The United Nations declared 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP).
Covering about half the world's land, Rangelands are home to unique biodiversity and pastoral communities whose livelihoods depend on them.
Pastoralists raise animals, contribute to food security, and hold diverse cultural heritage and local and indigenous knowledge, preserving ecosystems across the world.
Call for stories
Call for stories for the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists
We need your help to identify a pastoralist, rangeland manager, community leader, policy maker, small-scale producer, rural development officer, teacher, journalist, influencer or someone who works in the sustainable management of rangelands and pastoralist livelihoods, including women and youth.
Video
International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists
Look and share the #IYRP2026 video on social media and among your networks.
Get involved!
Whether you are a pastoralist, researcher, government, private business, NGO, journalist, civil society organization, academic institution, or individual, you can take part in the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026.
Start planning your activities for the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, 2026!
Spread the word!
Communications handbook
Find out more about how you can take part and promote #IYRP2026 by reading our Communication Handbook.
Trello board
Inform, educate and engage audiences with real facts. Join the #IYRP2026 campaign by sharing our free material on digital channels.
Visual identity
The official visual identity for the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists is available in 6 languages. Download the multilingual visual assets and information material to support your events and promotional activities.
In 2026, FAO is also leading the implementation of the International Year of the Woman Farmer!
As we celebrate both the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) and the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF), these global observances will amplify one another, spotlighting the vital roles that women farmers and pastoralist communities play in sustaining our lands, feeding our world, and building climate resilience.
This aligns with the United Nations Decade of Family Farming 2019–2028, which promotes inclusive policies and investments for family farming, and reinforces the vital contributions of women farmers and pastoralist communities to sustainable, climate-resilient agrifood systems.