This year’s Desertification and Drought Day theme, “Rangelands: Recognise. Respect. Restore.”, draws attention to one of the most important natural assets supporting livelihoods, food security and ecological balance across Pakistan. It is a timely reminder that the health of our rangelands is closely linked to the well-being of our people and the resilience of our environment.
Rangelands are vital for sustaining biodiversity, supporting livestock production, regulating water cycles, storing carbon and securing the livelihoods of millions of people. In Pakistan, they form an essential part of our ecological and economic landscape, particularly in arid, semi-arid, mountainous and pastoral regions. They contribute significantly to food security and support the well-being of rural communities.
However, these critical ecosystems face increasing pressures from climate change, recurrent droughts, overgrazing, urbanisation, unsustainable land-use practices and land degradation. The decline of healthy rangelands threatens livelihoods, weakens food systems and reduces our resilience to climate-related disasters.
For many families living in Pakistan’s arid and semi-arid regions, the condition of rangelands has a direct impact on daily life. Healthy grazing lands support livestock, sustain household incomes and help secure local food supplies. Protecting these resources is therefore not only an environmental priority but also an important part of supporting rural livelihoods and strengthening local economies.
As one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, Pakistan recognises that the sustainable management and restoration of degraded lands are indispensable for environmental sustainability, economic prosperity and social well-being. The Government of Pakistan continues to promote sustainable land management practices, strengthen drought resilience, restore degraded ecosystems and enhance the productivity of forests, rangelands and watersheds.
The theme of this year reminds us that safeguarding our rangelands requires collective responsibility. We must recognise their immense value, respect the traditional knowledge and stewardship of pastoral and local communities and restore degraded landscapes through science-based and community-driven approaches. Investing in healthy rangelands is an investment in food security, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and sustainable development.
On this important day, I call upon all stakeholders to work together in protecting and restoring Pakistan’s rangelands and natural ecosystems. Through sustained commitment and practical action, we can reduce the impact of land degradation, strengthen resilience to drought and preserve these vital resources for the generations that follow.
By recognising, respecting and restoring our rangelands, we can contribute meaningfully to sustainable land management while safeguarding resources that support livelihoods, food security and environmental well-being across Pakistan.
