INTERNATIONAL RANGELAND CONGRESS – NEWS FROM THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE

May 5, 2025

It is ‘all go’ in planning and organising the XIIth International Rangeland Congress, being held in Adelaide 2-6 June 2025.  If you have not already registered for the Congress, please do so now, as we have a packed program that will interest, enlighten, and entertain you (see https://irc2025.rangelandcongress.org/).  

The interest generated in the Congress is reflected in the registrations with over 540 people already registered two months out from the Congress.  

The Fifth Announcement which contains comprehensive information about the Congress, as well as advice about travel and accommodation will be released soon and will be available on the website.

The Program

The Program Sub-Committee has put together a great program encompassing all seven Congress themes, being headlined by fantastic plenary speakers for each of the Congress themes. The concurrent sessions provide a diverse and rich mix of 276 oral presentations, 98 lightning talks, and over 180 poster presentations.

There will be a number of hosted sessions including by the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP), the Saudi Arabian AIUIa program, Women in Rangelands and the International Livestock Research Institute. 

Sponsorship and support for delegates to attend

Sponsorship has reached the target level, and the international sponsorship received will be sufficient to support attendance by up to 100 delegates who would otherwise not be able to attend the Congress.  The Organising Committee is very grateful for the support received from international and Australian organisation.  

The Australian Rangeland Society turns 50!

In 2025, the Australian Rangeland Society is celebrating its 50th birthday.  On the Monday evening of the Congress, there will be a ‘birthday party’ with formal and light-hearted content being organised by a Pieter Conradie (President ARS) and a number of people who have had long associations with the ARS.  This will be a great event and so don’t miss it.  

Associated activities

Pre-Congress tours

Pre-Congress tours are heading to Adelaide from (i) Sydney, (ii) Longreach, (iii) Alice Springs and (iv) Perth.  These are still places available on all tours except for the Sydney to Adelaide one, and details can be found in the website. 

Pre-Congress events

There are three events being held in the Congress Venue on the weekend of 31 May and 1 June as follows.

  • Global rangelands standard certification and supporting rangelands monitoring program.  Presented by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) – Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June.
  • Considering multi-functionality of pastoralism to foster fruitful contributions of pastoralism to growing societal challenges. Presented by France’s Institut national de recherche pour l’agriculture, l’alimentation et l’environnement (INRAE) – Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June.
  • Traditional Indigenous Knowledge Forum,.  Presented by the IYRP -Sunday 1 June
Other social events

There will be many opportunities for socialising with delegates from all walks of rangeland life and interest and from many parts of the world.  And given this has been the first time since 2016 when the international rangeland community have been able to meet in person, it will be a great opportunity to renew former associations and make new ones.  The main social events will be the Welcome Ceremony on the Sunday evening, the ARS 50th birthday celebration, poster viewing after formal sessions and at the Conference Dinner on the Thursday evening.  

It is the aim of this Congress to make it a highly interactive in-person event. In addition to the exciting program there is great interest in the mid-Congress tours and together with the suite of social events there will be many opportunities to get to know your fellow delegates.  For those who cannot attend, we will be recording selected sessions, with these being available for a modest registration fee. 

And remember ….

The last time an International Rangeland Congress was held in Australia was 26 years ago in 1999 in Townsville.  It could well be 26 years before we have another such gathering on our shores – and so don’t miss out on this opportunity to attend!

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