Having spent years exploring a variety of ecosystems across the continent, my affinity for grasslands has grown distinctly. While not the only habitats I love, they possess a unique spirit. Housing an impressive diversity of shape and colours, their true richness is not immediately apparent, often looking at first, like a uniform yellow or golden sea.

Grasslands, nevertheless, rank among the most crucial ecosystems globally. They cover approximately 40% of the earth’s terrestrial area, providing a home for an extensive diversity of flora and fauna. In Africa, grasslands are paramount for preserving biodiversity. They serve as crucial habitats for several emblematic species like elephants, lions, zebras, and numerous antelope species reliant on extensive savannas for survival. Grasslands also play an important role in supporting the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on livestock grazing.

Additionally, grasslands are also important for climate change mitigation. They store large amounts of carbon in their soil and vegetation. When grasslands are converted to other land uses, such as agriculture or development, this carbon is released into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. Frequently, they are sacrificed for agricultural expansion and reforestation, often replaced by monodominant exotic plantations, and are highly vulnerable to invasive alien species. However, recent years have seen a growing acknowledgement of grasslands’ importance for biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation, indicating a little hope on the horizon.

Here’s a tribute to their beauty, captured in various places.