Quick Summary
Explore UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in India, designated areas that blend ecosystems, landscapes, and communities to protect biodiversity. These reserves serve as critical sanctuaries for a wide range of flora and fauna, ensuring the preservation of rare and endangered species. Discover how they support conservation and sustainable practices, balancing human activity with environmental protection. Learn about their role in promoting ecological harmony and fostering a sustainable future for both nature and local communities.
Details | Information |
Total Biosphere Reserves in India | 18 |
UNESCO Recognized Biosphere Reserves | 12 |
Largest Biosphere Reserve (Area) | Gulf of Kachchh (12,454 km²) |
First Established Biosphere Reserve | Nilgiri (1986) |
Smallest Biosphere Reserve (Area) | Dibru-Saikhowa (765 km²) |
Biosphere reserves are divided into three main zones, each serving a specific purpose to foster the coexistence of nature and human activities. Let’s delve into these zones in simple terms.
1. Core Zone
2. Buffer Zone
3. Transition Zone
To attain the esteemed status of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in India, an area must meet stringent criteria set by UNESCO. These criteria encompass both natural and cultural dimensions, creating a comprehensive evaluation process:
Biosphere reserves are really important because they help balance taking care of nature, allowing development, and making sure we use resources wisely. This helps both the environment and the people who live there.
The World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) currently consists of 738 sites in 134 countries, including 22 transboundary sites. The distribution of these reserves across the world is as follows:
These reserves are nominated by national governments and remain under the sovereign jurisdiction of the states where they are located. They involve local communities and all interested stakeholders in planning and management.
India has many special places called biosphere reserves that care for many different plants and animals. These superhero places are like big science labs where scientists study nature. And the best part is, they don’t just help the environment – they also make sure the people who live there are happy and healthy.
There are 18 biosphere reserves in India, each with its unique ecological treasures. Here’s a list of all 18 biosphere reserves in India:
No. | Name of Biosphere Reserve | Year of Notification | Location (States) |
1 | Nilgiri | 1986 | Part of Wayanad, Nagarhole, Bandipur and Madumalai, Nilambur, Silent Valley, and Siruvani hills (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka). |
2 | Nanda Devi | 1988 | Part of Chamoli, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar districts (Uttarakhand). |
3 | Nokrek | 1988 | Part of Garo Hills (Meghalaya). |
4 | Great Nicobar | 1989 | Southernmost islands of Andaman And Nicobar (A&N Islands). |
5 | Gulf of Mannar | 1989 | The Indian part of the Gulf of Mannar is between India and Sri Lanka (Tamil Nadu). |
6 | Manas | 1989 | Part of Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, Nalbari, Kamprup, and Darang districts (Assam). |
7 | Sunderbans | 1989 | Part of the delta of the Ganges and Brahmaputra river system (West Bengal). |
8 | Simlipal | 1994 | Part of the Mayurbhanj district (Orissa). |
9 | Dibru-Saikhowa | 1997 | Part of Dibrugarh and Tinsukia Districts (Assam). |
10 | Dehang-Dibang | 1998 | Part of Siang and Dibang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh. |
11 | Pachmarhi | 1999 | Parts of Betul, Hoshangabad, and Chindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh. |
12 | Khangchendzonga | 2000 | Parts of Khangchendzonga hills and Sikkim. |
13 | Agasthyamalai | 2001 | Neyyar, Peppara, and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries and their adjoining areas in Kerala. |
14 | Achanakamar – Amarkantak | 2005 | Covers parts of the Anupur and Dindori districts of M.P. and parts of Bilaspur districts of Chhattisgarh State. |
15 | Kachchh | 2008 | Part of Kachchh, Rajkot, Surendra Nagar, and Patan Civil Districts of Gujarat State. |
16 | Cold Desert | 2009 | Pin Valley National Park and surroundings; Chandratal and Sarchu & Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh. |
17 | Seshachalam Hills | 2010 | Seshachalam Hill Ranges covers parts of the Chittoor and Kadapa districts of Andhra Pradesh. |
18 | Panna | 2011 | Part of Panna and Chhattarpur districts in Madhya Pradesh. |
There are 18 UNESCO biosphere reserves in India, 12 of which are protected. Here’s a list of all 12 Protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in India:
YEAR | NAME | STATES |
2000 | Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve | Tamil Nadu |
2001 | Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve | Tamil Nadu |
2001 | Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve | West Bengal |
2004 | Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve | Uttarakhand |
2009 | Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve | Madhya Pradesh |
2009 | Nokrek Biosphere Reserve | Meghalaya |
2009 | Simlipal Biosphere Reserve | Odisha |
2012 | Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve | Chhattisgarh |
2013 | Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve | Great Nicobar |
2016 | Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve | Kerala and Tamil Nadu |
2018 | Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve | Part of North and West Sikkim districts |
2020 | Panna Biosphere Reserve | Madhya Pradesh |
Map of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in India
Ever wondered where to find the perfect blend of conservation, cultural heritage, and breathtaking landscapes in India? Look no further than the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in India! These designated areas offer a unique opportunity to explore diverse ecosystems while supporting sustainable practices.
By using a map you can go on a journey to explore the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in India, a treasure trove of nature, culture, and sustainable practices!
UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) launched an intergovernmental scientific initiative in 1971. The Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme is like a big plan by UNESCO to make sure we take care of our planet. It’s all about finding smart ways for people and nature to live together peacefully. This program is like a bridge, connecting three important things:
So, MAB is like a team effort to make sure we have a happy, thriving planet for a long, long time.
India boasts a rich tapestry of ecosystems, protected through a multi-tiered system: National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Biosphere Reserves. Each designation offers a unique approach to conservation:
Biosphere conservation is like teamwork among special places on Earth called biosphere reserves. It’s about everyone, from scientists to regular people, working together to take care of our environment.
The integration of biosphere reserves with other protected areas, such as national parks, signifies a strategic alliance. This collaboration, rooted in a comprehensive plan, unites diverse stakeholders in a shared mission to ensure the enduring well-being of our planet’s ecosystems for the benefit of present and future generations.
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in India are a crucial topic for the UPSC exam, particularly in the Environment and Ecology section of the General Studies paper. Here’s a breakdown of key points to understand:
By understanding the significance and functionalities of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in India, you can effectively address this topic in the UPSC exam.
In recognizing the critical role of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in India, we celebrate not just protected areas but also the guardians of our planet’s natural harmony. These reserves, like stewards of an ecological legacy, shape a sustainable and biodiverse future. By fostering a delicate balance between human activities and environmental preservation, biosphere reserves exemplify the path toward coexistence.
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Along with the “UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in India” Read the related articles by visiting the above links.
As of now, there are 18 Biosphere Reserves in India.
The UNESCO-designated World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) included the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve as the 11th biosphere reserve from India.
UNESCO designated the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve as the first Biosphere Reserve in India.
UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program recently added 11 new biosphere reserves in 2023, including the Sunshine Coast Biosphere Reserve in Australia and the Doumba-Rey Biosphere Reserve in Cameroon.
The largest Biosphere reserve in India is the Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat and the smallest Biosphere Reserve in India is Dibru-Saikhowa in Assam.
Launched in 1971, UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB) is an Intergovernmental Scientific Program that aims to establish a scientific basis for the improvement of relationships between people and their environments.
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