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Source: Bio Ninja

Context

Experts and environmentalists have expressed worry over India's continuous categorization of deserts, grasslands, and savannas as "wastelands," encouraging authorities to recognize the ecological and socio-cultural worth of these open ecosystems in order to maintain and manage them sustainably.

What are open ecosystems?

• Open ecosystems include grasslands, deserts, scrublands, savannas, and open forests, which are landscapes with little tree cover but great ecological and cultural importance.
• These locations have little vegetation due to arid conditions or seasonal rainfall patterns.
• They are different biomes with specific ecological functions, as opposed to degraded forests.

Misclassification and the Legacy of ‘Wastelands’

• India's regulatory and administrative structures have long carried colonial land-use classifications, with large expanses of open natural ecosystems designated as "wastelands."
• This word incorrectly indicates that such lands are unproductive and in need of change, usually through afforestation, agricultural conversion, or urbanization.
• Official government records classify millions of hectares of grasslands, savannas, and scrublands as wastelands.
• This mischaracterization has resulted in significant ecological damage and a reduction in ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, soil fertility, and water retention.

Why Do Deserts and Open Lands Matter?

• Deserts account for around 33% of the global land area.
• Ancient civilizations have thrived here (for example, in the Indus Valley and Mesopotamia).
• Increase climate resilience through adaptive flora and wildlife.
• India-Specific Examples:
• Thar Desert (Rajasthan): Indigenous species include the Great Indian Bustard, caracal, and desert fox.
• Banni Grasslands (Gujarat): One of Asia's largest, but currently damaged due to deforestation and alien species.

Source: The Hindu