'Healthy grasslands are indispensable': India launches first open ecosystems guide

India has launched its first-ever Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs) of India, documenting a wide range of landscapes that support wildlife, biodiversity and local communities.

The guide was released on Monday at the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

It covers diverse open ecosystems across the country, from the grasslands of central Nicobar and the red sand landscapes of Tamil Nadu’s Theri Kaadu to the Aravalli scrublands of Rajasthan, the Yamuna-Chambal ravines and rocky plateaus of the northern Western Ghats.

Guide highlights species and landscapes

The Union Environment Ministry said the publication seeks to highlight the ecological and socio-economic importance of India’s grasslands, savannas, deserts and other open habitats.

In a video message ahead of the launch, Union Environment minister Bhupender Yadav said such ecosystems had traditionally been judged by the absence of trees, despite their importance for wildlife and communities.

“Modern science reinforces the understanding of local communities that healthy grasslands are indispensable for biodiversity, livelihoods and climate resilience,” he said.

The guide identifies species dependent on these habitats, including the great Indian bustard, lesser florican, Bengal florican, Indian wolf, blackbuck and sociable lapwing.

“Their conservation is contingent on the recognition and active management of the open habitats they require,” the guide states.

It also features the shola-grassland mosaic of the southern Western Ghats, the dry plains of Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi, the Kangayam belt of western Tamil Nadu and the Theri Kaadu red dune landscapes.

The central Nicobar grasslands, described as among the country’s least-documented open ecosystem types, also find a place in the guide. The Thar Desert has been highlighted as an important habitat for both flora and fauna.

Launch coincides with BRICS environment meetings

The guide was launched as meetings of the Environment Working Group and Contact Group on Climate Change and Sustainable Development were being held in Delhi under India’s BRICS chairship.

The discussions focused on sustainable lifestyles, afforestation, forest fire management, disaster resilience, circular economy and climate change adaptation.

Environment ministry secretary Tanmay Kumar said BRICS has evolved beyond an economic grouping and now has a growing role in addressing environmental challenges.

“Our partnership has broadened in terms of relevance to sustainable development, climate resilience and adaptation, resource efficiency and circular economy, as well as environmental governance,” Kumar said.

Representatives from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa and the UAE attended Monday’s meetings.