The AGROFORESTEAM project will participate as a partner in the First International Seminar on Rangelands and Pastoralism: Reality and Challenges for Sustainability (RanPasS1), taking place from 2–5 April 2026 in Djerba, Tunisia. The event is organized by the Arid Regions Institute (IRA), Medenine, in collaboration with multiple international partners, with a special focus on dryland pastoral ecosystems and pastoralist communities.
Global Context and Seminar Significance
The year 2026 marks both the 50th anniversary of IRA and the United Nations International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP), led by the FAO. Rangelands and pastoralism are closely linked to diverse ecosystems, cultures, identities, and traditional knowledge, and play a critical role in the ecological and socio-economic resilience of drylands. Drylands cover around 40% of the Earth’s surface and are home to more than two billion people, making them highly vulnerable to climate change, desertification, and growing human pressures.
Arid rangelands, used by pastoral communities, form the core of the ecological, economic, and cultural dynamics of these regions, providing essential ecosystem services such as biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, food production, and cultural and recreational spaces. However, these landscapes are often overlooked in public policies and face challenges due to competing demands among farmers, herders, and local communities.
A Platform for Science, Innovation, and Inclusion
Raoudha Abdellaoui, seminar organizer, researcher at IRA, and AGROFORESTEAM participant, highlights that the seminar offers a unique platform for scientists, practitioners, and policymakers to exchange knowledge and co-develop sustainable solutions for rangelands and agroforestry systems.
“The event emphasizes that collaboration between science, technology, and traditional knowledge is essential for sustaining these systems, and that the active involvement of women, youth, and local communities is key to driving innovation and resilience,” Abdellaoui explains.
Towards a Sustainable Future for Agroforestry and Pastoralism
Following the seminar, agroforestry and pastoral systems are expected to emerge as strategic models for sustainable land management, combining scientific innovation with traditional knowledge to create climate-resilient and biodiverse ecosystems. Tools such as GIS, remote sensing, and AI will support more informed decision-making, while inclusive participation will ensure long-term environmental and socio-economic impacts.
After the event, highlights, results, and key conclusions will be shared across AGROFORESTEAM and partner communication platforms.
👉 For more information about the seminar, visit the official website: RanPasS1
