Abstract:On 15 March 2022,the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York unanimously declared 2026 the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP).The IYRP aims to raise awareness and fill the knowledge gaps globally about the considerable benefits provided by healthy rangelands and sustainable pastoralism.It also advocates for strengthening the capacity of the pastoral livestock sector and for increasing responsible investment in this sector,such as degraded rangeland restoration,livestock health and reproduction,improvement of land management,fair market access,health and education services and resolution to conflicts.The ultimate goal is to make rangelands and pastoralists prominent in debates on the development of policies around issues from tackling climate crises to reducing poverty,managing threats to biodiversity,developing sustainable food systems and helping to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).In these debates,the IYRP will help amplify the voices of pastoralists and scientists about the value of rangelands and pastoralism.This is undoubtedly a milestone for the world to better understand and recognize the great value of rangeland and the contribution of pastoralists to global societies and ecosystems.It recognizes that pastoralism is a dynamic and transformative livelihood linked to the diverse ecosystems,cultures,identities,traditional knowledge and historical experience of coexisting with nature.It affirms that healthy rangelands are vital for contributing to economic growth,resilient livelihoods and the sustainable development of pastoralism.In addition,it promotes the coordination and cooperation within and among countries in scientific research,technological exchanges,action plans and policy legislation which will help achieve coordinated development of national,regional and global pastoralism production systems.The IYRP will be facilitated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and hosted by Mongolia in 2026.