Grazing herbivores profoundly shape pastoral ecosystems through their presence and behaviour, play- ing a crucial role in structuring vegetation, influencing biodiversity and regulating nutrient cycles. This paper explores grazing's dual nature—as both a disturbance and a mutualistic force—and its multi- scale interactions with vegetation. We examine how diverse pastoral practices influence plant com- munities and contribute to ecosystem resilience. Given the inherent variability of pastoral resources, especially with shifting environmental conditions, adaptive strategies and collaborative management are vital for sustainable use. Drawing on theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence, we advocate for balancing ecological risks (e.g. degradation, biodiversity loss, climate change impacts) with benefits like biodiversity conservation and maintaining resilient landscapes. Ultimately, we recommend robust institutional arrangements to support long-term ecological and social well-being.