Silk Road Caravan crosses 6,000km on rangeland conservation journey
Islamabad, July 17: The Silk Road Caravan has crossed the 6,000-kilometre mark on its journey from Riyadh to Ulaanbaatar, organisers announced. The expedition is being held in conjunction with the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.
Travelling through Türkiye, Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and China, the caravan aims to highlight the importance of rangelands — vast ecosystems that support livelihoods, biodiversity and food production — while drawing attention to land degradation and restoration efforts.
Organisers described the journey as a symbolic revival of the historic Silk Road, reconnecting countries linked for centuries through trade, cultural exchange and the movement of ideas.
The expedition seeks to raise global awareness of pastoralist communities and sustainable rangeland management at a time when climate change and desertification are placing increasing pressure on land resources.
The caravan began in Riyadh on May 6 and is expected to conclude in Ulaanbaatar on Aug 10. Along the route, participants have been engaging with local communities, researchers, policymakers and pastoralist groups to promote sustainable grazing practices, ecosystem restoration and the role of rangelands in ensuring food security.
With preparations intensifying for the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), scheduled for next month, organisers said the caravan would continue its outreach activities to strengthen international support for rangeland conservation and pastoralist livelihoods.
