India Launches First-Ever Guide to Grasslands and Open Natural Ecosystems

India launches a first-ever guide to grasslands and other Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs) at UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The guide covers the diversity, ecological significance, and socio-economic importance of India’s grasslands, savannas, deserts, and other open natural ecosystems.

Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems of India:

Dimension	Key Details
Coverage (Landscapes included under ONEs)	The ONEs of India comprise Himalayan and Terai grasslands, the Thar and Banni landscapes, Deccan savannas, rocky plateaus, ravines, scrublands, coastal ecosystems, and desert environments.
Conservation Approach	The guide provides for the need for science-based conservation of open natural ecosystems alongside forests.
Restoration and Targets	The guide provides for discussion on restoration of grasslands and ONEs in meeting India’s Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) targets.
Detailed Descriptions	The guide comprises details on geographical settings, ecological characteristics, biodiversity, and the communities and tribes associated with these ecosystems.