This paper aimed to address the relationship of small ruminants with the environment from different perspectives (socio-economic, ecological) as well as the use of small ruminants in the management of natural resources. Small ruminants, in addition to their important role as source of protein throughout the world, are in many cases the only alternative for populations living in marginal areas. The degradation of natural resources due to overgrazing, increased cultivation, the ambiguity of land status resulted in soil erosion and decrease in vegetation cover as well as deforestation. There is no doubt that small ruminants if properly managed can be used to assure natural resources conservation and rehabilitation.