recently, another event in support of the International Year of Camelids. The event occurred in Pasco, Perú.
> 
> SRM O'ROURKE INTERNATIONAL FUND  <>
> 
> An SRM international support fund has been recently re-named in honor of Jim O'Rourke, who passed away last March. Jim was a key player in the IYRP process. This fund is now set up to receive donations. Funds will be used to support international activities within SRM. 
> 
> CONTRIBUTE 
> WITH SRM MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS: After you pay your dues online, there is an opportunity to contribute via a major credit card to the O'Rourke fund. The minimum donation is US $10. Foreigners can contribute as long as they have a suitable credit card.  
> DIRECT DONATION: If you are not an SRM member or have let your membership lapse, you can still contribute to the fund. Contact Chris Lapine <mailto:membership at rangelands.org?subject=O'ROURKE%20INTERNATIONAL%20FUND%20DONATION> to donate.  
> If you have already paid your SRM dues, you can still re-enter the online system and contribute to the fund. 
> 
> SRM ANNUAL MEETING 2025
> 
> Join the Society for Range Management in Spokane, WA February 9-13, 2025.
> 
> Registration for the 2025 Annual Meeting is now LIVE! Click the below link to access the online registration page.
> 
> 2025 SRM Annual Meeting Registration
>  <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=824813f380&e=085ad42108>
> 2025 PROGRAM INFORMATION 
> The Technical Session Program information can be found HERE <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=5ac767659e&e=085ad42108>. This document includes all of the Contributed Oral Sessions, Symposia, Workshops, and Ignite sessions currently planned for the 2025 SRM Annual Meeting. Please note, agenda information for specific sessions may change.
> 
> This schedule includes only the program information, for dates and times on socials and other events, please refer to the Schedule At A Glance. <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=ca204761cf&e=085ad42108>
> 2025 STUDENT EVENTS
> Check here for information regarding all of the student events. Click HERE <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=10b82816af&e=085ad42108> to access the 2025 Rangeland Prompt. Click HERE <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=1616a04a4c&e=085ad42108> to access the 2025 Rangeland Prompt in Spanish. Contact Kevin Kunkel with questions: kkunkel at blm.gov <mailto:kkunkel at blm.gov>
> 2025 HOTEL INFORMATION
> All meeting events and activities will take place at the Spokane Convention Center. The Davenport Grand is located right next to the Convention Center for easy accessibility for all SRM attendees. 
> 
> The Davenport Grand
> 333 West Spokane Falls Boulevard
> Spokane, WA 99201
> General Room rates: $139/night + taxes & fees
> BOOK HERE: BOOK HERE <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=032c09d2c8&e=085ad42108>
> Student Rooms: $119/night + taxes & fees
> BOOK HERE: BOOK HERE <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=4f2c42ea55&e=085ad42108>
> Per Diem Block: $126/night + taxes & fees
> BOOK HERE: BOOK HERE <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=96357a00d8&e=085ad42108>
>  <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=2f06109f9f&e=085ad42108>
> The Australian Organising Committee of the XII International Rangeland Congress, on behalf of the Australian Rangeland Society and the International Rangeland Congress Continuing Committee, invites you to participate in the International Rangeland Congress to be held June 2-6, 2025 at the Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide, Australia.
> IRC 2025 Website
>  <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=746fc86602&e=085ad42108>
> Then, prepare for the 100th International Grasslands Congress in Germany in 2027! <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=b12c1fa1ea&e=085ad42108> 
> 
> 
> United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Conference of the Parties (COP) 16
> 3–12 December 2024
> Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 
> 
> 
> The UNCCD COP is a crucial platform for addressing land degradation, desertification and the sustainable use of drylands globally. This convention brings together governments, scientists, local land users, Indigenous peoples and other stakeholders to discuss strategies, policies and funding to deal with the challenges faced by vulnerable ecosystems including rangelands. COP16 is pivotal in setting international agendas that integrate environmental sustainability with economic and social development goals.
> 
> Saudi Arabia’s hosting of COP16 holds particular importance, as it brings global attention to arid and semi-arid ecosystems, which are central to pastoralism and rangeland management. COP16 aligns closely with the IYRP2026 by providing an opportunity to showcase the critical role of pastoralists in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health. We hope that COP16 can drive commitments to protect rangelands, promote sustainable grazing practices and enhance the livelihoods of millions of pastoralists worldwide.
> Numerous members of the IYRP Global Alliance, including all three co-chairs, are attending COP16 and will raise the profile of the IYRP, create awareness and advocate for support and commitment from stakeholders to ensure a successful IYRP in 2026. The Government of Mongolia will assume presidency of COP17, which will take place in 2026. 
> 
> At COP16, the IYRP Global Alliance hosted a side event on to:
> i) provide information on IYRP2026 and its lead-up;
> ii) encourage more governments and other stakeholders to support the IYRP; and
> iii) raise funds and other resources to support IYRP2026.
