In an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from August 17 to 28, Enrique Michaud, Co-Chair of the Global Rangelands and Pastoralists Alliance, shared insights on the significance of rangelands and pastoralist communities.

Michaud explained that the alliance is composed of a volunteer network, bringing together member organizations from governments, research institutions, herder groups, indigenous bodies, and youth groups, all working collectively to support and advance causes related to rangelands and pastoralism. More than a decade ago, the organization began advocating for the designation of an "International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists," initially operating under the name "International Year Working Group." In collaboration with the Mongolian government, they championed the initiative and provided technical support to facilitate the submission of a proposal to the United Nations General Assembly.

In 2022, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution officially declaring 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP), after which the organization was renamed the Global Rangelands and Pastoralists Alliance. Michaud noted that the IYRP 2026 represents a pivotal opportunity to elevate the discourse on rangelands and pastoralism to high-level policy discussions, while also challenging entrenched mindsets and biases—rangelands have often been dismissed as mere "empty land," and herders have been marginalized. Increasingly, however, there is growing recognition that rangelands cover more than half of the Earth's terrestrial surface, and that pastoralists serve as stewards of these vital landscapes.

This ancient community carries a wealth of traditional knowledge and indigenous wisdom, possessing sustainable land management practices that are indispensable to policy initiatives. Michaud also stressed that the International Year is time-bound, making it imperative to translate global policies into concrete actions at regional, national, and grassroots levels. During COP17, the Chinese government delegation proposed the establishment of an "International Grasslands Day," a move Michaud highly commended. He believes such an international day would not only celebrate rangelands themselves but also honor pastoralist livelihoods, instilling a profound sense of pride among herding communities.

The International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists is itself groundbreaking, marking the first time in UN history that two distinct subjects have been jointly celebrated within a single international year framework. Previous designations, such as the International Year of Camelids or the International Year of Quinoa, focused on single themes. In contrast, rangelands and pastoralists are viewed as an inseparable whole: the former represents the environmental entity, the latter the social entity—one is a protected ecosystem, the other its commendable guardian. Michaud also revealed that the alliance is concurrently advocating for the establishment of an "International Decade," as many related processes require sustained discussion and advancement.

"A day of celebration is certainly important, but an international decade that can support long-term dialogue and action is equally indispensable," he remarked. Michaud expressed hope that COP17 would conclude with a consensus-driven, robust resolution on pastoralism, with the voices of global herders incorporated into the outcome. He also aspires for the caucuses of indigenous peoples and local communities to integrate pastoralist demands into the COP process, and sincerely hopes these initiatives will extend beyond COP17 and endure over the long term.

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