WORKSHOP ON GLOBAL RANGELANDS STANDARD & MONITORING FRAMEWORK 31 May – 1 June 2025 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This workshop is organised by the STELARR (Sustainable Investments in Large-Scale Rangeland Restoration) project, which supports the development of a global rangelands standard and monitoring framework. STELARR is funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and executed by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) supported by the International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA), the Alliance of Bioversity and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture(CIAT), the center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforesty (CIFOR-ICRAF), the Sustainable Fibre Alliance (SFA) and GMV. SUSTAINABLE INVESTMENTS FOR LARGE-SCALE RANGELAND RESTORATION Dr. Derek Baker, Advisory Group Member, ILRI DEREK BAKER ADVISORY GROUP MEMBER – STELARR PROJECT Sustainable investments for large-scale rangeland restoration Workshop on the Global Rangelands Standard and Monitoring framework IRC, Adelaide, Australia 31 May- 1 June 2025 Objective: To reverse rangeland degradation and improve productivity of rangelands globally, through sustainable livestock value chains, and thereby reduce poverty and secure livelihoods, with inclusive benefits to women and youth. Sustainable Investments for Large-scale Rangeland Restoration (STELARR) Funded by the Global Environment Facility Implemented by IUCN Executed by ILRI and partners 1: Rangeland restoration investments through sustainable livestock value chains 2: Commitments to sustainable rangeland restoration 3: Global Monitoring Framework for Sustainable Rangeland Components: • Information on Livestock VCs and Rangeland Restoration • Policy and institutional development A Ran ge lan d Sta ndard TODAY’S TOPIC TOMORROW’s TOPIC • What to measure • How to measure it • How to make it available to users A Monito rin g Framework Purpose of workshop 1. Presentation of work in progress on q the Rangelands Standard q the Global Monitoring Framework 2. Feedback on their q nature q content q future 3. Opportunities for q improvement q impetus q synergy Objective: To reverse rangeland degradation and improve productivity of rangelands globally, through sustainable livestock value chains, and thereby reduce poverty and secure livelihoods, with inclusive benefits to women and youth. Context: Livestock value chain development investments have traditionally - focused on products, not resources - protected/preserved/maintained, not restored/regenerated - been at small scale Environmental impetus for natural textile fibers Livestock systems and luxury fibres in the spotlight Rangelands as a C sink and biodiversity source International trade’s sustainability compliance International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists is 2026 Sustainable Investments for Large-scale Rangeland Restoration (STELARR) Information flows • fuel value addition • attract investment • inform about risk Rangeland Restoration • costs a lot to fix • benefits everyone, costs a few people • is monetized alooooooonnnng value chains • is a risky investment • is hard to measure Private investment in Rangeland Restoration Investment programs/projects • face diverse stakeholder motivation • don’t achieve risk-reward thresholds • take time • burden the poorest people with information costs • … are hard to define as successes or failures Market failures need to be addressed in project design • definition of success • information provision • partner and stakeholder cost and reward structures Addresses market failures Private sector investment in rangelands restoration: which benefits are available to private sector firms, from investment in rangelands? (an investment question) Risk mitigation Enhanced productivity Corporate responsibility Brand value Innovation in processes New markets Regulatory compliance Government incentives (UNCCD, 2019) INTRODUCTION TO THE RANGELAND STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL Dr. Zara Morris-Trainor, Trustee, RSC THE CONTEXTInsert tagline here…. • Pastoralists produce a diverse range of products from their livestock • Product certification offers opportunities to strengthen links with global markets, incentivize sustainable production practices and drive large scale investment in rangelands • Having multiple, single commodity standards would be burdensome for the supply chain and insufficient to transform rangeland systems. • Need to promote diversification of income sources to reduce vulnerability • Certification for all rangeland products would better link herders with national and international markets • Need to promote diversity of livestock species for rangeland health • Need to incentivize offtake for slaughter to