Environmental Degradation & Restoration - The Grag grasslands, vital for biodiversity, carbon storage, and supporting communities, are under increasing threat from land conversion, urbanization, overgrazing, invasive plants, and climate change [1] - Invasive plant species like Chromolaena and Mikania are choking native grasses, leading to significant degradation of the grasslands [1] - Restoration efforts are often misused, equated with simple tree planting or monoculture plantations of non-native species, which have limited benefits for biodiversity, soil, or dependent communities [1] - Effective restoration requires careful planning tailored to the specific needs of the site, thoughtful execution, and an understanding of ecosystem complexity [1] Restoration Strategies & Outcomes - A restoration project in Manas National Park, Assam, focused on bringing back native vegetation to revive the ecosystem [1] - Initial efforts involved manual removal of invasive plants, which proved to be an ecologically effective approach [2] - After the first year of removing invasive plants, native grasses were slow to return, but by the second year, signs of recovery were observed [2] - Approximately 500 hectares (1235.5 acres) of grasslands have been revived through continued efforts, leading to the return of natural vegetation and herbivores [2] Community Engagement & Data-Driven Approach - Restoration efforts were guided by data collection to quantify baselines and vegetation status, as well as the spread of invasive species [2] - Community consultations were conducted to incorporate the observations, lived experiences, and stories of people who have known the grasslands for generations, adding depth to the understanding beyond data alone [2] - Local communities and forest staff were involved in selecting the right species for planting to help the ecosystem regain its balance and accelerate natural recovery [2]