India Puts Forgotten Ecosystems in Spotlight at COP17
What Happened
India has unveiled its first-ever Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs) at the 17th Session of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP17) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The guide highlights the ecological, economic and social importance of grasslands, savannas, deserts, scrublands and other open ecosystems that are often overlooked in conservation efforts.
Key Takeaways
The guide covers ecosystems ranging from the Himalayan and Terai grasslands to the Thar Desert, Banni landscapes, Deccan savannas and coastal ecosystems, providing a roadmap for policymakers, researchers and conservationists. Bhupender Yadav emphasized that healthy grasslands are crucial for biodiversity, livelihoods and climate resilience.