Rangeland Restoration at UNCCD COP17: Why Pastoralists and Community-Led Conservation Matter for India
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Why in News?
Rangeland restoration and the well-being of pastoralist communities emerged as a major focus at UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on 26 August 2026, which was observed as “Land and People Day.”
A high-level Ministerial Dialogue on Restoration of Rangelands and Well-being of Pastoralist Communities discussed sustainable rangeland management, land restoration, pastoral livelihoods, biodiversity, water regulation and climate resilience. UNCCD also placed strong emphasis on giving local communities a greater role in land governance and restoration.
The development is especially relevant for India because, earlier during COP17 on 17 August 2026, India launched its first-ever Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs). The guide recognises grasslands, savannas, deserts, scrublands and other open ecosystems as ecologically valuable landscapes rather than simply “wastelands.”
Together, these developments highlight an important shift in conservation thinking:
Protect land not only through forests, but also through healthy grasslands, rangelands and the communities that manage them.
What are Rangelands?
Rangelands are large natural or semi-natural landscapes where vegetation is mainly suitable for grazing animals.
They can include:
- Grasslands
- Savannas
- Shrublands
- Drylands
- Deserts
- Some wetlands
- Mountain grazing areas
Rangelands are therefore a broader category than grasslands.
According to UNCCD, rangelands cover more than half of the Earth's land surface and are among the world's largest land-use systems.
Rangelands vs Grasslands
This distinction is useful for UPSC Prelims.
| Feature | Grasslands | Rangelands |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Ecosystems dominated mainly by grasses | Broader grazing landscapes |
| Vegetation | Primarily grasses and herbs | Grass, shrubs and other vegetation |
| Includes deserts? | Generally no | Can include desert and dryland grazing areas |
| Livestock use | Often important | Major characteristic |
| Scope | Narrower | Wider |
Easy way to remember
All grasslands may function as rangelands, but all rangelands are not grasslands.
Why are Rangelands Important?
Rangelands are sometimes seen as empty or low-value lands because they do not have dense forests.
This is misleading.
They provide several important ecosystem services.
1. Livelihood Security
Rangelands support pastoral and livestock-based livelihoods.
Around 500 million people globally depend directly on pastoralism, according to UNCCD.
Pastoralists depend on rangelands for:
- Grazing
- Milk
- Meat
- Wool
- Animal transport
- Traditional livelihoods
- Local trade
2. Food Security
Pastoral systems contribute to the supply of:
- Milk
- Meat
- Wool
- Animal products
- Traditional foods
UNCCD estimates that rangelands contribute significantly to global nutrition and livestock-based food systems.
3. Biodiversity
Rangelands support many species adapted to open habitats.
In India, open ecosystems support species such as:
- Great Indian Bustard
- Blackbuck
- Chinkara
- Indian wolf
- Lesser florican
- Wild ass
Many of these species cannot survive properly in dense forests.
Therefore:
More trees do not always mean better biodiversity.
4. Carbon Storage
Rangelands can store substantial quantities of carbon, particularly in their soils.
Unlike forests, where much carbon is stored in trees, grassland ecosystems often store a larger proportion below ground.
Healthy soils therefore make rangelands important for:
- Carbon sequestration
- Climate regulation
- Soil fertility
India's new ONEs guide also highlights the role of open natural ecosystems in soil carbon storage.
5. Water Regulation
Healthy rangelands can:
- Reduce soil erosion
- Improve infiltration
- Support groundwater recharge
- Regulate surface runoff
- Protect watersheds
Degraded rangelands, by contrast, can become vulnerable to erosion and desertification.
How Large are the World's Rangelands?
UNCCD's Land and People Day material states that rangelands cover around:
54% of the Earth's terrestrial surface
Nearly 500 million pastoralists manage or depend on these landscapes, while billions more benefit through livestock and related value chains.
However, approximately:
50% of global rangelands are considered degraded
Major drivers include:
- Unsustainable land conversion
- Poorly managed grazing
- Climate change
- Infrastructure expansion
- Agricultural expansion
- Mining
- Fragmentation of pastoral routes
International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026
The year 2026 is being observed as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP 2026).
This gives COP17 special significance.
The objective is to increase global recognition of:
- Rangeland conservation
- Sustainable pastoralism
- Traditional knowledge
- Pastoral livelihoods
- Climate resilience
- Sustainable livestock systems
UNCCD COP17 is being held during IYRP 2026, creating an important opportunity to place rangelands at the centre of international environmental policy.
What Happened on 26 August at COP17?