achieve reduced herd sizes • Meat and leather certification could motivate herders to sell live animals on the meat market and reduce grazing pressure on rangelands PLANT-BASED • Forage & Hay • Medicinal plants • Essential oils & herbs • Honey • Gums & Resins ECOSYSTEM & CULTURAL • Nature based tourism • Carbon sequestration / credits • Handicrafts LIVESTOCK-BASED • Fibre • Meat • Leather • Milk & Dairy A GLOBAL STANDARD FOR RANGELAND PRODUCTS OUR GENESIS We need certification at landscape-level that covers all rangeland commodities and recognizes the importance of traditional knowledge and collaboration for effective rangeland stewardship and impact monitoring. We need this certification to offer a unified, global benchmark for rangeland management that can be adapted to local contexts and has market buy-in. DEC 2024 Launched at COP 16 in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia APR 2025 Board of Trustees confirmed MAY 2025 Registered with the UK Charity Commission PROGRESS SO FAR • Defining of RSC concept, approach and governance structure • Engagement with key stakeholders across different sectors and in multiple regions • Drafting commenced on the Global Rangelands Standard • Review of rangeland monitoring frameworks WHAT WE WANT A world where rangelands and the people that inhabit them are protected and recognised for their vital role in preserving biodiversity, safeguarding cultural heritage and mitigating climate change. HOW WE’LL GET THERE To promote effective stewardship of rangeland systems by establishing a global certification system for rangeland products that promotes regenerative land management practices, incorporates traditional knowledge and builds producer agency. Current VISION & MISSION Collaborative We need to actively engage with existing programs and groups in both the private and public sectors Regionally Specific We need guidance for adapting global standard principles at local, regional and national levels One Health We need a holistic perspective, considering the interconnectedness of human, animal and environment health Bottom-up Strategy Our agenda needs to be driven by the knowledge, priorities, and active involvement of pastoralists. Transparent We need accountability for all rangeland stakeholders and adherence to ISEAL’s Code of Good Practice for standard setters. APPROACH BOARD OF DIRECTORS Julian Bayliss Paul Littlefair Anne Gillespie Una Jones Fiona FlintonJaine Chisholm Caunt Sarah Toumi RSC BOARD OF DIRECTORS RSC EXECUTIVE TEAM Indigenous Community Council (ICC) • Develop and improve RSC Standard System, including MEL Framework • Ensure scientific rigour and alignment with best practice • Commission research to address key knowledge gaps • Create global network of rangeland researchers Science & Technical Committee (STC) • Strategic oversight and guidance across all RSC initiatives • Key decision-making body • Facilitate collaboration among rangeland state representatives • Review policy developments & recommendations Steering Committee (SC) • Engage industry experts and stakeholders to provide targeted input on RSC standards • Oversee working groups and consultations for standard development • Provide policy advice to Steering Committee Standards Advisory Group (SAG) Finance & Risk Committee (FRC) • Provide financial and investment expertise to Steering Committee • Represent brands, retailers and other private sector interests • Develop financial pipeline for RSC implementation & development • Represent and advocate for the voices, rights and priorities of Indigenous Peoples within the RSC • Promote the recognition and protection of indigenous knowledge, practices and cultural heritage in rangeland management RSC Governance & Structure PROGRESS SO FAR • Defining of RSC concept, approach and governance structure • Engagement with key stakeholders across different sectors and in multiple regions • Drafting commenced on the Global Rangelands Standard • Review of rangeland monitoring frameworks MAR 21 Brand Engagement, SFA Members Meeting – London, UK APR 11-12 Natural Fibre Industry Consultation, Sustainable Natural Fibres Conference – Beijing, China JUN 6 International Rangeland Experts Consultation, SFA & UNCCD – Online SEP 6 Herder Engagement, SFA Mongolia Conference – Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia SEP 19 Industry Engagement, Natural Fibre Connect Conference – Biella, Italy SEP 26 Brand Engagement, New York Climate Week – New York, USA OCT 24-25 STELARR Project Workshop - Nairobi, Kenya DEC 4-12 COP 16 Side Events – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Key Events in 2024 PROGRESS SO FAR • Defining of RSC concept, approach and governance structure • Engagement with key stakeholders across different sectors and in multiple regions • Drafting commenced on the