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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-GB link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Dear IYRP Colleagues <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In many countries all over the world, rangelands have been managed as ‘commons’ for centuries to allow the flexible and undivided use of territory essential for mobile pastoralism. These often ancient systems of rules stipulate collective rights—of use or of ownership—and even wider enjoyment of the natural and cultural heritage. The written and unwritten laws protecting these commons can protect them from privatisation or from changing the way they are used. Rangeland commons allow synergy between conservation and production, and this must be passed down to future generations to ensure a sustainable future. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Communally managed forest and pasture commons have long been the main source of sustenance for the people living in the rangelands. An understanding of the history of the commons and their evolution into current legal arrangements can provide important insights into the pressures that pastoralism are currently facing. Securing common land tenure can be instrumental for strengthening the sociocultural, environmental and economic benefits of pastoralism. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We would love to hear from IYRP members with an interest in this topic. If you are interested, please email me and we can discuss the formation of a working group on rangeland commons or on land-tenure rights in the rangelands more broadly.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Warm regards, Jonathan Davies<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>