Benjamin Mutambukah, from the Eastern and Southern African Pastoralists Network, points to some of the current challenges of pastoralists, such as the increasing competition for land between pastoralists and mining companies. This conflict results in pastoralist communities losing parts of their traditional land and their options for mobility. Mr. Mutambukah explains that this not only greatly impacts pastoralists’ ability to use seasonally available pasture and water, it also increases land degradation and poverty, forcing many to search for alternative livelihoods. 

The findings and recommendations of the gap analysis report were discussed by Ministers of Environment and other stakeholders during the 4th UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-4) at an event organised by the International Support Group for the call for an International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. 

The participants called upon countries to strengthen sustainable pastoralism as an important contributor to the implementation of several SDGs. Particularly, the SDG target 15.3* was highlighted as a target that cannot be achieved without the involvement of pastoralists from around the world. 

There are current negotiations for a new UNEA resolution on this topic that call for a global international assessment on pastoralism and rangelands – a direct recommendation from the gap analysis. The draft resolution also includes language about the need for establishing an International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. The resolution will be tabled for approval by governments at the end of UNEA-4 this week. 

*Target 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world