International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists

CoCo Welcomes International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists

The CoCo project proudly announces its support for the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) 2026, a United Nations initiative that officially launches in 2026. As a designated Friend of IYRP, CoCo joins a worldwide coalition of organisations committed to raising awareness about the essential contributions of pastoralists and rangelands to food security, biodiversity and sustainable land management.

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) serving as the lead agency. This landmark year aims to highlight the often-overlooked role of over 500 million pastoralists worldwide who manage nearly half of the Earth's land surface.

We are delighted to count the CoCo project among our Friends of IYRP. Their research on human-wildlife coexistence directly addresses one of the key challenges faced by pastoral communities globally, and their evidence-based approach will contribute valuable insights to our collective efforts.”

Pablo Manzano

member of the Steering Committee of the Latin American network of IYRP

The CoCo project, funded under Horizon Europe, brings together researchers, practitioners and pastoral communities across Europe to develop and test innovative approaches for living alongside large carnivores. The project's findings will directly contribute to IYRP objectives by demonstrating how science and traditional knowledge can work together to address contemporary challenges in pastoral landscapes.

Throughout 2026, CoCo will participate in IYRP events and activities, sharing research outcomes and best practices for supporting pastoral communities in their coexistence with wildlife. The project will also contribute to policy dialogues aimed at ensuring pastoralists' voices are heard in decisions affecting their livelihoods and landscapes.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.