The resolution recognizes the importance of rangelands, which cover over nineteen billion acres globally and provide essential ecological services such as biodiversity, carbon storage, food production, and wildlife habitat. It highlights the role of pastoralists—ranchers, nomads, and herders—who have historically managed these ecosystems and emphasizes the shared knowledge and practices that connect them worldwide. In acknowledgment of the significance of rangelands and pastoralism, the United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.
In response, the Nebraska Legislature expresses its solidarity by officially recognizing 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. The resolution encourages businesses and community members to utilize available resources and celebrate the contributions of rangelands and pastoralists to the state, promoting awareness and support for sustainable practices in these vital ecosystems.