Lesotho on Wednesday launched the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) at Thaba-Phatšoa in Mokhotlong, with the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) taking centre stage as a key driver of rangeland rehabilitation in the country’s highlands.
The launch, officiated by the Minister of Environment and Forestry, Letsema Adontši, highlighted the growing role of LHDA in restoring degraded rangelands, strengthening pastoral livelihoods and safeguarding water catchments critical to Lesotho’s national development.
Proceedings began with brush control activities, a practical demonstration of rangeland restoration methods championed by LHDA.
The activity underscored the link between healthy rangelands, climate resilience and sustainable grazing systems in the highlands, where livestock farming remains a primary source of livelihood.
Thaba-Phatšoa was deliberately chosen as the launch site to showcase the impact of LHDA-led interventions.
Since 2024, LHDA has rehabilitated 864 hectares in the area through brush control and the construction of infiltration pits, measures that reduce soil erosion, enhance water infiltration and promote the regeneration of palatable grasses.
The site forms part of the Sehonghong River catchment, making LHDA’s work strategically important for the long-term water security of the Polihali Dam.
By stabilising soils and improving vegetation cover, the rangeland rehabilitation programme contributes directly to protecting water quality and sustaining water yields from the catchment.
Beyond Thaba-Phatšoa, LHDA’s rangeland restoration programme in Mokhotlong now covers 13 sub-catchments, reflecting a landscape-scale approach to environmental management.
The programme integrates ecological restoration with community participation, reinforcing livelihoods while strengthening fragile mountain ecosystems.
Speaking at the event, the significance of LHDA’s work was repeatedly emphasised as an example of how infrastructure-linked environmental programmes can deliver broader development outcomes, including climate adaptation, food security and ecosystem protection.
Globally, the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly at its 76th session, with 2026 designated as the year of celebration. The initiative was spearheaded by Mongolia and supported by 60 UN Member States. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) is leading the observance, in collaboration with governments, civil society and development partners.
The IYRP seeks to draw global attention to the critical role that rangelands and pastoralists play in food security, biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. Under the banner #IYRP2026, the initiative calls for increased and responsible investment in the pastoral sector, as well as policies tailored to the realities of pastoral systems.
Key among these are policies that secure pastoralists’ access to land and natural resources, support livestock mobility, and recognise customary and inclusive governance systems. The initiative also advocates for greater investment in rangeland management, ecosystem restoration, animal health services and fair, equitable value chains for pastoral products.
Beyond policy reform, the International Year aims to promote inclusive dialogue and collaboration among governments, communities, researchers and the private sector to improve pastoral livelihoods and ensure sustainable rangeland management.
Rangelands cover vast portions of the world’s land surface and support millions of people, particularly in dryland and mountain regions like Lesotho’s highlands.
Properly managed, they hold significant potential to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including those related to poverty reduction, food security, climate action and life on land.
Summary
- Lesotho on Wednesday launched the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) at Thaba-Phatšoa in Mokhotlong, with the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) taking centre stage as a key driver of rangeland rehabilitation in the country’s highlands.
- The launch, officiated by the Minister of Environment and Forestry, Letsema Adontši, highlighted the growing role of LHDA in restoring degraded rangelands, strengthening pastoral livelihoods and safeguarding water catchments critical to Lesotho’s national development.
- Under the banner #IYRP2026, the initiative calls for increased and responsible investment in the pastoral sector, as well as policies tailored to the realities of pastoral systems.
Authored by our expert team of writers and editors, with thorough research.
