By Abbas Nazil
Rangelands, which cover more than half of the Earth’s land surface, are gaining long-overdue recognition for their critical role in biodiversity conservation, food security, and the livelihoods of millions worldwide.
To ensure their sustainable management, a Rangeland Stewardship Council (RSC) has been established by the Sustainable Fibre Alliance (SFA) and partners, aiming to create and promote a global standard for responsible rangeland management.
In early March 2025, a high-level environmental impact and policy workshop was convened to discuss the importance of monitoring frameworks, global standards, and data-driven strategies to help fashion brands and retailers align with growing sustainability expectations while keeping pace with evolving environmental regulations.
The workshop, organized by the RSC with support from the SFA and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), formed part of the Sustainable Investments for Large Scale Rangeland Restoration project, or STELARR, implemented by ILRI.
The virtual forum brought together international experts and industry leaders to explore challenges and opportunities in rangeland stewardship.
Speaking at the event, Houtan Bassiri of UNCCD’s Business 4 Land initiative stressed that rangelands are too vital to be neglected.
He called on the fashion industry to champion responsible practices and highlighted the upcoming UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia as a critical advocacy moment.
Una Jones of the SFA emphasized the importance of adopting a landscape approach that integrates social, economic, and environmental goals.
Drawing lessons from cashmere-producing regions, she noted that merging traditional knowledge with modern practices could create lasting solutions.
Jones also underscored the importance of transparency and inclusiveness in the governance structure of the newly formed council.
The conversation also touched on the rising demand for accountability in sustainability reporting.
Dave McElroy, head of standards at the Fibre Alliance, cautioned that companies will increasingly be required to provide solid evidence for their green claims, referencing the forthcoming Green Claims Directive.
He explained that the rangeland standard will be comprehensive, addressing all aspects of sustainability.
Highlighting the role of data, Leah Winowiecki of CIFOR-ICRAF stressed the importance of establishing a global rangeland monitoring framework.
She said that tools like the Regreening app could empower land users by providing accurate and accessible data for restoration activities.
Discussions underscored the need for cross-sector collaboration involving governments, communities, and industries.
Key issues included water quality monitoring, funding models, and active community engagement.
The SFA and RSC reaffirmed their commitment to partnerships, stressing that collective action and transparent governance are central to advancing the global rangeland agenda and ensuring the adoption of the Global Rangelands Standard.
The workshop’s insights will shape the ongoing development of monitoring, evaluation, and learning approaches for sustainable rangeland management.
Organizers expressed confidence that the initiative will strengthen global resilience by protecting rangelands, merging science with traditional wisdom, and promoting responsible practices across industries.
The initiative is backed by the Global Environment Facility-funded STELARR project, implemented by the International Union for Conservation and executed by ILRI in collaboration with Bioversity International, CIAT, ICARDA, CIFOR-ICRAF, and the SFA.
Support also comes from the CGIAR Science Program on Multifunctional Landscapes and the CGIAR Trust Fund.
