{"id":55845,"date":"2026-08-18T20:39:48","date_gmt":"2026-08-18T15:09:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/?p=55845"},"modified":"2026-08-18T20:39:50","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T15:09:50","slug":"india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"India Grasslands Open Ecosystems Guide: Key Facts for Government Exams"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#India_grasslands_open_ecosystems_guide_launched_at_UNCCD_COP17_highlights_biodiversity_pastoralism_carbon_sequestration_land_restoration_and_conservation\" >India grasslands open ecosystems guide launched at UNCCD COP17 highlights biodiversity, pastoralism, carbon sequestration, land restoration and conservation.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#India_Introduces_a_Landmark_Guide_for_Grasslands_and_Open_Natural_Ecosystems\" >India Introduces a Landmark Guide for Grasslands and Open Natural Ecosystems<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#Significance_of_Grasslands_and_Open_Natural_Ecosystems\" >Significance of Grasslands and Open Natural Ecosystems<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#Guide_Highlights_Indias_Diverse_Open_Ecosystems\" >Guide Highlights India\u2019s Diverse Open Ecosystems<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#Focus_on_Biodiversity_and_Ecological_Functions\" >Focus on Biodiversity and Ecological Functions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#Importance_for_Pastoral_Communities_and_Livelihoods\" >Importance for Pastoral Communities and Livelihoods<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#Pastoralism_Fire_Ecology_and_Carbon_Sequestration_Covered\" >Pastoralism, Fire Ecology and Carbon Sequestration Covered<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#Science-Based_Conservation_Gets_Greater_Emphasis\" >Science-Based Conservation Gets Greater Emphasis<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#Contribution_to_Land_Degradation_Neutrality\" >Contribution to Land Degradation Neutrality<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#Institutions_Behind_the_Guide\" >Institutions Behind the Guide<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#Importance_for_Government_Exam_Aspirants\" >Importance for Government Exam Aspirants<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#Indias_Broader_Conservation_Approach\" >India\u2019s Broader Conservation Approach<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#Why_This_News_Is_Important\" >Why This News Is Important<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#Recognition_of_Neglected_Ecosystems\" >Recognition of Neglected Ecosystems<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#Relevance_to_Biodiversity_Conservation\" >Relevance to Biodiversity Conservation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#Link_with_Climate_Resilience\" >Link with Climate Resilience<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#Importance_for_Livelihoods\" >Importance for Livelihoods<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#Relevance_to_Land_Degradation_Neutrality\" >Relevance to Land Degradation Neutrality<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#Historical_Context_Evolution_of_Grassland_and_Land_Conservation_in_India\" >Historical Context: Evolution of Grassland and Land Conservation in India<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#Traditional_Community-Based_Conservation\" >Traditional Community-Based Conservation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#Earlier_Focus_on_Forest_Conservation\" >Earlier Focus on Forest Conservation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#Growing_Importance_of_Land_Degradation\" >Growing Importance of Land Degradation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#Indias_Land_Degradation_Neutrality_Efforts\" >India\u2019s Land Degradation Neutrality Efforts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#UNCCD_COP17_and_Global_Environmental_Cooperation\" >UNCCD COP17 and Global Environmental Cooperation<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#Key_Takeaways_from_Indias_First_Guide_to_Grasslands_and_Open_Natural_Ecosystems\" >Key Takeaways from India\u2019s First Guide to Grasslands and Open Natural Ecosystems<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#FAQs\" >FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#1_What_is_the_Guide_to_Grasslands_and_Other_Open_Natural_Ecosystems_of_India\" >1. What is the Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems of India?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#2_When_was_Indias_first_guide_to_Grasslands_and_Open_Natural_Ecosystems_launched\" >2. When was India\u2019s first guide to Grasslands and Open Natural Ecosystems launched?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#3_Where_was_the_guide_launched\" >3. Where was the guide launched?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#4_What_are_Open_Natural_Ecosystems_ONEs\" >4. What are Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs)?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#5_Why_are_grasslands_important_for_India\" >5. Why are grasslands important for India?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#6_Which_Indian_landscapes_are_highlighted_in_the_guide\" >6. Which Indian landscapes are highlighted in the guide?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#7_Which_international_convention_is_associated_with_the_launch\" >7. Which international convention is associated with the launch?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#8_What_is_Land_Degradation_Neutrality_LDN\" >8. What is Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN)?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#9_Which_communities_are_particularly_associated_with_grasslands_and_rangelands\" >9. Which communities are particularly associated with grasslands and rangelands?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#10_What_traditional_Indian_landscapes_are_mentioned_in_relation_to_community-based_conservation\" >10. What traditional Indian landscapes are mentioned in relation to community-based conservation?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/india-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\/#Some_Important_Current_Affairs_Links\" >Some Important Current Affairs Links<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"India_grasslands_open_ecosystems_guide_launched_at_UNCCD_COP17_highlights_biodiversity_pastoralism_carbon_sequestration_land_restoration_and_conservation\"><\/span><strong>India grasslands open ecosystems guide<\/strong> launched at UNCCD COP17 highlights biodiversity, pastoralism, carbon sequestration, land restoration and conservation.