The alarming disappearance of global grasslands due to drought and soil degradation is creating a crisis affecting both biodiversity and global food security.
Disappearance of grasslands: a silent threat
According to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), about 50% of the world’s grasslands are at risk of degradation, exacerbated by climate change and unsustainable land use practices.
This situation poses a serious risk to food security, affecting approximately 2 billion people who depend on these ecosystems for their livelihood and basic resources.
The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2026 highlighted the urgent need to address the loss of these biomes, essential for climate regulation and wildlife habitat.
From the African savannas to the South American prairies and the Eurasian steppes, the increasing intensity of droughts and rising temperatures are accelerating the deterioration of grasslands.
Importance of grasslands in the ecosystem
Grasslands play a crucial role in food production, supporting much of the sustenance for livestock, which represents a vital resource for approximately 70% of the food intended for global livestock.
The executive secretary of the UNCCD, Yasmine Fouad, emphasizes that restoring these ecosystems must be a priority to increase resilience to droughts and ensure the continuity of rural livelihoods.
Meanwhile, António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, in the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, highlights the relevance of traditional knowledge in the sustainable management of these territories.
In Kenya, where 80% of the country is covered by arid zones and grasslands, authorities like the Minister of Environment, Deborah Barasa, emphasize international collaboration for their restoration.
The United Nations warns of the imminent need to protect these ecosystems, not only for their ecological benefits but also as a strategic element to ensure food security and biodiversity.
The COP17 of the UNCCD, scheduled for August 2026 in Mongolia, will be a key event to discuss environmental recovery strategies in response to desertification and climate change.
