KATHMANDU: The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, which is being observed today, has given a special focus on restoration of rangeland.

The Day is marked across the globe under theme of ‘Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore’. According to the UN, rangelands, despite being rich ecosystems, this sector is facing a dearth of attention.

It is said rangeland occupies over than half of the Earth’s land surface, and is instrumental in ensuring food security, water cycles, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.

Importantly, nearly two billion people worldwide, including pastoralists and indigenous peoples have vital role in protecting the rangeland.

In the wake of growing desertification across the globe, the UN calls on all to explore economic, ecological and cultural benefits of rangelands with respect and conservation. Traditional knowledge and skills count much for conservation of rangelands.

Conservationists argue that investing in sustainable managements of land and water along with restoration drive led by community would help protect and restore rangeland.

The Food and Agriculture Organization has explained the rangeland as, “Expanses of land covered by grasses, grass-like plants, forbs (a type of flowering plant), shrubs and sometimes trees where livestock can graze. They cover nearly half of the Earth’s land surface and comprise drylands, grasslands, shrublands, savannahs, deserts, steppes, mountain areas and wetlands, among other ecosystems.”

Giving a message on the Day today, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reminded the urgency to recognize and respect the world’s rangelands.

“This means investing in restoration, especially water security; empowering rural communities through sustainable employment; and forging solutions across borders through international cooperation,” he mentioned.

The UN General Assembly had declared June 17 as the “World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought” through its resolution adopted in December 1994.