Rangelands occupy 54% of the global terrestrial surface and they are used by around 500 million pastoralists. They provide globally important ecosystem services, including food production, climate regulation, water regulation, and biodiversity habitat. Between one quarter and one third of rangelands are estimated to be affected by land degradation, contributing to poverty, biodiversity loss, and greenhouse gas emissions. Demand for investment in rangeland restoration is increasing due to growing awareness of the multiple values of rangelands, growing concern over rangeland degradation and associated poverty and vulnerability, and emerging recognition of rangelands under international agreements.
