Mokhotlong, Jan.15 — The International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) 2026, will be launched at Matsoaing, Ha Mphere in the district on Wednesday next week.
The event will be led by the Minister of Environment and Forestry, Mr. Letsema Adonts’i with the purpose to highlight the significant role played by rangelands and pastoralists in sustainable environmental management and pastoral livelihoods in Lesotho.
According to the District Coordinator for the Department of Environment and Forestry, Ms. Nokhwezi Mjanyelwa, this global initiative will be launched at Matsoaing because there is already a rehabilitation activity being implemented by the Department in collaboration with the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) to ensure rangelands are improved and protected.
She said on the day of the launch, officers will take part in the removal of shrubs ‘Sehalahala’ at that place to further encourage and raise public awareness of proper rangelands management.
Ms. Mjanyelwa explained that the IYRP theme in the district and for the month of January, will be launched under the theme, ‘Who are Pastoralists and What are Rangelands?’
The United Nations General Assembly, declared 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to raise awareness about the importance of rangelands (covering half the Earth’s land) and pastoralist communities, advocating for sustainable management, responsible investment, supportive policies for land access and mobility, and better livelihoods, all while contributing to global goals like food security and climate action.
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