Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs) of India

Why in News?

India has launched its first-ever Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs) of India at the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) of the UNCCD in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

About the Guide

The guide provides a comprehensive account of India’s grasslands, savannas, deserts, scrublands, ravines, rocky plateaus and other open natural ecosystems. It documents their geographical characteristics, ecological features, biodiversity and associated communities.

Major Ecosystems Covered

The guide covers diverse landscapes such as the Himalayan and Terai grasslands, Thar and Banni landscapes, Deccan savannas, Aravalli scrublands, Yamuna-Chambal ravines, Western Ghats rocky plateaus, Central Nicobar grasslands and Tamil Nadu’s Theri Kaadu.

Correcting the ‘Wasteland’ Perception

A key message of the guide is that lack of tree cover does not mean lack of ecological value. Grasslands, scrublands, ravines and other ONEs are distinct naturally occurring ecosystems with significant ecological and socio-economic importance.

Ecological Importance

ONEs support rich biodiversity and contribute to soil and water processes, carbon sequestration and climate resilience. They provide important habitats for species such as the Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican, Bengal Florican, Indian Wolf and Blackbuck.

Livelihood Significance

These ecosystems support pastoral, livestock-based and agricultural communities. Traditional landscapes such as Orans and Gauchars demonstrate long-standing forms of community-based management of grazing lands.

Science-Based Restoration

The guide calls for improved scientific understanding, land-degradation assessment and landscape-level planning for the conservation and restoration of ONEs. Such approaches can also contribute to India’s Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) targets.

Institutional Collaboration

The guide was developed under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in collaboration with organisations including Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) and the IUCN.

Global Significance

The launch at UNCCD COP17 provides India an opportunity to highlight the importance of open natural ecosystems in global discussions on land restoration, rangelands and Land Degradation Neutrality.