Global Rangelands Standard - SFA • Review of rangeland monitoring frameworks – CFOR-ICRAF • Further develop the Global Rangeland Standard and MEL Framework • Strengthen RSC committees, stakeholder engagement and partnerships • Secure sustainable funding streams • Enhance advocacy and communication through events and social media PRIORITIES FOR 2025/2026 TODAY’S WORKSHOP What would you like to see from the RSC? What do you think might help us get there? What do you think might get in our way? Now that you’ve heard about our plans, what are your hopes and expectations for how the RSC might benefit your work & the rangelands you care about? (OUTCOMES) What ENABLING FACTORS would create a conducive environment and make the success of the RSC possible? What BARRIERS (obstacles, constraints, or systemic issues) might hinder the effectiveness, or scalability of the RSC? 1. 2. 3. WHAT IS A STANDARD SETTER? David McElroy IRC Adelaide – The Global Rangelands Standard 31 May – 1 June 2025 The Sustainable Fibre Alliance is a not-for-profit standard setter We connect producers to brands and retailers in the consumer goods industry THE GLOBAL RANGELANDS STANDARD Dr. David McElroy, Head of Standards, SFA CREDIBLE CLAIMS THROUGH 3rd PARTY ASSURANCE David McElroy IRC Adelaide – The Global Rangelands Standard 31 May – 1 June 2025 WHAT IS A STANDARD SETTER? We are leading the sector towards a future where primary production minimises environmental impact, safeguards producer livelihoods and meets high welfare standards. David McElroy IRC Adelaide – The Global Rangelands Standard 31 May – 1 June 2025 Research challenges o lack of skills in a non-research setting o bias (e.g. self-selection) o lack of true counterfactuals, let alone RCTs o wide range of predictor variables (i.e. the requirements) o Real lives and privacy CHALLENGES OF IMPACT MEASUREMENT OF STANDARDS David McElroy IRC Adelaide – The Global Rangelands Standard 31 May – 1 June 2025 The industry scope has a lot of grey areas: o not an explicitly defined project with SMART objectives o other actors outside of scope o non-participating actors inside scope (incl. illegal and unreported) David McElroy IRC Adelaide – The Global Rangelands Standard 31 May – 1 June 2025 CHALLENGES OF IMPACT MEASUREMENT OF STANDARDS Your Name Presentation Title DD Month YYY Proving certification works is hard Science works by disproving Monitoring & evaluation to understand what is not working and why Address specific cases of failure SOLUTION: Core SMART indicators & methodology GETTING BACK TO SCIENCE BASICS David McElroy IRC Adelaide – The Global Rangelands Standard 31 May – 1 June 2025 RSC – GLOBAL RANGELANDS STANDARD David McElroy IRC Adelaide – The Global Rangelands Standard 31 May – 1 June 2025 GLOBAL RANGELANDS STANDARD Principles RANGELAND STEWARDSHIP INDIGENOUS PEOPLES RIGHTS LEGAL COMPLIANCE DECENT WORK EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE OF THE STANDARD David McElroy IRC Adelaide – The Global Rangelands Standard 31 May – 1 June 2025 Global Rangelands Standard & Certification PRINCIPLE CRITERIA (SUB-PRINCIPLE) REQUIREMENTS • Land use • Biodiversity • Rehabilitation • Soil management • Contamination • Etc… Rangeland health EXAMPLES OF REQUIREMENTS David McElroy IRC Adelaide – The Global Rangelands Standard 31 May – 1 June 2025 The rangeland user shall identify natural water courses and wetlands in the lands used by its sites and implement measures to protect these water resources. The rangeland user shall take measures to avoid the introduction of alien species to the land they use. David McElroy IRC Adelaide – The Global Rangelands Standard 31 May – 1 June 2025 TODAY’S BIG QUESTION WHAT DOES COLLABORATIVE RANGELANDS MANAGEMENT LOOK LIKE? Questions Example (M&E) What specific requirements can be set for individuals? Individuals shall collect data. What specific requirements need collaboration? Individuals shall collect the same data. What scale is needed for this to be meaningful? We shall ensure that enough of the right individuals are collecting the same data. What conditions create an enabling environment? We shall develop a culture of scientific literacy. David McElroy IRC Adelaide – The Global Rangelands Standard 31 May – 1 June 2025 TODAY’S BIG QUESTION WHAT DOES COLLABORATIVE RANGELANDS MANAGEMENT LOOK LIKE? Questions Example (Stocking rates) What specific requirements can be set for individuals? Individuals shall consider an appropriate stock size What specific requirements need collaboration? Users shall work together to consider stocking size What scale is needed for this to be meaningful? What does ‘community’ mean? What conditions create an enabling environment? Clearly defined framework for property rights David McElroy IRC Adelaide – The Global Rangelands Standard 31 May – 1 June 2025 TODAY’S