Rangelands cover more than half of the Earth’s land surface and are crucial for sustaining billions of people around the world. From deserts to grasslands, these ecosystems provide essential resources such as meat, dairy, and fiber. However, a recent report from the United Nations reveals that up to 50 percent of rangelands are now degraded, with previous assessments underestimating the extent of the problem.
Aside from climate change, poor land management practices are major contributors to the degradation of rangelands. Factors such as land clearing, overgrazing, mining, soil depletion, erosion, salinization, and alkalinization all play a role in diminishing the health and productivity of these essential ecosystems.
In regions like Central Asia and Mongolia, conflict and border issues exacerbate rangeland degradation by limiting the movement of livestock and leading to overgrazing. Additionally, more frequent wildfires are becoming a significant contributing factor to the decline of these ecosystems. Traditional practices in Mongolia have long emphasized the importance of sustainable land management, but the pressures from modernization and environmental degradation are taking a toll on their rangelands.
In North America, ancient grasslands, prairies, and southern deserts are losing their iconic biodiversity due to rangeland degradation. However, the lack of data and understanding of these regions poses a significant challenge to implementing sustainable management practices. Only a small percentage of rangelands worldwide are currently protected, highlighting the urgent need for action to prevent further degradation.
Recommendations for Sustainable Management
The report emphasizes the importance of climate mitigation and cross-border cooperation in implementing sustainable land management practices to prevent further degradation of rangelands. Incorporating indigenous knowledge and a combination of local and scientific expertise in management plans is crucial, as well as shifting away from damaging practices like monocultural farming.
Rangeland degradation poses a significant threat to the environment, economy, and cultural heritage of communities around the world. Without immediate action to address the root causes of degradation and implement sustainable management practices, the future of these vital ecosystems is at risk. It is imperative that governments, organizations, and communities work together to protect and preserve rangelands for future generations.
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