As per reports, half of the world’s natural pasture lands degraded due to overuse, exploitation, and climate change. This alarming information was revealed by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) on Tuesday. The degradation of these lands threatens global food supplies and the livelihoods of millions.

Severe Impact on Food Supplies

The UNCCD warns that one-sixth of the world’s food supplies are at risk because of the deterioration of rangelands. These rangelands include savannas, wetlands, deserts, and grasslands.

The report highlights that population growth, urbanization, and rising food demand have forced herders to overstock animals beyond the land’s capacity. Additionally, natural pastures have been converted into intensive cropland. This has led to soil fertility declines and worsening droughts.

UNCCD’s chief scientist, Barron Joseph Orr, noted that while the situation is dire, there is a growing awareness. It suggests that land restoration is a key part of the solution to climate change.

Rangelands hold a third of the world’s carbon reservoir capacity. “Emissions are the big issue for sure, but where do we want to put the carbon – where does it naturally belong? In our soils and in our vegetation,” Orr said.

Extent of Degradation

Rangelands cover about 54% of the world’s total land and support two billion people, including farmers, herders, and ranchers. The UNCCD’s previous estimate of degradation was 25%. However, the new figure is based on surveys from experts in over 40 countries. This indicates a severe underestimation of the damage previously.

The report identifies Central Asia, China, and Mongolia as the regions most affected. In these areas, agricultural industrialization has displaced traditional herding communities, putting more pressure on resources. Africa, the Middle East, and South America have also experienced widespread degradation.

Solutions and Recommendations

Orr emphasized the need for governments to adopt a more integrated approach to land protection. He feels that it’s better than focusing on isolated restoration projects. He pointed out that traditional herding practices could significantly aid in the recovery of rangelands.

“In general, the way things were done in the past, traditionally, can go a long way towards the solutions that we’re trying to achieve today,” he said. “They worked for a long, long time, and they can work again, given the right circumstances.”

As the pasture lands degraded due to overuse, it has become a concerning issue. The UNCCD report underscores the urgent need for sustainable land management practices to combat the ongoing degradation. Without decisive action, the deterioration of rangelands will continue to threaten global food security. It’ll affect the livelihoods of billions who depend on these lands as well.

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