BIG QUESTION WHAT DOES COLLABORATIVE RANGELANDS MANAGEMENT LOOK LIKE? Questions Example (Water) What specific requirements can be set for individuals? Individuals shall pay their taxes. What specific requirements need collaboration? Individuals shall not What scale is needed for this to be meaningful? What does ‘community’ mean? What conditions create an enabling environment? Clearly defined framework for property rights WE’RE GOING TO DISCUSS THOSE Qs IN THEMATIC GROUPS… David McElroy IRC Adelaide – The Global Rangelands Standard 31 May – 1 June 2025 Theme # Desired state Land cover 1 There is an appropriate cover of vegetation. Water management 2 That water resources are sufficient and of acceptable quality. Tenure and access rights 3 Land use is transparent and equitable with few incidences of conflict. Respect/empowerment for indigenous people 4 There is an inclusion and celebration of different cultures and approaches to rangeland management. Landscape-scale adaptive management 5 The monitoring and evaluation of impact is is accurate and precise, and provides insights that are implementable at a meaningful scale. Community livelihoods 6 Rangelands are used in a way that the benefits are public and help local communities thrive. CASE: MONGOLIAN GOBI • One of the world’s largest remaining intact pastoral landscapes • Livestock herding a core part of Mongolian identity • Semi-nomadic pastoralism • Extreme climatic variability • Post-soviet legacy • High dependence on ground water • Rising pressure from mining Choose a facilitator who will lead group discussion Choose a note taker for recording group discussion Choose your two geographic contexts Go through the discussion points (45 mins) Report back group discussion to the room (30 mins) For your first context discuss: A. What specific actions individuals can take to achieve your theme’s desired outcome B. What specific actions need to be done through collaboration Then repeat for your second context. For reporting, you will have two mins to say: A. The most important point you discussed B. The discussion point that was most controversial C. Something that gave you hope Your Name DISCUSSION POINTS (ON YOUR CHOSEN THEME): TH E M E S 1. Vegetation 2. Water management 3. Tenure and access rights 4. Indigenous people 5. Adaptive management 6. Community livelihoods NOW YOU WILL FORM GROUPS (MAX SIX PER GROUP) AND: David McElroy IRC Adelaide – The Global Rangelands Standard 31 May – 1 June 2025 A. Have a go at writing your own requirements (20 mins) o Base them on the individual/collaborative actions from earlier o Make sure they are specific, but global B. Peer review each other’s work (40 mins) C. Compile those you are happy with as a group and email them to consulation@rangelandstewardship.org Your Name TH E M E S 1. Vegetation 2. Water management 3. Tenure and access rights 4. Indigenous people 5. Adaptive management 6. Community livelihoods AFTER LUNCH, YOU WILL GET BACK IN YOUR GROUPS AND: David McElroy IRC Adelaide – The Global Rangelands Standard 31 May – 1 June 2025 mailto:consulation@rangelandstewardship.org Remember who your facilitator and note taker were. Remember the collaborative requirements you developed. Go through the discussion points (45 mins) Report back group discussion to the room (30 mins) List out the specific collaborative actions and for each: A. The scale at which the actions need to happen before they become meaningful. B. Discuss what would stop them happening in context one vs context two (i.e. discuss barriers). C. Discuss what it is about context one vs context two that would help realise the actions (i.e. discuss facilitators) Note that you needn’t limit your discussion to what is reality right now, you could also discuss which barriers and facilitators are theoretically feasible for the future in those contexts. For reporting, you will have two mins to say: A. The most common barrier (don’t just say money!) B. The most common facilitator (don’t just say money!) C. Something that gave you hopeYour Name DISCUSSION POINTS (ON YOUR CHOSEN THEME): TH E M E S 1. Vegetation 2. Water management 3. Tenure and access rights 4. Indigenous people 5. Adaptive management 6. Community livelihoods AFTER TEA, YOU WILL GET BACK IN YOUR GROUPS AND: David McElroy IRC Adelaide – The Global Rangelands Standard 31 May – 1 June 2025 Thank you for participating WORKSHOP ON GLOBAL RANGELANDS STANDARD & MONITORING FRAMEWORK CALL FOR INPUT Help ensure that the lands, people and value chains that you care about are represented in the RSC. Join the growing network and strengthen our efforts to protect and restore global rangelands. See our website for more info: www.rangelandstewardship.org Please email info@rangelandstewardship.org to register your interest mailto:info@rangelandstewardship.org