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"India_Introduces_a_Landmark_Guide_for_Grasslands_and_Open_Natural_Ecosystems\"><\/span>India Introduces a Landmark Guide for Grasslands and Open Natural Ecosystems<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">India has launched its <strong>first-ever Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs) of India<\/strong>, marking an important development in the conservation of ecosystems that have traditionally received less attention than forests. The guide was unveiled on <strong>17 August 2026<\/strong> at the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the <strong>United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)<\/strong> in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Significance_of_Grasslands_and_Open_Natural_Ecosystems\"><\/span>Significance of Grasslands and Open Natural Ecosystems<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Grasslands and other naturally open ecosystems are important components of India&#8217;s ecological landscape. They include grasslands, savannas, scrublands, deserts, ravines, rocky plateaus and several other landscapes with limited tree cover. These ecosystems support biodiversity, contribute to soil and water processes, store carbon in their soils and provide livelihoods to pastoral, livestock-dependent and agricultural communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Guide_Highlights_Indias_Diverse_Open_Ecosystems\"><\/span>Guide Highlights India\u2019s Diverse Open Ecosystems<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The new guide brings together information about the geographical distribution, ecological characteristics, biodiversity and human communities associated with India&#8217;s open natural ecosystems. It covers diverse landscapes ranging from the <strong>Himalayan and Terai grasslands to the Thar and Banni landscapes, Deccan savannas, rocky plateaus, ravines, scrublands, coastal ecosystems and deserts<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Focus_on_Biodiversity_and_Ecological_Functions\"><\/span>Focus on Biodiversity and Ecological Functions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the major objectives of the guide is to improve recognition of the ecological value of open ecosystems. These landscapes are not simply areas where trees are absent. They can support specialised species and ecological processes that are adapted to particular climatic and geographical conditions. The guide therefore promotes a broader understanding of conservation that includes both forested and naturally open landscapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Importance_for_Pastoral_Communities_and_Livelihoods\"><\/span>Importance for Pastoral Communities and Livelihoods<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Grasslands and rangelands are closely connected with the livelihoods of pastoral and livestock-dependent communities. Traditional systems such as <strong>Oran and gauchar landscapes<\/strong> demonstrate how communities have historically managed grazing resources and maintained connections between land, livestock and livelihoods. The new approach places community participation and people-centred rangeland governance alongside scientific conservation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pastoralism_Fire_Ecology_and_Carbon_Sequestration_Covered\"><\/span>Pastoralism, Fire Ecology and Carbon Sequestration Covered<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The guide contains thematic sections on <strong>pastoralism, fire ecology and carbon sequestration<\/strong>. These subjects are important for understanding how open ecosystems function and how human activities interact with them. In particular, carbon stored in soils makes grasslands and other open ecosystems relevant to climate-change mitigation and resilience strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Science-Based_Conservation_Gets_Greater_Emphasis\"><\/span>Science-Based Conservation Gets Greater Emphasis<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister <strong>Bhupender Yadav<\/strong> emphasised that grasslands, scrublands and ravines should not be judged merely by their lack of trees. He stressed the need for science-based conservation of open natural ecosystems alongside forests and highlighted their importance for biodiversity, livelihoods and climate resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Contribution_to_Land_Degradation_Neutrality\"><\/span>Contribution to Land Degradation Neutrality<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The launch is also connected with India&#8217;s efforts towards <strong>Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN)<\/strong>. Discussions at the COP17 side event highlighted the importance of stronger scientific knowledge, improved land-degradation assessment and landscape-level planning for effective restoration. Bringing open ecosystems into land-restoration policies can help ensure that conservation efforts are suited to the ecological characteristics of each landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Institutions_Behind_the_Guide\"><\/span>Institutions Behind the Guide<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The launch was conducted under the guidance of the <strong>Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)<\/strong>. The publication and event were organised by the <strong>Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE)<\/strong> in collaboration with the <strong>International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Land Management, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), and Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Importance_for_Government_Exam_Aspirants\"><\/span>Importance for Government Exam Aspirants<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For government exam candidates, this development is important from the perspective of <strong>environment and ecology, biodiversity, climate change, land degradation, sustainable development and international environmental conventions<\/strong>. Questions can potentially focus on the UNCCD, COP17, Open Natural Ecosystems, Land Degradation Neutrality, grassland conservation and the institutions involved in preparing the guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Indias_Broader_Conservation_Approach\"><\/span>India\u2019s Broader Conservation Approach<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The initiative represents a shift towards a more landscape-based approach to environmental conservation. Instead of concentrating exclusively on forests, it recognises grasslands, rangelands, deserts, savannas and other open ecosystems as important ecological assets. The guide is expected to support policymakers, researchers, conservation practitioners, development agencies and local communities in planning conservation and restoration activities.