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Libya, spanning 1.75 million km², has rangelands covering 7.7% of its area, supporting approximately six million sheep, goats, and camels. Historically, pastoralism has been the primary land use, deeply intertwined with the socio-economic fabric for millennia. Despite significant government investments in agricultural and rangeland development, these ecosystems have suffered extensive degradation in terms of declining vegetation cover, biodiversity loss, reduced soil fertility, and diminished productivity reflect a broader pattern seen across North Africa. The degradation of Libyan rangelands is rooted in decades of mismanagement, exacerbated by the government's frequent disregard for scientific recommendations and reliance on external consultants unfamiliar with local ecological and socio-economic contexts. Additionally, socio-economic changes, particularly following the oil boom of the 1960s, disrupted traditional grazing systems, while the limited involvement of local communities hindered effective conservation efforts. A significant challenge lies in balancing conservation initiatives with the livelihoods of pastoralists and local communities, often leading to conflicts of interest. This overview work underscores the urgent need for a paradigm shift toward holistic and adaptive strategies that integrate ecological, socio-cultural, and governance dimensions to address the challenges facing Libya's rangelands. Reforming rangeland survey methodologies, adopting sustainable rehabilitation techniques, and implementing controlled grazing regimes are critical steps in this process. Equally important is fostering active community participation to align conservation goals with local needs and interests. By pursuing locally informed and inclusive approaches, Libya can restore the resilience of its rangelands, ensure ecological sustainability, and support the livelihoods of local communities.