World Funds $1.2 Billion for Grasslands—But Host Country Turkey Has Lost Half of Its Own

The world has made a historic financial commitment to protect grasslands, pledging $1.2 billion at the recent COP17 summit. Yet Turkey, which will host the next major climate conference (COP31), faces a stark contradiction: it has lost more than half of its pastureland. This loss comes during the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists—a global recognition of the importance of these lands. Turkey’s situation is severe, according to Dr. Hikmet Öztürk, a advisor to TEMA Foundation, a leading Turkish environmental NGO. In an interview, Dr. Öztürk assessed Turkey’s performance on grasslands, drought, and desertification. The findings are worrying. The $1.2 billion global fund aims to restore and protect rangelands, which support billions of people and livestock. These lands also store carbon and prevent soil erosion. However, Turkey’s own grasslands have been shrinking for decades. Overgrazing, land conversion for farming, and poor water management are key drivers, Dr. Öztürk explained. He warned that without urgent action, desertification will accelerate. This would threaten food security and rural livelihoods in a country already facing water stress. Turkey’s role as COP31 host now carries extra weight. Experts say the country must show leadership by reversing its own land loss—not just hosting talks. Dr. Öztürk stressed that protecting remaining pastures is not optional. It is a matter of survival for both ecosystems and communities. The global pledge offers hope. But for Turkey, the clock is ticking.