Welcome to the United Nations’ International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists

Welcome to the United Nations' International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists

The United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP), a global initiative aimed at increasing awareness of the critical role rangelands play in sustaining livelihoods, supporting ecological resilience, conserving bio-cultural diversity and advancing climate solutions worldwide.

For Oregon, this recognition is especially meaningful. Rangelands cover more than half of the state’s land area and play a vital role in local communities, ecosystems and economies. They support livestock production, wildlife habitat, water resources and rural livelihoods, contributing more than $1 billion annually to Oregon’s economy. Simply put, rangelands matter.

Within the College of Agricultural Sciences, faculty, students and Extension professionals are deeply engaged in research and outreach across Oregon’s rangelands. This work spans disciplines, connecting rangeland science with animal sciences, crops and soil science, botany and plant pathology, and beyond. It reflects the college’s broader commitment to advancing sustainable food systems while honoring the communities and cultures who depend on these landscapes. Additionally, Oregon State University is home to the state’s only Society for Range Management–accredited undergraduate Rangeland Sciences program, offered to students in Corvallis, online through Ecampus, and at the Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Program in La Grande.

In alignment with the IYRP’s global goals, several OSU rangeland faculty and students are part of a North American IYRP group exploring how arts-based education can deepen public understanding of rangelands and pastoralist communities, locally, nationally, and globally.

Recent OSU faculty and student-lead activities have included natural fiber workshops, creation of paints with native plant-based pigments, and a display installation on the Corvallis campus to showcase the IYRP.

Installed in mid-February in Withycombe Hall, the display will remain there through March 30 before moving to the fourth-floor rotunda of Valley Library from March 31 through April 30. The exhibit highlights the ecological, cultural and economic importance of rangelands and invites the campus community to engage with the theme in creative ways.

Additional IYRP activities are being planned throughout the year, including a potential film festival and other community-centered events. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to watch for flyers and updates in the coming months. For more information on the IYRP, check out the website and follow IYRP on Instagram (@iyrp2026 and/or @iyrp2026northamerica).