International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026

The economic, environmental and social importance of rangelands, and of pastoralists as their custodians, are fully recognized, rewarded, safeguarded and protected worldwide. IYRP 2026 aims to raise awareness of the vital importance of rangelands and pastoralists as their frontline custodians. We recognize the indispensable benefits rangelands provide for supporting the livelihoods and socio-ecological resilience of hundreds of millions of people, conserving bio-cultural diversity, restoring degraded lands, fostering sustainable food systems, and advancing climate action.

https://iyrp.info/

The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP), sending a clear message that these landscapes, and the communities who care for them, are essential to global sustainability, biodiversity and food security. Rangelands – spanning grasslands, savannahs, deserts and shrublands – support more than 500 million people worldwide and play a critical role in soil and water conservation, climate resilience and cultural heritage. 
 
As Canada’s national voice for forage and grassland stewardship, the CFGA is proud to lead the country’s engagement in the IYRP. Through coordination, collaboration and cross‑promotion, the CFGA brings together producers, researchers, Indigenous partners, conservation organizations and governments to elevate the importance of rangelands and pastoralist knowledge.

The CFGA’s commitment to the IYRP 

The CFGA is excited to celebrate the IYRP alongside partners across Canada and around the world. Throughout 2026, the CFGA will: 

• Highlight Canadian grassland stewardship through stories, producer profiles and regional spotlights
• Share research and innovation that supports sustainable grazing, forage production and climate resilience
• Collaborate with national and international partners to elevate the role of rangelands in global sustainability conversations 
• Promote the value of grasslands in biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration and agricultural livelihoods
• Engage producers, policymakers and the public in events, webinars and knowledge-sharing opportunities

Join us!

The CFGA is hosting bi-weekly Zoom meetings to bring together people and organizations interested in doing activities to celebrate the IYRP. If you would like to join the meetings, please email [email protected].