India’s Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve Joins UNESCO Global Network

The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh has been inducted into the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, marking a significant recognition of India’s biodiversity and sustainable development efforts. The announcement was made at the World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in Hangzhou, China.

About the Reserve

Spanning nearly 7,770 sq km in the Western Himalayas, the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve is characterised by rugged terrain, alpine meadows, and unique high-altitude ecosystems. It harbours rare wildlife such as the snow leopard and Himalayan ibex, and is home to about 12,000 residents.

Conservation History

• First declared a National Biosphere Reserve in 2009, the Cold Desert has now become India’s 13th site in UNESCO’s global network.
• The reserve encompasses important protected areas including Pin Valley National Park and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary.

UNESCO’s MAB Programme

The induction comes under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, which promotes biodiversity conservation, scientific research, and sustainable development by strengthening the relationship between people and their natural environments.

India’s 13 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves

With this recognition, India now has 13 biosphere reserves in the UNESCO network:

1. Khangchendzonga (Sikkim)
2. Pachmarhi (Madhya Pradesh)
3. Nanda Devi (Uttarakhand)
4. Nilgiri (Kerala & Tamil Nadu)
5. Achanakmar-Amarkantak (Chhattisgarh & Madhya Pradesh)
6. Nokrek (Meghalaya)
7. Panna (Madhya Pradesh)
8. Similipal (Odisha)
9. Sunderban (West Bengal)
10. Gulf of Mannar (Tamil Nadu)
11. Agasthyamala (Kerala & Tamil Nadu)
12. Great Nicobar (Nicobar Islands)
13. Cold Desert (Himachal Pradesh)

(Source: PIB)