Ulaanbaatar, February 6, 2026 /MONTSAME/. The official opening ceremony of the “International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026,” declared by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2025, was organized at the Chinggis Khaan National Museum on February 5, 2026.

The International Year aims to advance sustainable rangeland management, safeguard nomadic animal husbandry traditions, improve herders’ quality of life, combat climate change and desertification, and strengthen international cooperation. The Year is significant in attracting international attention to the unique aspects of nomadic animal husbandry and sustainable rangelands, as well as in promoting herders’ wisdom, experience, and traditions. The designation of 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists coincides with the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) to be held in Ulaanbaatar in summer 2026, creating favorable conditions for achieving the aforementioned goals.

Throughout centuries of nomadic lifestyle and livestock husbandry, Mongolians have migrated in harmony with the four seasons to protect the natural environment.

In his remarks, Member of Parliament Bum-Ochir Dulam emphasized, “With the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, an opportunity arises for Mongolians to promote the wisdom passed down from our ancestors on the global stage, including ancient philosophies, principles, traditions, and methods of pasture rotation.” Further explaining that pasture rotation allows nature to restore itself, he stressed, “The misconception of blaming herders and tradition-bearers for rangeland degradation and desertification must be corrected on an international level.”

On the other hand, Minister of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry, Badamsuren Myagmarsuren, stated, “Due to the gradual decline in pasture rotation coupled with the shift toward sedentary livestock husbandry, land is degrading. Local development centers will be established to revive pasture rotation traditions, restore and protect rangelands, and care for the well-being of livestock. The centers will provide professional workshops, initial-step raw material processing, and rent out agricultural tools and equipment. Moreover, we must establish a state organization responsible for the usage, maintenance, and protection of rangelands.” The minister expressed confidence that, thanks to the 102 countries that supported Mongolia’s initiative, the governments of the 61 countries that voted as co-sponsors, the United Nations, and the support and cooperation of other organizations, the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists will fulfill its goals and ensure that policymakers hear the voice of herders.

The Executive Secretary of UNCCD, Dr. Yasmine Fouad, attended the opening of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists and expressed gratitude to Mongolia for the responsible and active preparation for COP17.

At the opening, State Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Batbayar Shurenchuluun, remarked, “The International Year must be more than just symbolism; it must be the beginning of change. Thus, result-driven policies will be implemented, aiming to protect water and rangelands with the help of herders. We will strive to implement every resolution and pledge adopted at COP17. Rangelands are the foundation of food, water, life, and ancient wisdom. This year must be the year of transforming knowledge into action, and action into a system.”

Mongolia is one of the few countries that practice nomadic animal husbandry, with over 70 percent of its land used for agriculture and pasture, and with the livelihood of 30 percent of its population depending on livestock husbandry.