India Launches First Guide to Grasslands

On 17 August 2026, India launched its first-ever Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs) of India at the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Key Points

First National Guide: The guide provides the first comprehensive overview of India’s grasslands, savannas, deserts and other open natural ecosystems.
Ecological Importance: These ecosystems support biodiversity, soil and water processes, carbon storage and climate resilience.
Major Ecosystems: India’s ONEs include Himalayan and Terai grasslands, Thar and Banni landscapes, Deccan savannas, rocky plateaus, ravines and scrublands.
Livelihood Support: Open ecosystems sustain pastoral, livestock-based and agricultural communities across India.
Science-Based Conservation: The guide promotes scientific approaches to conserve, restore and sustainably manage open natural ecosystems.