Islamabad: On the occasion of Desertification and Drought Day, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan emphasized the critical role of rangelands in supporting livelihoods, food security, and ecological balance. The 2026 theme, “Rangelands: Recognise. Respect. Restore.”, underscores the necessity of maintaining healthy rangelands for the well-being of both people and the environment in Pakistan.

According to Press Information Department, the President highlighted the significance of rangelands in sustaining biodiversity, supporting livestock, regulating water cycles, and storing carbon. These ecosystems are crucial to the ecological and economic landscape of Pakistan, particularly in arid, semi-arid, mountainous, and pastoral areas. However, they face escalating threats from climate change, drought, overgrazing, urbanization, and unsustainable land practices.

The decline of rangeland health poses risks to livelihoods and food systems, particularly impacting rural communities in arid regions. The government is focused on sustainable land management, enhancing drought resilience, and restoring ecosystems to address these challenges. The President called for a collective effort to recognize, respect, and restore rangelands to boost food security, biodiversity, and sustainable development.

The message urges stakeholders to collaborate in protecting and restoring these essential ecosystems, which play a vital role in Pakistan’s response to climate change and environmental sustainability.