Rangeland is a set of diverse socio-ecosystems covering between one and two thirds of the world’s land, in form of steppe, prairie, shrub and tree savannah. Rangeland has key human functions, especially in water cycle, erosion control, biodiversity and minerals reserves. Rangeland is usually grazed by extensive livestock managed by emblematic societies with strong identity. Rangeland is also seen as low productive areas that could be better used to sustain the territorial and national economy. This justifies the strong and global agriculture expansion in rangeland, through specified public policies favoring private and public agribusiness initiatives.
"Rangeland Dilemma" is the confrontation between conservation of socio-environmental functions and unsustainable territorial development based on agriculture expansion, at medium-long term.
Alternatives exist: public policies adapted to local contexts, zoning to identify the most fragile zones (to be protected), collective actions...
