Mainstreaming Open Natural Ecosystems: A Paradigm Shift in Indian Conservation Policy

For decades, Indian conservation policy has been heavily skewed toward forest ecosystems, often misclassifying grasslands and scrublands as 'wastelands' or 'degraded forests.' This oversight has led to the systematic loss of biodiversity in Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs), which are critical habitats for endemic species like the Great Indian Bustard and the Lesser Florican. The launch of the 'Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems' at the UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar marks a significant policy correction, acknowledging these landscapes as vital ecological assets rather than unproductive land. The guide provides a science-based framework for the restoration and sustainable management of these ecosystems. By integrating socio-economic considerations, the policy recognizes that ONEs are not just biodiversity hotspots but are also essential for the livelihoods of pastoralist communities and local populations who rely on these lands for grazing and ecosystem services. The shift toward a landscape-based approach is expected to influence future land-use planning, ensuring that developmental projects do not inadvertently destroy these fragile biomes under the guise of afforestation or industrial expansion.