IYRP Background
Rangelands cover half of the Earth’s surface, supporting over 2 billion people and more than 50% of the world’s livestock. The UN has declared 2026 the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) to raise awareness about their value and the need for protection.
A global coalition of partners, organisations and individuals have formed an international support group to lay the foundation for a successful international year in 2026. SLU is involved in various ways and has a range of expertise – find out what activities are ongoing and what opportunities there are for cooperation.
SLU contributes to increased knowledge and capacity
At SLU, there is a wealth of expertise in rangelands and pastoralism. Our research in these areas is crucial for understanding and addressing global health challenges. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, we develop sustainable solutions that promote both our environment and the health of humans and animals – in a One Health approach.
SLU is committed to contributing to increased knowledge and capacity of relevance to the IYRP. Issues relating to rangelands and pastoralists are at the heart of many of SLU’s collaborations and processes. Our researchers contribute through different partnerships to an increased understanding of the role of rangelands and pastoralism for food security, economy, environment, and cultural heritage. Here, we present some of our collaborations and research projects.
In May 2024, SLU provided a letter of support to the IYRP, joining a global coalition of about 400 organisations representing pastoral associations, NGOs, academia, national governments, media, private sector and intergovernmental and multinational organisations.
“SLU is committed to contributing to increased knowledge and capacity of relevance to the International Year of Rangelands and Patoralists. Issues relating to rangelands and pastoralists are at the heart of many of SLU’s collaborations and processes. Our researchers contribute through different partnerships to an increased understanding of the role of rangelands and pastoralism for food security, economy, environment, and cultural heritage,” says Sara Gräslund, Head of SLU Global.
Rangelands and One Health
The health of rangelands globally directly impacts biodiversity, soil fertility, water quality, and carbon sequestration, affecting the planet's overall health. Healthy rangelands provide livestock grazing, a crucial source of protein and income for many communities. Hence, the degradation of rangelands can lead to food insecurity.
The health of rangelands can also impact human health directly through the spread of zoonotic diseases from livestock to humans. Indirectly, rangeland degradation can lead to changes in water quality and food availability, affecting human health and well-being. Finally, healthy rangelands play a vital role in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Reindeer pastoralism in Northern Europe
Reindeer husbandry is a pastoral system practised in Northern Europe and is a central part of the Indigenous Sámi culture and livelihood. Researchers at SLU are engaged in research, education, and collaborations to develop knowledge that strengthens the long-term sustainability of reindeer husbandry.
The research focuses on the production conditions of reindeer husbandry in interaction with the surrounding world and on finding solutions to help reindeer husbandry cope with external stressors. These stressors include those caused by natural factors, such as climate change and predators, and those resulting from industrial activities and other human impacts on the land.