India calls for community-led rangeland restoration at UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar
Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav called for community-led restoration of rangelands at a ministerial dialogue of UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on 26 August 2026.
Summary
Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav addressed the Ministerial Dialogue on 'Restoration of Rangelands and the Well-being of Pastoralist Communities' at the 17th Conference of Parties (COP17) of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on 26 August 2026. Bhupender Yadav said successful restoration begins with pastoralists as custodians, not merely beneficiaries, and that India's approach combines scientific planning with community participation. Bhupender Yadav cited India's Desertification and Land Degradation Atlases, around 25,000 community-protected sacred groves covering about 0.6 million hectares, and about 10 million hectares of permanent pastures and grazing lands. COP17 was held from 17 to 28 August 2026 under the theme 'Restoring Land. Restoring Hope'.
Key facts
- Event
- UNCCD COP17, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (17–28 Aug 2026)
- Theme
- Restoring Land. Restoring Hope
- India's address
- 26 Aug 2026, ministerial dialogue on rangelands
- Key message
- Pastoralists as custodians, not merely beneficiaries
- Sacred groves
- ~25,000, covering ~0.6 million ha
- Pastures
- ~10 million ha permanent pastures and grazing lands
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Which city hosted the 17th Conference of Parties (COP17) of the UNCCD in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Ulaanbaatar
UNCCD COP17 was held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from 17 to 28 August 2026.
What was the theme of UNCCD COP17 held in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Restoring Land. Restoring Hope
COP17 was held under the theme 'Restoring Land. Restoring Hope'.
Consider the following statements made by India at UNCCD COP17 on 26 August 2026: 1. India has around 25,000 community-protected sacred groves covering about 0.6 million hectares. 2. India has about 10 million hectares of permanent pastures and grazing lands. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per India's address at the ministerial dialogue.