The Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems of India was launched in Ulaanbaatar on August 17, 2026, highlighting India’s grasslands, savannas, deserts, and other open ecosystems. It examines their ecological importance, biodiversity, geographical settings, and socio-economic value.
Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav called the guide an important step toward recognising India’s open natural ecosystems. He stressed that these landscapes require science-based conservation alongside forests.
The guide highlights the relationship between open ecosystems and local communities, documents the communities and tribes associated with these landscapes, and explains their importance to livelihoods.
The Environment Ministry said the publication is designed for policymakers, researchers, conservation practitioners, development agencies, and local communities.
It aims to support conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of India’s grasslands and other open natural ecosystems.
The launch also reinforces the importance of grasslands in biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. It presents scientific knowledge alongside the longstanding understanding of communities living within these ecosystems.
