Natural grasslands face severe degradation and massive land loss

Natural grasslands, which cover more than half of the Earth's surface, are facing a critical crisis. Approximately 150 million hectares have been lost, and nearly 50% of the world's grasslands are currently in a state of severe degradation.

These ecosystems support roughly 2 billion people and provide one-sixth of global food production, including 70% of livestock feed. They also play a vital role in climate mitigation by storing one-third of the planet's carbon reserves. However, threats such as urban expansion, the loss of migratory routes, and the extinction of 40% of species are endangering these habitats.

At the COP17 United Nations conference on land degradation held in Mongolia, the UN has called for increased funding to halt soil degradation and emphasized the need to prioritize the protection of communities that rely on these grasslands for their livelihoods.