The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has launched the international Silk Road Caravan initiative — a campaign supporting the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026. The project aims to raise awareness about the importance of rangeland ecosystems, sustainable land management and the role of pastoral communities in supporting food security, climate resilience and ecosystem sustainability.
The initiative builds on the momentum created during COP16 in Riyadh, where countries adopted the Convention’s first-ever decision dedicated specifically to sustainable rangeland management. The journey will culminate at COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, scheduled to take place from 17–28 August 2026.
Following the historic Silk Road, the Caravan brings together pastoralists, scientists, experts and storytellers to document experiences, traditional knowledge and innovative approaches to land restoration and sustainable ecosystem management.
Silk Road Caravan route:
• Türkiye — 6–15 May 2026: official campaign launch and beginning of the journey. • Russian Federation — 24–29 May 2026. • Uzbekistan — 30 May–6 June 2026. • Kazakhstan — 7–13 June 2026. • 17 June 2026 — events marking Desertification and Drought Day 2026. • Kyrgyzstan — 14–19 June 2026. • China — 13–17 July 2026. • Mongolia — 10–17 August 2026, with arrival in Ulaanbaatar ahead of COP17 opening.
According to UNCCD, rangelands support the livelihoods of around two billion people worldwide; however, up to half of these ecosystems are already degraded or at risk. Through the Silk Road Caravan initiative, the Convention aims to strengthen global attention to land restoration and drought resilience.
📌 Source: United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
