Why is it in the news?
→ Grasslands remain underrepresented in climate plans despite the UN declaring 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.
→ COP30 discussions continued to prioritise forests over grasslands.
Category: Environment
Important Points
- The UN declared 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (FAO lead).
- Grasslands cover ~40.5% of Earth’s terrestrial area (excluding Greenland/Antarctica).
- Store nearly 15% of global terrestrial carbon.
- Support the livelihoods of ~20% of the world population.
- In India, grasslands occupy ~24% of geographical area; <1% formally protected.
- Banni Grassland (Kutch, Gujarat) is Asia’s largest grassland.
- Major regions: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, MP, Karnataka, Telangana, AP, Terai-Duar belt, Assam, WB, HP, Ladakh.
- Rangelands support over 500 million pastoralists globally.
- Misclassified as wastelands/degraded forests; governed by ~18 ministries in India.
- Lack dedicated legal framework unlike forests/wetlands.
- Calls for National Grassland Conservation Policy, DPSIR framework, national inventory, Gram Sabha consent.