NEWS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE January 2026 85 The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) launched the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP 2026), a global campaign aimed at raising awareness of and enhancing the vital contributions of rangelands and pastoralists to sustainable agrifood systems, biodiversity preservation and climate resilience. Rangelands cover around half of Earth’s land surface in ecosystems such as grasslands, savannas and shrublands, deserts, wetlands or mountain areas. The steppes of Central Asia, the African savanna, the Alps and the Pyrenees in Europe, Andes in South America and the Great Plains of the United States are all examples of these landscapes. They preserve unique fauna and flora and provide essential services including carbon storage and water regulation. They sustain the livelihoods, nutrition and cultural identities of millions of pastoralists and are shaped by the movement of people and animals. Pastoralists are key custodians of these landscapes. They manage around 1 billion animals worldwide—from sheep and goats to cattle, camelids, yaks, horses, reindeer and buffaloes—contributing to food security while preserving ecosystems, cultural heritage and local and indigenous knowledge. But FAO notes that these ecosystems are under increasing pressure from droughts, floods and other climate impacts, land degradation, animal diseases and competing land uses, limiting pastoralists’ mobility and threatening their way of life. For example, while rangelands account for about 30 percent of global soil organic carbon stocks, roughly half of them are estimated to be degraded. Speaking at the launch event, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu emphasized that the International Year is a moment for collective action. “We must listen and empower women, youth, and pastoralist organizations to take part in the decisions that shape their lands and livelihoods. Too often, their voices remain unheard or ignored, and their contributions undervalued. We must safeguard rangelands through responsible governance, restoration, and investment and support the people who steward them,” the Director-General said. Read more>> Veterinarians play a critical role in the lives of pets and pet owners, serving as trusted partners for their pets' wellbeing. In honor of International Day of Veterinary Medicine, Purina announced its donations to five top veterinary schools in the U.S. to support veterinary education and advancements in pet health. The collaborations will support research and scientific developments in pivotal areas of pet health including nutrition, dermatology, cognition, and canine performance, ultimately aimed at furthering scientific understanding of feline and canine health and well-being. “For decades, we have worked closely with veterinary schools to advance pet health and support the professional development of the veterinary community,” said Purina Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Kurt R. Venator. “These five new programs promise to offer nutritional and scientific advances and enrich the education and training of future leaders in veterinary medicine for generations to come.” Read more>> FAO declares 2026 the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists Purina donations to five leading veterinary schools ©FAO/Sylvain Cherkaoui Photo: Freepik
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