26 August was designated Land and People Day at UNCCD COP17.
The day's programme included:
- Ministerial Dialogue on rangeland restoration
- High-level dialogue with local communities
- Special event on rangelands and pastoralists
- Discussions on pastoral mobility
- Rangeland investment
- Youth and livelihoods
- Ecosystem restoration
The underlying message was clear:
Rangelands cannot be restored effectively without involving the communities that live on and manage them.
Community-Led Restoration
A major theme of COP17 discussions is moving away from conservation designed entirely from the top.
Traditional pastoral communities often possess detailed knowledge about:
- Seasonal grazing
- Water sources
- Animal movement
- Drought cycles
- Grass regeneration
- Fire
- Local biodiversity
This knowledge can complement modern ecological science.
UNCCD's local-community dialogue on 26 August specifically sought greater recognition of pastoralists and other local communities as implementation partners, rather than merely beneficiaries of environmental policies.
Why Pastoral Mobility Matters
Pastoralism often depends on movement.
Pastoral communities may move livestock between grazing areas according to:
- Rainfall
- Season
- Water availability
- Snow conditions
- Fodder availability
This movement is sometimes wrongly treated as backward or inefficient.
In reality, in highly variable dryland ecosystems, mobility can be an adaptation strategy.
UNCCD's COP17 programme highlighted pastoral mobility as important for:
- Drought resilience
- Access to water
- Sustainable grazing
- Livelihood security
- Reducing pressure on individual grazing areas
India's New Grasslands and ONEs Guide
India had already made rangelands and open ecosystems an important part of its COP17 participation.
On 17 August 2026, India launched its first:
Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs) of India
The document covers landscapes including:
- Himalayan and Terai grasslands
- Thar Desert
- Banni grasslands
- Deccan savannas
- Rocky plateaus
- Ravines
- Scrublands
- Coastal ecosystems
- Desert landscapes
This is important because several open ecosystems were historically viewed mainly through a forestry lens.
Why Calling Grasslands “Wastelands” is a Problem
One of the most important conceptual lessons from India's COP17 initiative is that land without trees is not necessarily degraded land.
Natural grasslands and savannas may be millions of years old.
They may support:
- Specialised wildlife
- Grazing livelihoods
- Soil carbon
- Water cycles
- Pollinators
- Traditional pastoral systems
If such ecosystems are wrongly classified as wastelands, policymakers may attempt to plant dense trees on them.
That can damage the original ecosystem.
Prelims/Mains Insight
Afforestation and ecological restoration are not always the same thing.
Ecological restoration means restoring the appropriate native ecosystem.
In a natural grassland:
Restoration may mean protecting grass — not planting a forest.
Examples of Important Indian Rangelands
Banni Grasslands – Gujarat
Located in the Kutch region, Banni supports pastoral communities and livestock-based livelihoods.
It is one of India's important grassland landscapes.
Thar Desert – Rajasthan
The Thar contains desert grasslands and scrub ecosystems that support:
- Pastoralism
- Blackbuck
- Chinkara
- Great Indian Bustard
Deccan Savannas
Open grassy and scrub landscapes occur across parts of peninsular India.
These ecosystems support specialised wildlife but have often received less conservation attention than forests.
Himalayan Rangelands
High-altitude grazing landscapes support pastoral communities and livestock such as:
- Sheep
- Goats
- Yak
- Pashmina-producing goats
Important Pastoral Communities in India
Examples include:
| Community | Region |
| Raika/Rebari | Rajasthan and Gujarat |
| Maldhari | Gujarat |
| Gujjar-Bakarwal | Jammu & Kashmir |
| Changpa | Ladakh |
| Gaddi | Himachal Pradesh |
| Dhangar | Maharashtra and Deccan region |
| Toda | Nilgiri region |
These communities represent different forms of mobile, semi-mobile and livestock-based livelihoods.
Changpa and Pashmina: A Useful Example
The Changpa pastoralists of Ladakh are particularly important for UPSC.
They rear Changthangi goats, whose fine undercoat is used to produce high-quality Pashmina wool.
Their livelihoods depend on high-altitude rangelands.
Climate change, shrinking grazing areas and changing economic conditions can therefore affect both:
Pastoral livelihoods + India's Pashmina economy
Threats to India's Rangelands
1. Land Conversion
Grasslands may be converted into:
- Agricultural land
- Industrial projects
- Urban areas
- Infrastructure
2. Misclassification as Wasteland
Some ecologically valuable open landscapes have historically been classified as degraded or unused land.