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\" id=\"India-grasslands-open-ecosystems-guide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com\/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQV4vqRs998Cn_cMpz5yce8mIPPym9oJiMbhnl5-aegbQ&amp;s=10\" alt=\"India grasslands open ecosystems guide\" title=\"India grasslands open ecosystems guide\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">India grasslands open ecosystems guide<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_This_News_Is_Important\"><\/span>Why This News Is Important<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recognition_of_Neglected_Ecosystems\"><\/span>Recognition of Neglected Ecosystems<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The launch of India&#8217;s first guide to grasslands and other open natural ecosystems is significant because it gives greater scientific and policy recognition to landscapes that have often been overlooked because of their limited tree cover. For environmental governance, recognising the ecological value of naturally open landscapes is essential for designing appropriate conservation strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Relevance_to_Biodiversity_Conservation\"><\/span>Relevance to Biodiversity Conservation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Open ecosystems support distinctive biodiversity and provide habitats for species adapted to grassland, savanna, desert and scrub environments. Their conservation is therefore important for maintaining India&#8217;s overall ecological diversity. The guide provides a consolidated knowledge base on these ecosystems and their associated biodiversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Link_with_Climate_Resilience\"><\/span>Link with Climate Resilience<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Grasslands and other open ecosystems can contribute to climate resilience through ecosystem functions and carbon storage in soils. Their restoration and sustainable management can therefore complement broader climate and land-management objectives. The guide&#8217;s focus on carbon sequestration makes it particularly relevant to climate-change studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Importance_for_Livelihoods\"><\/span>Importance for Livelihoods<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many communities depend on grasslands and rangelands for livestock grazing and other livelihood activities. The guide&#8217;s emphasis on pastoralism and people-centred governance highlights the connection between environmental conservation and rural livelihoods. This makes the initiative relevant not only to ecology but also to rural development and sustainable resource management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Relevance_to_Land_Degradation_Neutrality\"><\/span>Relevance to Land Degradation Neutrality<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The initiative is directly connected with efforts to address land degradation and achieve Land Degradation Neutrality. Discussions at the launch stressed improved scientific assessment and landscape-level restoration. For competitive examinations, this connects national environmental policy with international efforts under the UNCCD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Historical_Context_Evolution_of_Grassland_and_Land_Conservation_in_India\"><\/span>Historical Context: Evolution of Grassland and Land Conservation in India<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Traditional_Community-Based_Conservation\"><\/span>Traditional Community-Based Conservation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Long before modern conservation policies, communities across India developed traditional systems for managing grazing lands and common resources. <strong>Oran and gauchar landscapes<\/strong> are examples of community-associated open areas where land, livestock and local livelihoods have been closely interconnected. Such traditional systems demonstrate that conservation of open ecosystems has both ecological and cultural dimensions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Earlier_Focus_on_Forest_Conservation\"><\/span>Earlier Focus on Forest Conservation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">India&#8217;s conservation discourse has historically placed substantial emphasis on forests because of their importance for biodiversity, watershed protection and climate regulation. However, a forest-centric approach can overlook naturally treeless ecosystems whose ecological functions are different from those of forests. The new guide seeks to strengthen recognition of these ecosystems as distinct conservation priorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Growing_Importance_of_Land_Degradation\"><\/span>Growing Importance of Land Degradation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Land degradation has emerged as a major environmental and development challenge because declining land quality can affect biodiversity, agricultural productivity, water systems and rural livelihoods. The <strong>UNCCD<\/strong> provides an international framework for addressing desertification, land degradation and drought. India&#8217;s emphasis on open ecosystems fits within this wider agenda of sustainable land management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Indias_Land_Degradation_Neutrality_Efforts\"><\/span>India\u2019s Land Degradation Neutrality Efforts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Restoration of degraded land and sustainable management of natural resources are important components of India&#8217;s environmental commitments. The discussions surrounding the new guide highlighted the role that restoration of grasslands and other open ecosystems can play in India&#8217;s <strong>Land Degradation Neutrality targets<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UNCCD_COP17_and_Global_Environmental_Cooperation\"><\/span>UNCCD COP17 and Global Environmental Cooperation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The guide was launched during <strong>UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia<\/strong>, placing India&#8217;s grasslands and open ecosystems within an international discussion on land restoration and sustainable land management. The launch provides India with an opportunity to highlight the country&#8217;s ecological diversity and strengthen the representation of rangelands and open ecosystems in global environmental discussions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Takeaways_from_Indias_First_Guide_to_Grasslands_and_Open_Natural_Ecosystems\"><\/span>Key Takeaways from India\u2019s First Guide to Grasslands and Open Natural Ecosystems<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th>S. No.