We, the youth pastoralists from South Asia representing six countries, have gathered to strengthen alliances and propose practical solutions to the issues that affect us. During our meeting in Mera, Gujarat, in June 2024, we prepared this charter of demands.
We are part of a worldwide community of pastoralist people, 180 million strong. The designated International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in 2026 offers a platform for us to gain further recognition and advocate for our needs and demands. In the context of this significant year, we present our demands to provide direction to key stakeholders for action shortly.
Pastoralism, a time-honoured way of life spanning centuries, heavily relies on commons—expansive rangeland areas covering 54% of the Earth's surface and 45% of earth’s surface is used for livestock keeping. These lands, often unsuitable for crop agriculture, are vital for sustaining pastoral communities. Besides supplying essential resources like meat and milk, these regions serve as custodians of ecosystems.
However, unpredictable climate patterns—from severe droughts and heatwaves to cyclones and erratic rainfall— and linked socio-economic shifts pose increasing challenges to pastoralists, jeopardizing their livelihoods, ecosystems, and cultures.
Historically, pastoralists' sustainable land management, efficient resource utilization, and mobility have enabled adaptation to harsh conditions. These practices are deeply ingrained in their cultural traditions and social structures, emphasizing livestock rearing and mobility.