India launches grasslands, open natural ecosystems guide at Mongolia UN event
The guide lists important species dependent on India’s grasslands for survival, including the great Indian bustard and the lesser florican
The first comprehensive guide to India's grasslands and other open natural ecosystems was unveiled at the UNCCD COP17 conference in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. This guide, launched by the Union Environment Ministry, highlights the ecological importance and socio-economic significance of various grasslands, savannas, deserts, and other open habitats across the country.
The guide identifies key species such as the great Indian bustard, Bengal florican, Indian wolf, blackbuck, and sociable lapwing, whose survival is dependent on these ecosystems. It also emphasizes the need for active management and recognition of these open habitats for biodiversity conservation, livelihoods, and climate resilience.
The guide covers a range of ecosystems, including the shola-grassland mosaic in the southern Western Ghats, the Thar Desert, and the red dune landscapes of the Theri Kaadu. It was released during the Environment Working Group and Contact Group meetings held in Delhi under India's BRICS chairmanship, ahead of the 12th BRICS environment ministers' meeting.
The guide underscores the fact that these ecosystems, despite lacking trees, are crucial for biodiversity, livelihoods, and climate resilience.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
