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UNCCD CoP 17 Highlights Grassland Restoration and Drought Resilience
The UNCCD is a global agreement that helps countries protect damaged land and deal with drought.
Its 17th meeting took place in Mongolia in August 2026.
Countries discussed how to restore grasslands and support people who depend on them.
India said drought planning should focus on preparing early instead of only giving emergency help after droughts happen.
India also released its first guide to its grasslands and other open natural ecosystems.
The guide explains their plants, animals, landscapes and communities.
India asked for more international funding to restore land and build resilience.
A separate report said India restored 21.7 million hectares of degraded and deforested land between 2011 and 2020.
UNCCD CoP 17 was held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from 17 to 28 August 2026, under the theme “Restoring Land. Restoring Hope.”
India highlighted community-led rangeland restoration and urged a shift from reactive drought relief to proactive, technology-enabled resilience.
India launched its first Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems, covering their ecology, biodiversity and associated communities.
Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav called for diversified international finance for land restoration, drought resilience and sustainable land use.
India’s second Bonn Challenge report said 21.7 million hectares of degraded and deforested land were restored between 2011 and 2020.
- Who
- The 197 Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, including India, participated in the process; India was represented by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav.
- What
- The 17th Conference of Parties reviewed land restoration and drought resilience and featured India’s grasslands guide and policy proposals.
- Where
- Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, hosted UNCCD CoP 17.
- When
- The conference took place from 17 to 28 August 2026; India’s second Bonn Challenge progress report was released on 17 June 2026.
- Why
- The meeting aimed to address desertification, land degradation and drought through restoration, resilience, community participation and international cooperation.
Key facts
- UNCCD established
- 1994
- UNCCD Parties
- 197, comprising 196 country Parties and the European Union
- CoP 17 theme
- “Restoring Land. Restoring Hope.”
- India’s restored land
- 21.7 million hectares of degraded and deforested land restored between 2011 and 2020
- Bonn Challenge target
- 150 million hectares by 2020 and an additional 350 million hectares by 2030
- International observance
- June 17 is World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
- 2026 designation
- The United Nations declared 2026 the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists
Sources
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