There is a powerful myth at the heart of global carbon markets:  the deceptively simple idea that ‘carbon is carbon’.

As the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists calls attention to the global diversity, importance, and governance of the world’s rangelands, the myth of the tragedy of the commons is particularly relevant and illustrative of the power and dangers of universalising and reductive myths.

In this introductory blog on ‘rangeland myths’ we emphasise the need to rethink what we think we know about rangelands and pastoralism in ways that are open to diverse perspectives, experience and knowledges.

Through 2026, the REPAiR is hosting a series of activities that explore ‘rangeland myths’ in global perspective. We offer an open invitation to get involved, share your experiences and stories, and help us to rethink what we think we know about rangelands and pastoralism.

Across Southern Africa, rangelands support a large amount of small-scale, communal livestock farming. The REPAiR project explores the potential and challenges of context-sensitive and community-led approaches for stewardship of these rangelands.