Biosphere Reserves
Why in News: On November 3, the world celebrates the International Day for Biosphere Reserves, which recognizes regions where nature and communities coexist harmoniously. In September 2025, India’s Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve (Himachal Pradesh) was added to UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR)—becoming India’s 13th UNESCO-recognized Biosphere Reserve.
About Biosphere Reserves
Biosphere Reserves (BRs) are designated regions that represent the world’s major ecosystem types—terrestrial, marine, and coastal—recognized under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.
They serve as living laboratories demonstrating how human beings and nature can coexist sustainably.
Administered under:
- UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme
- Operates under the guidance of MAB International Coordinating Council (MAB-ICC) comprising 34 Member States
Nomination:
- Proposed by national governments
- Remain under sovereign jurisdiction of the country.
Objectives of Biosphere Reserves
- Conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems
- Fostering scientific research, education, and monitoring
- Promoting sustainable development that benefits both people and nature
Zonation Structure of a Biosphere Reserve
| Zone | Function |
| Core Area | Strictly protected region for conservation of biodiversity, landscapes, species, and genetic resources. Human interference is prohibited. |
| Buffer Zone | Surrounds the core area; allows activities like ecological research, education, and monitoring compatible with conservation goals. |
| Transition Area | Outermost zone where local communities engage in sustainable agriculture, forestry, tourism, and economic activities. |
India’s Biosphere Reserves
- Total BRs in India: 18
- UNESCO-recognized BRs: 13
- Administering Body: Biosphere Reserve Division, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
- Scheme: Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for Biodiversity Conservation, under the Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems (CNRE) programme.
- Budget Allocation: Doubled from ₹5 crore (2024–25) to ₹10 crore (2025–26)
Important Facts
| Parameter | Details |
| First UNESCO-recognized BR (India) | Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve |
| Latest Recognized BR (2025) | Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve, Himachal Pradesh |
| Largest BR (Area-wise) | Great Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve, Gujarat (12,454 km²) — yet to receive UNESCO recognition |
| Total Area Covered by India’s BRs | 91,425 km² |
| Administering Ministry | MoEFCC |
| UNESCO’s MAB Launch Year | 1971 |
UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR)
- A global network of designated BRs that serve as models for balancing conservation and sustainable use.
- Promotes knowledge exchange, capacity-building, and international cooperation in ecosystem management.
India now has 18 Biosphere Reserves, 13 of which are UNESCO-recognized. With the inclusion of Himachal Pradesh’s Cold Desert BR in 2025, India continues to champion biodiversity conservation through sustainable coexistence under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme.
Source: PIB
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