SciencePhoto: Deccan HeraldIndia Urged to Protect Open Natural Ecosystems Beyond Forests
India has traditionally measured ecological progress by forest and tree cover, aiming for one-third coverage as per the 1988 National Forest Policy. However, open ecosystems like grasslands, savannahs, and deserts are vital for biodiversity, livelihoods, and culture. Many such areas are wrongly seen as wastelands. India launched its first Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems on August 17 at the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, aiming to better map and protect these ecosystems.
Deccan Herald·


