Beyond myths based on stories of lost Paradise or a romantic wilderness, there are diverse ways of seeing the relationships between humans, livestock and wildlife.

The myth that pastoralists simply need ‘more markets’ to thrive rests on a set of deeply rooted assumptions about markets and animal husbandry.

Bias against mobile livelihoods has a long history, through colonial regimes into modern development thinking. But mobility can be a vital tool for connection and resilience.

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.

Can poetry and comics help us think differently about rangelands?

The logic of ‘Payments for Ecosystem Services’ is to give farmers incentives for ‘good’ ecological practices. But where do we draw the line between a ‘good’ and ‘bad’ practice?