This can encourage inappropriate land-use changes.
3. Inappropriate Afforestation
Tree plantations in natural open ecosystems may alter their ecological character.
4. Fragmentation
Roads, fences and infrastructure can block traditional livestock and wildlife movement.
5. Climate Change
Changing rainfall and rising temperatures can affect:
- Fodder availability
- Water
- Seasonal migration
- Livestock productivity
6. Invasive Species
Invasive vegetation can replace native grasses and reduce grazing quality.
7. Loss of Traditional Grazing Rights
Pastoral communities may lose access to common lands because of:
- Land acquisition
- Private enclosure
- Conservation restrictions
- Infrastructure development
Is Grazing Always Harmful?
No.
This is an important conceptual point.
Excessive and poorly managed grazing
can degrade land.
But:
Well-managed grazing
can be an important part of healthy rangeland ecosystems.
Some grasslands evolved in the presence of large grazing animals.
Controlled grazing can:
- Maintain open habitat
- Cycle nutrients
- Control certain vegetation
- Support grass regeneration
Therefore:
The issue is not simply grazing vs no grazing. It is sustainable grazing vs unsustainable pressure.
What is Sustainable Pastoralism?
Sustainable pastoralism involves livestock production that remains compatible with ecological limits.
It can include:
- Rotational grazing
- Seasonal movement
- Protection of water sources
- Avoidance of excessive stocking
- Restoration of native grasses
- Community management of commons
- Drought planning
Traditional pastoral systems often contain elements of these practices.
Rangelands and Drought Resilience
Rangelands are especially important in dry and semi-arid regions.
Healthy landscapes can improve:
- Soil moisture
- Vegetation recovery
- Water infiltration
- Fodder security
Pastoral mobility also allows communities to respond to highly variable rainfall.
This is why rangeland restoration and drought resilience are closely connected.
COP17 itself is focusing heavily on land restoration and drought resilience.
Rangelands and Climate Change
Rangelands face a two-way relationship with climate change.
Climate change damages rangelands
through:
- Drought
- Heat stress
- Changing rainfall
- Wildfire
- Desertification
At the same time:
Healthy rangelands can support climate action
through:
- Soil carbon storage
- Ecosystem resilience
- Sustainable livestock systems
- Watershed protection
Rangelands and Biodiversity
UNCCD's recent rangelands work notes that these landscapes contain a significant share of the world's key biodiversity areas.
Therefore, protecting them contributes not only to the UNCCD, but also to biodiversity objectives under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
Link with the Three Rio Conventions
Students should remember the three Rio Conventions:
1. UNFCCC
Climate change
2. CBD
Biodiversity
3. UNCCD
Desertification and land degradation
Rangeland restoration links all three:
Healthy rangelands
→ More soil carbon
→ Better biodiversity
→ Less land degradation
→ Greater drought resilience
What is UNCCD?
UNCCD stands for United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
It was:
- Adopted in 1994
- Entered into force in 1996
It is the major international agreement dealing with:
- Desertification
- Land degradation
- Drought
- Sustainable land management
UNCCD COP17 is being held in:
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
from:
17–28 August 2026
under the theme:
“Restoring Land. Restoring Hope.”
Why Mongolia is an Important Host
Mongolia has vast rangelands and a strong pastoral tradition.
It is also highly vulnerable to land degradation.
UNCCD states that nearly 77% of Mongolia's land is degraded, making restoration and sustainable pastoralism major national concerns.
The country's hosting of COP17 during the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists therefore has strong symbolic and practical importance.
What is Land Degradation Neutrality?
Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) broadly means maintaining or improving the amount and quality of healthy and productive land.
Its objective is:
New degradation should be avoided or reduced, while already degraded land should be restored.
LDN is linked to:
SDG Target 15.3
India's COP17 grasslands guide also highlights the potential contribution of restoring open natural ecosystems towards India's LDN objectives.
India's Wider Land Restoration Progress
India told COP17 on 24 August 2026 that it restored approximately:
21.76 million hectares of land during 2011–2020
generating an estimated 1.22 billion person-days of employment.
India has stressed that land restoration should contribute not only to ecology but also to rural livelihoods and development.
This strengthens the case for integrating rangelands into India's larger restoration strategy.
Why Community-Led Restoration Matters for India
Top-down conservation may fail if it ignores people who depend on the land.
A stronger model would involve:
Pastoralists as partners
rather than treating them automatically as ecological threats.
Traditional knowledge
combined with scientific monitoring.
Community rights
alongside conservation.
