Mongolia Hosts Global Summit on Rangeland Degradation

Policy makers, scientists, and global negotiators have convened in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) to address the escalating crisis of rangeland degradation. These vital ecosystems, which constitute approximately half of the Earth's land surface, are facing severe threats. The summit emphasizes that rangelands, if collectively restored by farmers and land users, present a significant opportunity to combat drought and preserve a crucial global carbon sink. The degradation of these lands not only impacts biodiversity and food security but also exacerbates climate change by releasing stored carbon and reducing the land's capacity to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide. Rangelands are defined as grasslands, savannas, and shrublands that are grazed by livestock or wildlife, and they play a critical role in supporting livelihoods for millions of people worldwide, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. The UNCCD, established in 1994, is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. Its 197 Parties work to improve the lives of people in drylands and to restore degraded land, thereby improving the livelihoods of millions of people, increasing food security, and building resilience to drought and dust storms. The current meeting in Mongolia is particularly focused on the health of these rangelands, aiming to foster international cooperation and share best practices for sustainable land management. Discussions are expected to cover innovative approaches to land restoration, the economic benefits of healthy rangelands, and the integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific methods. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the fact that desertification and land degradation affect over 3.2 billion people globally, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations. Restoring degraded rangelands can lead to significant environmental benefits, including enhanced water infiltration, reduced soil erosion, and increased vegetation cover, which in turn supports greater biodiversity. Furthermore, healthy soils in rangelands act as substantial carbon sinks, sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide and contributing to global climate change mitigation efforts. The UNCCD's work is crucial in mobilizing political will and financial resources to support countries in their efforts to combat desertification and land degradation. The outcomes of this convention are anticipated to influence future land management policies and investments, highlighting the interconnectedness of land health, climate stability, and human well-being. The gathering in Mongolia serves as a critical platform to elevate the importance of rangelands on the global environmental agenda and to catalyze action towards their sustainable management and restoration.