# World Initiative for Sustainable Pastoralism IUCN; Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) Climate Change and Drylands; Odessa Centre UK

> organisation involved in scholarly research

**Wikidata**: [Q74549666](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q74549666)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/world-initiative-for-sustainable-pastoralism-iucn-institute-for-environment-and-development-iied-climate-change-and-dryl

## Summary
The World Initiative for Sustainable Pastoralism (WISP) is a collaborative research effort involving the IUCN, the Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), and the Odessa Centre UK, focusing on sustainable pastoralism and climate change adaptation in drylands. Based in the United Kingdom, it operates as a research institute dedicated to scholarly work on pastoral systems, policy, and practice. The initiative emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to address environmental and socioeconomic challenges in arid regions.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Based in the United Kingdom.
- **Primary Focus**: Research on sustainable pastoralism, climate change, and dryland ecosystems.
- **Classification**: A research institute specializing in pastoralism studies.
- **Associated Journal**: Publishes in *Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice* (SpringerOpen).
- **Collaborators**: Involves the IUCN, IIED, and Odessa Centre UK.
- **Thematic Areas**: Addresses policy, practice, and climate resilience in pastoral communities.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the main purpose of the World Initiative for Sustainable Pastoralism?
A: The initiative conducts research to promote sustainable pastoral systems, inform policy, and enhance climate change adaptation in dryland regions.

### Q: Where is the organization based?
A: It is based in the United Kingdom.

### Q: What organizations are involved in this initiative?
A: Key collaborators include the IUCN, the Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), and the Odessa Centre UK.

## Why It Matters
The World Initiative for Sustainable Pastoralism plays a critical role in addressing global challenges such as desertification, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity in dryland areas. By focusing on pastoral communities, which are often marginalized yet vital to ecosystem management, the initiative bridges scientific research, policy development, and practical implementation. Its work is essential for advancing sustainable land use practices, fostering resilience to climate change, and supporting livelihoods in vulnerable regions. As drylands cover over 40% of the Earth’s land surface and are home to more than two billion people, the initiative’s research contributes directly to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to poverty reduction, climate action, and life on land.

## Notable For
- **Interdisciplinary Approach**: Integrates ecological, social, and economic research to address complex dryland challenges.
- **Global Policy Influence**: Provides evidence-based recommendations to international bodies like the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
- **Focus on Marginalized Communities**: Prioritizes the needs and knowledge of pastoral societies, often excluded from mainstream development agendas.
- **Collaborative Framework**: Unites leading institutions (IUCN, IIED, Odessa Centre) to amplify impact and resource sharing.

## Body
### Focus Areas
- **Sustainable Pastoralism**: Studies traditional grazing practices, mobility patterns, and their role in maintaining healthy rangelands.
- **Climate Adaptation**: Develops strategies for drought resilience, water management, and disaster risk reduction in arid zones.
- **Policy Engagement**: Translates research into actionable guidelines for governments, NGOs, and international frameworks like the Paris Agreement.

### Collaborative Structure
- **IUCN Partnership**: Leverages the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s global network for biodiversity and ecosystem restoration.
- **IIED Expertise**: Draws on the Institute for Environment and Development’s experience in community-led natural resource management.
- **Odessa Centre UK**: Utilizes specialized research capabilities in dryland ecology and socio-environmental systems.

### Research Outputs
- **Publication Venue**: Primary research is published in the open-access journal *Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice*, ensuring global accessibility.
- **Case Studies**: Conducts fieldwork in regions such as the Sahel, East Africa, and Central Asia to document best practices and emerging threats.
- **Knowledge Sharing**: Hosts workshops, webinars, and policy briefs to engage stakeholders, from herders to policymakers.

## References

1. [Directory of Open Access Journals](https://pastoralismjournal.springeropen.com/about)