In recognition of the ecological, cultural, and economic importance of grasslands and pastoralist systems, the United Nations General Assembly has declared 2026 the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP). This presents a timely opportunity for the global scientific and policy community to highlight the vital role these ecosystems play in sustaining biodiversity, supporting rural livelihoods, and building resilience in the face of climate change.
Semi-natural grasslands are among the most species-rich ecosystems on earth, offering a unique example of how long-term, low-intensity human activities can enhance biodiversity. Their ecological function is closely linked to traditional management practices such as rotational grazing, transhumance, mowing and community stewardship. These practices have helped maintain open habitats, enhance soil health and preserve ecological balance. These landscapes also serve as significant carbon sinks, support diverse livelihoods, and are central to Indigenous and local knowledge systems. Yet today, grasslands are disappearing at an alarming rate across many regions. In some areas, abandonment and climate change are leading to shrub encroachment and forest succession; in others, intensification through fertilizers, monocultures and frequent mowing is causing biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation.
As part of a broader collaboration between the InterAcademy Partnership, European Academies' Science Advisory Council and the Mongolian Academy of Sciences in the lead-up to the IYRP in 2026 and beyond, this webinar contributes to the growing global momentum by taking a comprehensive view of grasslands and showcasing the latest scientific and policy insights. The event will explore options for reversing current trends, including how regenerative management – rooted in both modern science and Indigenous knowledge – can offer a more sustainable future for people and the planet. It will convene interdisciplinary experts from around the world who will share perspectives from diverse policy and ecological contexts. The event will be recorded and summarized, in line with other sessions in the IAP Webinar Series.
To be announced
Read more about the IAP Webinar Series here.
