Strengthening environmental impact and policy monitoring, and partnerships for rangelands advocacy

Rangelands are vast and often overlooked ecosystems, spanning over half the Earth’s land surface. They are critical for biodiversity conservation, ensuring food security, and supporting the livelihoods of millions. Recognizing this vital role, a Rangeland Stewardship Council (RSC) is being established by the Sustainable Fibre Alliance and partners to develop and promote a global standard for responsible rangeland management to ensure their long-term health and productivity.

In early March 2025, an environmental impact and policy workshop was held to foster collaborative action by focusing on how systems of standards, monitoring frameworks, and data-driven strategies can help fashion brands and retailers meet rising sustainability expectations while staying ahead of evolving environmental policies. Participants explored how the Global Rangelands Standard monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) approaches could be used to track environmental progress and support informed action.
The workshop was convened by the Rangeland Stewardship Council (RSC) with support from the Sustainable Fibre Alliance, and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). This works falls under ILRI’s Sustainable Investments for Large Scale

Rangeland Restoration project, or STELARR.
This virtual forum brought together industry leaders and sustainability experts to explore the challenges and opportunities in this vital sector. ‘Rangelands are often overlooked, yet they are vital to our planet,’ began Houtan Bassiri of UNCCD’s Business 4 Land initiative. ‘Their sustainability isn’t optional; it’s a must,’ he urged, calling on the fashion industry to champion responsible practices. Bassiri highlighted the UNCCD’s support for a global rangeland standard and the upcoming UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia, as critical moments for rangeland advocacy.

Una Jones of the Sustainable Fibre Alliance (SFA) championed a landscape approach, emphasizing the need for aligned environmental, social, and economic goals. ‘This is a pivotal moment for these conversation efforts,’ she said. Sharing insights from cashmere-producing regions, she detailed how blending traditional knowledge with modern practices is the key to success. Jones also briefly touched on the Rangeland Council’s governance structure, stressing transparency and inclusiveness.

The evolving regulatory landscape took centre stage with Dave McElroy, head of standards at the Fibre Alliance, who emphasized the rising demand for due diligence and traceability. ‘Companies will need solid proof for their green claims,’ he warned, referencing the upcoming Green Claims Directive. ‘This standard aims to cover all aspects of rangeland sustainability,’ he explained.

Leah WinowieckI of the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), emphasized the need for a global rangeland monitoring framework. ‘We need consistent data to track trends,’ she said. Tools such as the Regreening app can encourage and support more active participation from land users in land restoration efforts by providing a fast, accurate and convenient way to collect and share crucial data.

Outcomes and future directions–a united front for rangelands
Lively discussions highlighted the critical need for cross-sector collaboration among and between governments, the fashion industry, and other stakeholders. Topics ranged from water quality monitoring to funding models and community engagement. The SFA and RSC reaffirmed their commitment to partnerships, emphasizing that collective action is the basis for advancing the global rangeland agenda and the adoption of the Global Rangelands Standard. The importance of merging scientific rigour with traditional wisdom and establishing transparent governance was clear.

The insights and best practices shared during the workshop will inform the ongoing development and implementation of the council’s standard and MEL approaches, guiding the way towards sustainable rangeland management and a more resilient future for these vital ecosystems worldwide.

Acknowledgement
The Global Environment Facility-funded STELARR project is implemented by the International Union for Conservation and executed by ILRI in partnership with the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, the CIFOR-ICRAF, and the SFA. Additional support is provided by the CGIAR Science Program on Multifunctional Landscapes. We thank all donors who contribute to the CGIAR Trust Fund.