UN Urges Support for Pastoralism as Climate Adaptation Strategy at COP17

Issa Sanogo, the UN Resident Coordinator in Cameroon, has called for a shift in perspective regarding pastoral mobility, advocating for its preservation as a vital climate adaptation strategy. Speaking at the COP17 conference during the Earth and Peoples Day event on August 26, 2026, Sanogo emphasized that pastoralism is far more than just an economic activity.

Sanogo argued that pastoral mobility is a critical tool for adapting to climate change, particularly in the face of desertification. He stressed that this mobility should be facilitated, not restricted, as it forms a complete socio-cultural and ecological system. This system, he explained, strengthens community resilience and ensures sustainable livelihoods.

Drawing on Cameroon's experience, where land pressure often fuels tensions, Sanogo highlighted four essential levers for action. These include securing access to pastoral lands and transhumance corridors, reinforcing policy frameworks, enhancing data collection and early warning systems, and consolidating cross-border cooperation. These measures are deemed crucial for preventing conflicts over resources.

The United Nations reaffirmed its commitment to supporting inclusive solutions that position pastoralism as a driver of stability and peace. The organization believes that adaptive mobility should remain an opportunity for communities, rather than a response born out of distress. The discussions at COP17 underscored the need to recognize and support the multifaceted role of pastoralism in both environmental and social resilience.