ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Centre for Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development (CESSED) of Lagos State University (LASU) on Wednesday joined the global observance of the 2026 World Desertification and Drought Day, calling for greater recognition, protection and restoration of rangelands to address land degradation and strengthen environmental sustainability.
The observance, held under the theme “Rangelands: Recognise. Respect. Restore,” is coordinated annually by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification to raise awareness about the impact of desertification, drought and land degradation on ecosystems and livelihoods.
In a statement marking the event, CESSED described rangelands as one of the world’s largest but most neglected ecosystems, noting that they cover more than half of the earth’s land surface and support billions of people, livestock and wildlife.
The centre said healthy rangelands contribute significantly to food production, biodiversity conservation, carbon storage, watershed protection and soil fertility, while also supporting rural economies and food security.
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According to CESSED, rangelands in Nigeria and other African countries remain critical to livestock production, ecosystem stability and community resilience.
The centre, however, warned that climate change, rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, overgrazing, deforestation, population growth and unsustainable land-use practices continue to threaten the sustainability of rangelands globally.
It stated that the 2026 theme underscores the need for stakeholders to “Recognise. Respect. Restore” these ecosystems through deliberate policies and sustainable land management practices.
CESSED urged policymakers, researchers, communities and citizens to recognise the ecological, economic and cultural value of rangelands, while promoting responsible land-use practices and drawing on indigenous knowledge systems to ensure their long-term sustainability.
The centre also called for increased investment in land restoration initiatives, including replanting native vegetation, soil and water conservation, sustainable grazing management, community-based restoration programmes and climate-smart agricultural practices.
It noted that protecting and restoring degraded landscapes is essential to building resilient communities and ensuring environmental sustainability for future generations.