India launches first-ever guide to grasslands and open natural ecosystems at UNCCD COP17
India on 17 August 2026 launched its first-ever Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs) of India at UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Summary
India launched its first-ever Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs) of India on 17 August 2026 at the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The guide covers India's grasslands, savannas, deserts and other open natural ecosystems and aims to support their conservation, restoration and sustainable management. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said in a video message that grasslands, scrublands and ravines have too long been judged by the absence of trees and need science-based conservation alongside forests. The guide was launched at an official COP17 side event organised by the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) with IUCN, CoE-SLM, ICFRE and ISRO's Space Applications Centre.
Key facts
- Launched
- 17 August 2026
- Venue
- UNCCD COP17, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
- Covers
- Grasslands, savannas, deserts and other open natural ecosystems
- Organiser
- ATREE, with IUCN, CoE-SLM, ICFRE and SAC-ISRO
- Ministry
- MoEF&CC (Bhupender Yadav)
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Where did India launch its first-ever Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems on 17 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar
The guide was launched at the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UNCCD in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Which institution organised the publication of India's Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems and its launch event at UNCCD COP17?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE)
The publication and the side event were organised by ATREE in collaboration with IUCN, CoE-SLM, ICFRE and ISRO's Space Applications Centre, under MoEF&CC guidance.