<\/th><th>Key Takeaway<\/th><\/tr><tr><td>1<\/td><td><strong>First-ever guide:<\/strong> India launched its first-ever Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs) of India on <strong>17 August 2026<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2<\/td><td><strong>Launch venue:<\/strong> The guide was launched at <strong>UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3<\/td><td><strong>Key ecosystems covered:<\/strong> The guide covers Himalayan and Terai grasslands, Thar and Banni landscapes, Deccan savannas, rocky plateaus, ravines, scrublands, coastal ecosystems and deserts.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>4<\/td><td><strong>Major themes:<\/strong> The guide addresses <strong>pastoralism, fire ecology, carbon sequestration, biodiversity and land restoration<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>5<\/td><td><strong>Policy significance:<\/strong> The initiative supports science-based conservation, sustainable land management and India&#8217;s efforts towards <strong>Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN)<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">India grasslands open ecosystems guide<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span>FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_What_is_the_Guide_to_Grasslands_and_Other_Open_Natural_Ecosystems_of_India\"><\/span>1. What is the Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems of India?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is India\u2019s first comprehensive guide dedicated to understanding and documenting grasslands and other naturally open ecosystems, including their ecology, biodiversity, geographical distribution, livelihoods and conservation significance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_When_was_Indias_first_guide_to_Grasslands_and_Open_Natural_Ecosystems_launched\"><\/span>2. When was India\u2019s first guide to Grasslands and Open Natural Ecosystems launched?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The guide was launched on <strong>17 August 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Where_was_the_guide_launched\"><\/span>3. Where was the guide launched?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was launched during the <strong>17th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)<\/strong> in <strong>Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_What_are_Open_Natural_Ecosystems_ONEs\"><\/span>4. What are Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs)?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Open Natural Ecosystems are naturally occurring landscapes characterised by relatively low tree cover. They include grasslands, savannas, scrublands, deserts, rocky plateaus, ravines and other naturally open landscapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Why_are_grasslands_important_for_India\"><\/span>5. Why are grasslands important for India?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Grasslands support biodiversity, provide grazing resources, contribute to soil and water processes, store carbon in soils and support the livelihoods of pastoral and livestock-dependent communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Which_Indian_landscapes_are_highlighted_in_the_guide\"><\/span>6. Which Indian landscapes are highlighted in the guide?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The guide covers diverse landscapes such as <strong>Himalayan and Terai grasslands, Thar and Banni landscapes, Deccan savannas, rocky plateaus, ravines, scrublands, coastal ecosystems and deserts<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Which_international_convention_is_associated_with_the_launch\"><\/span>7. Which international convention is associated with the launch?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The launch was associated with the <strong>United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_What_is_Land_Degradation_Neutrality_LDN\"><\/span>8. What is Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN)?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Land Degradation Neutrality is an approach aimed at maintaining or improving the condition of land resources so that the amount and quality of productive land resources remain stable or improve over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Which_communities_are_particularly_associated_with_grasslands_and_rangelands\"><\/span>9. Which communities are particularly associated with grasslands and rangelands?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pastoral and livestock-dependent communities<\/strong> have strong economic and cultural links with grasslands and rangelands through livestock grazing and traditional land-management practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_What_traditional_Indian_landscapes_are_mentioned_in_relation_to_community-based_conservation\"><\/span>10. What traditional Indian landscapes are mentioned in relation to community-based conservation?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Oran and gauchar landscapes<\/strong> are important examples of traditional community-associated open landscapes and grazing areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Some_Important_Current_Affairs_Links\"><\/span>Some Important Current Affairs Links<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--1\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/category\/national\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">State Current Affairs<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--2\"><a 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India Introduces a Landmark Guide for Grasslands and Open Natural Ecosystems India has launched its first-ever Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs) of India, marking an important development in the conservation of ecosystems that&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":55891,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10,153],"tags":[262,316,183,39400,39402,39401,39403],"class_list":["post-55845","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-national","category-miscellaneous","tag-biodiversity","tag-climate-change","tag-environmental-conservation","tag-grasslands-in-india","tag-land-degradation-neutrality","tag-open-natural-ecosystems","tag-unccd-cop17"],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55845","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=55845"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55845\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":55892,"href":"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55845\/revisions\/55892"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/55891"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=55845"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=55845"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=55845"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}