QUETTA, September 8, 2026: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), under a European Union-funded project, has conducted a five-day technical training aimed at strengthening sustainable rangeland management and climate resilience in Balochistan.
The training on “Sustainable Rangeland Management and Earth Observation-Based Decision Support Systems” was organized in Quetta under the project “Post-Floods Resilient Recovery and Strengthening of the Livestock Sector in Balochistan.”
Drawing on FAO expertise in rangeland management, climate resilience and geospatial technologies, the training focused on strengthening the capacity of government departments and other stakeholders to monitor, manage and protect Balochistan’s extensive rangeland ecosystems.
25 Professionals Receive Technical Training
The five-day programme brought together 25 technical professionals, including 11 participants from the Forest & Wildlife Department, seven from the Livestock Department, two representatives from the University of Balochistan and five FAO staff members.
Participants represented project districts including Zhob, Khuzdar, Loralai, Pishin, Lasbela and Jaffarabad.
The training provided participants with practical experience in using Earth Observation, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), climate monitoring and rangeland assessment tools.
Using Technology to Protect Rangelands
A key component of the training was the application of geospatial and Earth Observation technologies to improve rangeland management and decision-making.
Participants learned how these tools can be used to estimate forage availability, assess grazing pressure and monitor drought conditions. They also explored methods for mapping water availability and accessibility, enabling authorities to make more informed decisions concerning livestock and rangeland management.
The use of such technologies can help provide timely information on changing environmental conditions and support more targeted interventions in vulnerable rangeland areas.
Strengthening Climate Resilience and Rural Livelihoods
Balochistan’s rangelands play an important role in supporting livestock production and the livelihoods of pastoral and livestock-dependent communities. Sustainable management of these ecosystems is therefore critical for maintaining forage resources, protecting biodiversity and strengthening resilience to drought and other climate-related pressures.
The initiative also seeks to strengthen institutional coordination by bringing together the Forest & Wildlife Department, Livestock Department, academia and FAO.
Through improved technical capacity, evidence-based planning and greater collaboration among key institutions, the training is expected to contribute to healthier and more resilient rangeland ecosystems, improved livestock productivity and stronger livelihoods for communities dependent on livestock and pastoral activities across Balochistan.
