The Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) will present a global hybrid conference on sustainable rangelands in Africa. These ecosystems support 60% of the world’s food production but are under threat from the climate crisis, conflict, mismanagement and underinvestment.
GLF Africa 2026: Stewarding Our Rangelands will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, and online on 6–7 May 2026. Among the more than 80 scientists, innovators, AI and youth experts speaking at the conference are:
- Anita Soina, advocate from the Indigenous Maasai community of Kenya and Founder of the Soina Foundation
- Appolinaire Djikeng, Director General of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
- Éliane Ubalijoro, CEO of CIFOR-ICRAF
- Igshaan Samuels, Co-Chair of the Global Coordinating Group of International Year of Rangelands & Pastoralists
- Yasmine Fouad, Executive Secretary at the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
This 8th edition of GLF Africa will mark the United Nations’ International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. It will explore three core topics through a series panels, workshops and interactive sessions:
- Policy and governance: Designing systems that protect rangelands and pastoralist rights
- Stewardship economy: Investing in rangelands and pastoralist livelihoods
- Innovation and transformative technologies: Developing solutions by integrating science, tech and Indigenous knowledge
Winning images of the GLF Photography Awards 2026 at GLF Africa
This week, the GLF announced the three winners of its latest global photography awards, celebrating rangelands from across the world and the pastoralists who steward them. “Gold rush” by Vivek Goyal, “The golden moment of the plains” by Myo Minn Aung, and “The herders of thousands of Merak village cows” by Ahmad Wahyudi will be showcased at the conference and, alongside other 32 shortlisted entries, are now on exhibit online.
These images, selected from nearly 600 submissions, are testimony to everyday moments in rangelands and their communities across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas.
“Being a judge for the GLF Photography Awards 2026 was an insight on how rangelands and pastoralism are global and very diverse. Photographers came in with creativity, and you could see the passion and determination in the photos, all seeking to tell a story of not just why we need to protect rangelands but how it is a livelihood that many communities across the world depend on.” – Victoria Wanjohi, filmmaker, storyteller and judge at the GLF Photography Awards 2026.
Why join GLF Africa?
- Be part of the conversation alongside policymakers, innovators and global and local experts who will join this global call to action in Nairobi and online
- Connect with a wide range of actors to strengthen collaborations and lay the ground for resilient rangelands, pastoralist livelihoods, economies and ecosystems
- Exchange knowledge and experiences on restoring degraded rangelands through innovation and community-led action
- Gain insights into the vital role rangelands play in climate stability, food security and regional biodiversity
- Help elevate pastoralist communities within climate, biodiversity and food system discourses to drive meaningful, long-term policy change
Discover the thinking behind GLF Africa 2026 in its concept note, and register for the conference here (free digital tickets).
