India’s First Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems

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PRERNA FOR IAS

         Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari

         Roz ki Prelims Practice — Experts ke Saath

India’s First Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems

Current Context

India launched its first-ever Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs) of India on 17 August 2026 at UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The guide seeks to give greater policy and conservation recognition to grasslands, savannas, deserts, scrublands and other naturally open landscapes.

Background

Open Natural Ecosystems are landscapes naturally dominated by grasses, shrubs and herbs, with few or no trees. For many years, some such areas were viewed mainly as “wastelands” because they lacked dense tree cover. This approach often ignored their ecological value and sometimes encouraged inappropriate afforestation or diversion for other uses.

Salient Features

The guide documents the geographical setting, ecology, biodiversity and communities associated with India’s major ONEs. These include Himalayan and Terai grasslands, Thar and Banni landscapes, Deccan savannas, rocky plateaus, ravines, scrublands and coastal ecosystems. Such areas support species including the Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican and provide grazing resources and livelihoods for pastoral communities.

India’s Approach and Significance

India has stressed that open ecosystems require science-based conservation alongside forests. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted their importance for biodiversity, livelihoods and climate resilience. The approach marks an important shift from treating tree planting as the universal solution to land restoration.

Current Status

The guide has now been released as a reference for policymakers, researchers, conservation practitioners and local communities. Its key challenge will be translating scientific recognition into land-use planning, restoration programmes and protection from unsuitable afforestation or development.

Analytical Questions

1. Why should grasslands and other open ecosystems not be treated as “wastelands”?

They may look empty because they have few trees, but they support unique plants, animals and pastoral livelihoods. Species such as the Great Indian Bustard depend on open habitats. Calling these areas wastelands can lead to wrong land-use decisions. Their value should be judged by ecology, not tree cover alone.

2. Why can large-scale tree planting sometimes harm open natural ecosystems?

Tree planting is useful in many degraded areas, but not everywhere. Natural grasslands and savannas need open sunlight and low tree density. Planting dense trees there can change the habitat and push out grassland species. Restoration should therefore bring back the original ecosystem, not simply increase the number of trees.

3. How can conservation of grasslands support both biodiversity and local livelihoods?

Grasslands provide grazing, fodder and other resources to pastoral communities. They also support many specialised wildlife species. If local communities are involved in management, conservation and livelihoods can support each other. The aim should be regulated use, protection from damaging development and recognition of traditional grazing practices.

4. What should governments do before allowing solar parks, industries or other projects in open ecosystems?

They should first identify whether the land is genuinely degraded or naturally open. Proper ecological assessment is essential. Important wildlife habitats and grazing areas should be avoided. Projects should be located on lower-impact sites where possible. Renewable energy is necessary, but it should not create another form of ecological damage.

5. How does this guide change India’s wider approach to land restoration?

It encourages India to move from a mainly tree-centred approach to an ecosystem-based approach. Forests, grasslands, deserts and scrublands need different restoration methods. This can improve biodiversity protection and climate resilience. The real success, however, will depend on whether the guide influences actual land records, planning and government schemes.