GASL: Global Plan for Sustainable Livestock Sector Action

The FAO’s Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock (GASL) page outlines an international, multi-stakeholder partnership dedicated to making the global livestock sector more sustainable. It explains that GASL brings together governments, research institutions, private sector actors, civil society, and producer organizations to address the unprecedented challenges facing livestock systems as global demand for animal products continues to rise. With the world population projected to approach 9.6 billion by 2050 and demand for meat, eggs, and milk expected to grow significantly, the initiative stresses the urgency of transitioning to livestock systems that are environmentally sound, socially responsible, and economically viable.

The article describes GASL’s main function as facilitating evidence-based dialogue and coordinated action. Rather than promoting a single model, GASL supports a diversity of context-specific solutions that improve productivity and livelihoods while reducing environmental impacts. This includes promoting better grazing management, improved feed efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and more sustainable manure and nutrient management. The platform is presented as a hub for synthesizing research, sharing best practices, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders who often have competing interests but share a common dependence on resilient livestock systems.

Key sections highlight recent news and events, including insights from international climate conferences such as COP 30 and specialized symposia addressing sustainable livestock in rangeland and pastoral systems. These updates illustrate how GASL positions livestock issues within broader climate and biodiversity agendas, emphasizing that livestock can be both a source of emissions and a part of the solution when managed sustainably. The page notes upcoming webinars and multi-stakeholder partnership meetings designed to deepen dialogue on topics such as climate change adaptation, rangeland management, and the role of pastoralism.

The resource also emphasizes the importance of inclusive participation. GASL seeks to involve stakeholders from across the value chain and from diverse regions, particularly those in low- and middle-income countries where livestock are critical for food security, income, and cultural identity. The initiative places strong emphasis on evidence-based policy and practice, aiming to bridge the gap between scientific research and on-the-ground implementation. By doing so, GASL aspires to support livestock systems that contribute to multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty reduction, food security, climate action, and ecosystem protection.

Overall, the page portrays the Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock as a dynamic, evolving platform that recognizes both the challenges and opportunities in the livestock sector. It frames sustainable livestock not merely as a technical issue of emissions reduction, but as a complex socio-ecological challenge requiring coordinated global action, knowledge exchange, and context-aware solutions. Livestock integration within broader agricultural landscapes, improved resource use, and multi-stakeholder governance are presented as crucial elements for steering the sector toward a more sustainable future.