Celebrating the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists – Madrid International Meeting

“Young Pastoralists and New Technologies: Sharing Emerging Knowledge and Experiences”

Madrid (Spain), 09/04/2026 – 11/04/2026

Madrid is developing a comprehensive international programme for the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralism (IYRP 2026), under the coordination of an organizing committee composed of FAO, Madrid Institute for Rural, Agricultural and Food Research and Development (IMIDRA), International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM Zaragoza), Global Alliance for Rangelands & Pastoralists and Transhumance and Nature Foundation, with the collaboration of the Entretantos Foundation.

The initiative places particular emphasis on the engagement of youth, the promotion of generational renewal, and the strategic use of emerging technologies to enhance the sustainability of pastoralist systems. All activities planned for 2026 will aim to highlight the cultural, environmental and socio-economic importance of pastoralism, while reflecting the recognition of transhumance as an Asset of Cultural Interest by the Community of Madrid. This recognition, which will take place during 2026, will reinforce the preservation of this living heritage and its future prospects, in line with the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists declared by the United Nations.

The event will provide a high-level platform for dialogue, technical exchange, and policy development, strengthening global cooperation and supporting the long-term viability of mobile pastoralism.