The Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN) Grenada Chapter joins the global community in observing World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought on 17 June.
Under this year’s theme, Rangelands: Recognise. Respect. Restore., the observance calls on the world to recognise the ecological and economic value of rangelands, respect the traditional knowledge of the pastoralists and farming communities who steward them, and restore degraded grazing lands through sustainable management.
Across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique, pasturelands and grazing areas support livestock and small ruminant farming, a long-standing part of our rural economy and food security. However, unsustainable land clearing, overgrazing, deforestation, soil erosion, and prolonged dry periods continue to place increasing pressure on these valuable lands.
“Rangelands may not be the first image that comes to mind for a tri-island state like ours, but the principle behind this year’s theme applies everywhere. When we recognise the value of our land, respect those who steward it, and commit to restoring it, we secure our future,” said Jevaire Baptiste, Secretary of CYEN Grenada Chapter.
CYEN Grenada is encouraging youth across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique to take action by:
Recognise:
- Acknowledging the role that local pasturelands, grazing areas, and farmlands play in food security, biodiversity, and rural livelihoods
Respect:
- Respecting the knowledge and experience of livestock farmers, crop farmers, and rural communities who manage the land every day
Restore:
- Planting and caring for trees in their communities
- Avoiding the practice of cutting land completely bare when clearing for agriculture, grazing, or development projects. Maintaining ground cover, grasses, and selected trees helps protect valuable topsoil, reduce erosion, retain moisture, and preserve soil fertility
- Supporting sustainable farming and grazing practices such as rotational grazing, mulching, contour farming, cover cropping, rainwater harvesting, and agroforestry
- Conserving water and promoting responsible water use, particularly on farms and pasturelands
- Protecting forests, wetlands, watersheds, and coastal ecosystems connected to healthy land systems
- Reducing pollution and properly disposing of agricultural and household waste
- Participating in environmental volunteer programmes and community land restoration projects
As a Small Island Developing State, Grenada remains vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including droughts, intense rainfall, flooding, landslides, and coastal degradation, all of which place added pressure on our grazing lands and pastures. Restoring and properly managing pasturelands can strengthen food security, support livestock and crop farmers, create entrepreneurship opportunities in agriculture and agroforestry, increase climate resilience, and protect biodiversity. Whether through sustainable farming, environmental conservation, agribusiness, or land stewardship, young people have a vital role to play in shaping a more resilient and food-secure future for the tri-island state.
On this World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, CYEN Grenada calls on all citizens, particularly young people, to recognise, respect, and restore the land that sustains us. By protecting our pasturelands and grazing areas today, we secure food, livelihoods, and opportunities for generations to come.
CYEN Grenada