Sustainable livelihoods
rather than conservation that destroys local income sources.
Women and youth participation
because women often play important roles in livestock management and local economies.
A Better Rangeland Restoration Model
India can follow this sequence:
Map → Recognise → Protect → Restore → Sustain
Map
Scientifically identify natural grasslands, savannas and rangelands.
Recognise
Stop treating ecologically valuable open ecosystems as empty wastelands.
Protect
Prevent unnecessary conversion and fragmentation.
Restore
Use native grasses and ecosystem-specific methods.
Sustain
Support pastoral livelihoods and community-based management.
Technology Can Help
Modern technologies can strengthen rangeland management.
These include:
- Satellite imagery
- Remote sensing
- GIS
- Drones
- Soil monitoring
- Vegetation mapping
- Climate forecasting
India's new ONEs guide was prepared with involvement from institutions including the Space Applications Centre of ISRO, reflecting the importance of geospatial science in ecosystem assessment.
Why This Topic Matters for India
1. Rural Livelihoods
Millions of people depend on livestock.
Healthy grazing lands improve:
- Animal nutrition
- Milk production
- Household income
2. Biodiversity Conservation
Grassland species cannot be protected by a forest-only conservation model.
3. Climate Adaptation
Healthy rangelands improve resilience against drought and variable rainfall.
4. Food Security
Livestock products remain an important part of India's rural economy and nutrition system.
5. Land Restoration
Protecting open ecosystems can help India meet land-restoration and LDN objectives.
Major Policy Challenge: Forest Bias
Environmental conservation has traditionally given much greater attention to forests.
Forests are extremely important.
But conservation policy must also recognise:
- Grasslands
- Savannas
- Wetlands
- Deserts
- Scrublands
Each ecosystem requires a different management strategy.
Mains Insight
India needs to move from:
“Tree-centric conservation”
towards:
“Ecosystem-centric conservation.”
Way Forward
India should adopt a comprehensive rangeland policy based on the following principles:
1. Scientific Mapping
Create reliable maps of natural grasslands and open ecosystems.
2. Protect Commons
Prevent indiscriminate conversion of village grazing lands and other commons.
3. Recognise Pastoral Mobility
Traditional migration routes should be considered in land-use planning.
4. Community Participation
Pastoralists should participate in decisions about grazing, restoration and conservation.
5. Native Ecosystem Restoration
Avoid blanket tree planting in natural grasslands.
6. Control Invasive Species
Restore native grasses and ecological processes.
7. Support Livelihoods
Improve:
- Veterinary services
- Livestock markets
- Milk value chains
- Wool markets
- Insurance
8. Use Technology
Remote sensing and GIS can monitor land degradation and restoration outcomes.
★ Why This Topic is Relevant to UPSC/State PCS
GS Paper III
- Environment
- Biodiversity
- Land degradation
- Climate change
- Sustainable agriculture
- Conservation
GS Paper I
- Geography
- Indian society
- Tribal and pastoral communities
GS Paper II
- International environmental agreements
- Vulnerable sections
- Community participation
Essay
The topic can be used in essays involving:
- Environment and development
- Traditional knowledge
- Climate resilience
- Rural livelihoods
- Sustainable development
Prelims High-Yield Facts
UNCCD
- Adopted: 1994
- Entered into force: 1996
- Focus: Desertification, land degradation and drought
COP17
- Location: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
- Dates: 17–28 August 2026
- Theme: Restoring Land. Restoring Hope.
IYRP
- 2026
- International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists
Global rangelands
- About 54% of Earth's terrestrial surface
- Around 500 million pastoralists
- Nearly half considered degraded
Prelims Traps
Trap 1
Rangelands are not synonymous with grasslands.
Rangelands are a broader category.
Trap 2
Land without trees is not automatically degraded land.
Natural grasslands and savannas are valuable ecosystems.
Trap 3
Afforestation is not always ecological restoration.
Planting trees in natural grasslands can damage biodiversity.
Trap 4
Pastoral mobility can be an adaptation strategy.
It is not automatically a sign of unsustainable land use.
Trap 5
UNCCD is different from UNFCCC and CBD.
UNCCD focuses on land degradation, desertification and drought.
Related UPSC Previous Year Questions
UPSC Prelims 2016
UPSC asked about the importance of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, including its emphasis on national programmes, international partnerships and a bottom-up approach involving local people.
The correct answer recognised the importance of both international action and local participation.
Current Link
The 2026 COP17 focus on pastoralists and local communities directly reinforces this bottom-up principle.
