India, Aug. 24 -- A new report released at UNCCD COP17 says rangelands generate an estimated $21tn-$47tn in benefits every year, but remain largely overlooked in land and climate finance.

Rangelands cover 54% of the Earth's land surface, support 500 million pastoralists and are home to a third of the world's most important biodiversity areas.

The report says restoration typically returns $4-$6 for every dollar spent, rising to as much as $36 when wider public benefits such as water supply are counted.

It calls for rangelands to be included more clearly in national climate plans, land restoration finance and drought resilience strategies.

Rangelands generate an estimated $21 trillion to $47 trillion in benefits every year, according to...