Abstract:
Rangelands cover more than half of the Earth’s land surface, and their sustainable management is essential for achieving global goals related to land degradation neutrality, food security, and biodiversity conservation. Recognizing that both pastoralist communities and wildlife depend on healthy rangelands, CMS COP15 adopted the Decision on Pastoralism. The Decision encourages CMS Parties to raise awareness of the importance of sustainably using rangelands for the conservation of migratory species. It also encourages the CMS and UNCCD Secretariats to collaborate in supporting the development of targeted recommendations that harness synergies between the objectives of CMS and UNCCD, for the benefit of both migratory species conservation and sustainable land management by pastoralist communities.
This side event aims to promote such cross-sectoral cooperation by highlighting the interdependence between rangelands, migratory species, and pastoralist livelihoods, as well as the role of ecological connectivity — including the unimpeded movement of animals, the continuity of natural processes, and the connectedness of habitats — in supporting migratory species conservation and enhancing the resilience of rangeland ecosystems under climate change. The event will showcase global examples of sustainable pasture management approaches that integrate the conservation of migratory species and their habitats with support for local livelihoods.
Programme:
Participants will be encouraged to contribute to the work of the CMS Scientific Council Working Group on Pastoralism and CMS-listed species as mandated by the CMS COP15 Decisions on Pastoralism. The Working Group is tasked with developing recommendations on sustainable pasture use and migratory species conservation for consideration by CMS COP16, in cooperation with the UNCCD Secretariat. Speakers, including representatives of government agencies, United Nations agencies and NGOs, will provide the policy context complemented by practical examples demonstrating how sustainable pastoralism and migratory species conservation can be advanced in an integrated manner.
Organized by: National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, CMS Secretariat, Global Alliance for Rangelands and Pastoralists and Yolda Initiative
Tentative Programme (subject to change without notice)
| Discussion item | Programme | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome & introduction | Welcome, introduction of the scope and purpose of the side event. | Moderator |
| Global vision and mandates | The Government of Brazil, in the frame of its CMS COP15 Presidency, will present the CMS COP15 Decisions on Pastoralism highlight the role of sustainable rangeland management in supporting migratory species conservation. | Mr. Leandro Magalhaes, Deputy Head of the Biodiversity Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil |
| UNCCD Secretariat will highlight the linkages between land degradation neutrality, rangelands initiative and conservation of biodiversity, migratory species and their habitats | Mr. Jonathan Davies, UNCCD Rangelands Initiative Consultant | |
| CMS Terrestrial Councilor will explain the scientific basis for addressing governance of pastoralism, conservation of migratory species, climate change and ecological connectivity in a coordinated manner. | Ms. Nandintsetseg Dejid, CMS Scientific Councilor for Terrestrial Mammals | |
| Case studies | Government of Mongolia as the host of UNCCD COP17 will present its perspective on sustainable rangeland use policy and preserving habitats of Mongolian gazelles, argali and snow leopards. | Ms. Uranchimeg Tserendorj, Director General of Protected Area Department, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of Mongolia |
| Government of Zimbabwe will present a case study from the country on pastoralists-migratory species interactions and mutual benefits’ | Mr. Arthur Musakwa, Director Operations, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority | |
| The Government of Uzbekistan will share national perspectives, actions and experiences in advancing the conservation and sustainable management of rangelands and pastoralism, including the interdependencies between sustainable rangeland use, pastoral livelihoods and migratory species conservation using the example of Bukhara deer, jeyran and urial. | Mr. Bakhrom Xolxojaev, Head of Department of Forest, Biodiversity and Desertification Control Policy, National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of Uzbekistan | |
| The Executive Director of Yolda Initiative will present cases demonstrating the role of sustainable pastoralism in maintaining healthy rangelands and supporting migratory vulture populations. | Engin Yilmaz, Executive Director, Yolda initiative | |
| UNEP will present relevant outcomes of the Project Central Asian Mammals and Climate Adaptation highlighting the opportunity created by ecological corridors to support cross-sectoral efforts for biodiversity-positive mountain pasture restoration in Kyrgyzstan. | Julian Blanc, Head of UNEP's Biodiversity and Land Branch | |
| Q&A | Moderator | |
| Closing remarks | Concluding remarks and invitation to join the CMS Scientific Council Pastoralism Working Group (5 minutes) | Moderator |