UPSC Mains 2020 – GS Paper I
“The process of desertification does not have climate boundaries. Justify with examples.”
Current Link
Rangeland degradation shows that desertification can result from a combination of climate stress and human land-use practices rather than simply the physical expansion of deserts.
Practice MCQs
Q1. With reference to rangelands, consider the following statements:
- They may include grasslands, shrublands and deserts.
- They support pastoral livelihoods.
- All rangelands are dense forest ecosystems.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Rangelands are open landscapes used for grazing and can include grasslands, shrublands, drylands and deserts. They are not dense forests.
Extra Fact: Rangelands cover more than half of the world's terrestrial surface.
Q2. Consider the following statements about UNCCD:
- It deals with desertification, land degradation and drought.
- It was adopted in 1994.
- Its COP17 is being held in Mongolia.
Which statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
All three statements are correct.
Q3. Which of the following statements best describes ecological restoration of a natural grassland?
(a) Planting dense forests across the entire area
(b) Restoring native grasses and ecological processes
(c) Converting grassland into irrigated agriculture
(d) Completely excluding all herbivores
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Restoration should recover the native ecosystem. A natural grassland does not need to become a forest.
Q4. Which of the following are correctly matched?
- Changpa — Ladakh
- Maldhari — Gujarat
- Gujjar-Bakarwal — Jammu & Kashmir
- Raika/Rebari — Rajasthan and Gujarat
Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (d)
Q5. Consider the following statements:
- Pastoral mobility can improve drought resilience.
- All grazing is necessarily harmful to grasslands.
- Community knowledge can contribute to sustainable rangeland management.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only
Explanation: Poorly managed overgrazing can cause degradation, but appropriate grazing can remain compatible with healthy rangeland ecosystems.
Mains Practice Questions
Q1.
“India's conservation policy must move from a tree-centric approach towards an ecosystem-centric approach.” Discuss with reference to grasslands and rangelands.
Q2.
Examine the role of pastoral communities in sustainable rangeland management and climate resilience.
Q3.
Rangeland restoration is simultaneously an environmental, livelihood and food-security issue. Discuss.
Mains Answer Framework
Introduction
Define rangelands and mention their global scale and the COP17 focus.
Environmental Importance
- Biodiversity
- Carbon storage
- Soil conservation
- Water regulation
Socio-economic Importance
- Pastoral livelihoods
- Milk and livestock
- Rural economy
- Traditional knowledge
Challenges
- Misclassification
- Land conversion
- Climate change
- Fragmentation
- Loss of commons
- Invasive species
Way Forward
Scientific mapping + community rights + sustainable grazing + native restoration + technology + livelihood support
Conclusion
Rangeland conservation must recognise both ecosystems and their traditional stewards.
FAQs
What are rangelands?
Rangelands are natural or semi-natural open landscapes used largely for grazing and may include grasslands, shrublands, drylands and deserts.
Why are rangelands in news?
Rangeland restoration and pastoralist well-being were a major focus of Land and People Day at UNCCD COP17 on 26 August 2026.
Where is UNCCD COP17 being held?
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
What is special about 2026?
It is the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.
What percentage of Earth's land is covered by rangelands?
Approximately 54% of the terrestrial surface, according to UNCCD's Land and People Day material.
Are grasslands wastelands?
No. Natural grasslands are valuable ecosystems supporting biodiversity, livelihoods, soil processes and carbon storage.
What did India launch at COP17?
India launched its first Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems of India on 17 August 2026.
Why are pastoralists important?
Pastoralists possess traditional knowledge of grazing, seasonal movement, water and drought management and can serve as important partners in sustainable rangeland conservation.
Conclusion
The focus on rangelands and pastoralists at UNCCD COP17 represents an important change in global conservation thinking.
For decades, environmental policy often treated forests as the main indicator of healthy land.
COP17 and India's new guide to grasslands and open natural ecosystems show why this view is incomplete.
Grasslands, savannas, deserts and rangelands are not empty spaces waiting to be converted into forests.
They are functioning ecosystems that support:
Biodiversity + Livelihoods + Food Security + Soil Carbon + Climate Resilience
Their future will also depend heavily on the pastoral and local communities that have managed these landscapes for generations.
For India, the better conservation model is therefore:
Science + Traditional Knowledge + Community Participation + Ecosystem-Specific Restoration
The key lesson is simple:
Restoring nature does not mean making every landscape look like a forest; it means restoring the right ecosystem in the right place.
Sources
Land and People Day official page
Ministerial Dialogue official page
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