Changing climate, socioeconomics and demographics mean that the HKH’s vast rangelands, remote zones that were hitherto primarily livestock production landscapes, are increasingly subject to competing stakeholder interests: from tourism, conservation, mining, among others. 

ICIMOD’s rangelands policy work has focused on reviewing existing national policies to reconcile these competing and often conflicting stakeholder interests, so that rangelands can be managed sustainably for the multiple benefits that they provide. This policy work began in 2023 when ICIMOD organised a regional multistakeholder consultation workshop to share country-level updates and experiences and prioritise country-specific actions. Following this, we organised a policy consultation on rangeland management in Pakistan, reviewed the consistency of their existing policies and programmes, and clarified the interests, roles and responsibilities of major stakeholder groups in rangeland management. The finalised draft has been submitted and is awaiting Cabinet approval. Importantly, the policy highlights gender as an important aspect of rangeland management.