>  
> 
> 
> 
> Igshaan Samuels (South Africa), Burma Dashbel (Mongolia) and Enrique Michaud (Peru), Co-chairs of Global Alliance for IYRP
> 
> The Global Alliance for the IYRP calls for global action for sustainable rangelands and pastoralism to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN)
> 
> 
> The Global Alliance calls for 8 priority actions to meet the challenges facing rangelands and pastoralists:
> Stop indiscriminate conversion of rangelands that is hurting rangeland productivity, ecosystem services and rangelands’ potential role in mitigating climate change. 
> Recognise the importance of pastoral mobility as a nature-based solution for sustainably managing and restoring rangeland health. 
> Innovate and implement beneficial economic policies and technologies: Re-assess economic policies that harm rangelands & pastoralists. Set up legal frameworks for organic certification of local pastoral products.
> Promote integrated, multifunctional land use: Employ sustainable rangeland management practices and policies to achieve multiple sustainability benefits through multifunctional land use.
> Strengthen participatory land governance and equity: Incorporate pastoralists in all decision-making on the use and management of rangelands and ensure they have well-defined legal and customary tenure and access rights. 
> Increase rangeland and pastoral projects under the LDN Fund by 30%: Calling on the LDN Fund to increase its support to rangelands and pastoralist projects by 30% by 2026, the year of the IYRP.
> Commit LDN targets to rangelands and pastoralism: Include rangeland restoration and sustainable pastoralism in UNCCD LDN targets and accelerate work towards them. 
> Earmark 25% of the LDN Fund for knowledge and capacity building: Reduce significant rangeland and pastoralist knowledge gaps through participatory research and impact assessments and co-creation of knowledge and incorporate this knowledge in strategic planning to help determine & verify global statistics.
> The full science review made by the IYRP Working Group on Rangelands & LDN can be found here <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=b3fb7eb2b9&e=085ad42108> and the related policy brief can be found here <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=aae02be0fd&e=085ad42108>.
>  
> Position Paper on Pastoralism and Protected Areas
>  
> A subgroup of the IYRP Working Group on Rangelands & Biodiversity formulated a position paper for the IYRP Global Alliance on “Pastoralism and Protected Areas <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=530e5909cc&e=085ad42108>”. It calls upon States, protected-area authorities, organisations of the United Nations system, other international and regional organisations, including global conservation organisations and other relevant stakeholders including civil society, the private sector and academia to uphold the rights of pastoralists, recognise their role in sustainable rangeland management and biodiversity conservation in protected areas and wider landscapes, and support conservation measures that contribute to pastoral livelihood resilience, including indigenous and community-conserved areas that support pastoral livestock systems.
> Building on the knowledge and initiatives of pastoralist women: policy brief & summary
> 
> The IYRP Working Group on Pastoralism & Gender brought out a policy brief on “Building on the knowledge and initiatives of pastoralist women <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=eb6125d78b&e=085ad42108>” in which its encourage governments, policymakers, development organizations, grassroots networks, community leaders and influencers to promote and implement gender‑responsive pastoralist programs and policies and to improve rangeland governance systems.
> 
> The summary of this policy brief can be found here <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=1e480fdc16&e=085ad42108>.
> FAO COFO Working Group on Sustainable Drylands and Agropastoralism Systems and IYRP Global Alliance Partnered for 2nd Summer School on Drylands
> 
> The four-day training course was held on 12–15 September 2024 at the CIFOR-ICRAF Campus in Nairobi, Kenya. The event attracted abour 25 participants from dryland regions worldwide. The purpose was to arm them with knowledge and skills in Monitoring Agrosilvopastoral Systems for Sustainability and Ecosystem Services.
> Glossary on people & institutions in pastoralism & rangelands
>  
> The International Rangeland Congress (IRC) has collaborated with members of the IYRP Global Alliance to bring out "Rangelands and pastoralists: people and institutions – a glossary of terms <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=004a7e43cc&e=085ad42108>" to provide guidance for understanding socio-institutional terms commonly used when talking and writing about rangelands and pastoralists. This Version 1 of the glossary has been published more than a year before the IYRP2026 commences in the hopes that – in the run-up to the Year – it will stimulate reflection and discussion about the use of these terms and thus generate even better understanding. Readers are invited to comment on the definitions in this glossary; contact the Glossary Team (glossary.iyrp2026 at gmail.com <mailto:glossary.iyrp2026 at gmail.com>). Version 2 will be published in January 2026, the first month of the IYRP, focussed on the theme “What are rangelands? Who are pastoralists?”. 
>  <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=f58b2c52e9&e=085ad42108>
>  <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=61ed17a0a3&e=085ad42108>
>  <https://rangelands.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aabb3bc932b99943fd4ad042f&id=736911bfef&e=085ad42108>
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