India Launches First Guide to Grasslands and Open Natural Ecosystems

On 17th August 2026, India launched it’s first-ever Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs) at UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

  • The guide highlights the ecological and livelihood value of ecosystems beyond forests.

What are Open Natural Ecosystems?

  • Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs) are natural landscapes where trees are not the dominant vegetation.
  • Examples: Grasslands, savannas, deserts, scrublands, ravines and rocky plateaus.
  • Indian Range: They extend from Himalayan grasslands to the Thar Desert and Deccan savannas.

Why is the Guide Important?

The guide challenges the idea that land without trees is automatically “wasteland.”

  • Biodiversity: Many ONEs support species found nowhere else. ....
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