International Day for Biosphere Reserves 2026, Date and Significance

When is the International Day for Biosphere Reserves 2026?

The International Day for Biosphere Reserves is observed every year on 3 November.

• UNESCO proclaimed the International Day for Biosphere Reserves in November 2021.
• It was first celebrated globally on 3 November 2022, marking the conclusion of the 50th anniversary of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.

The day recognises the contribution of biosphere reserves to biodiversity conservation, sustainable development and the harmonious relationship between people and nature.

What are Biosphere Reserves?

Biosphere reserves are areas of terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems recognised for conserving biological and cultural diversity while promoting sustainable development.

They are described as “learning places for sustainable development” because they provide opportunities to test and demonstrate approaches that balance environmental conservation with human activities.

Their key features include:

• Biodiversity conservation: Protecting ecosystems, species and genetic diversity.
• Sustainable development: Promoting economic activities that do not undermine ecological balance.
• Community participation: Involving local and Indigenous communities in the management of natural resources.
• Research and education: Supporting scientific studies, environmental monitoring and awareness.

Biosphere reserves are nominated by national governments and remain under the sovereignty of the countries in which they are located. UNESCO recognition provides an international framework for cooperation and conservation; it does not transfer ownership or administrative control to UNESCO.

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Functions and Zonation of Biosphere Reserves

Biosphere reserves perform three interconnected functions under UNESCO’s MAB framework.

1. Conservation Function

• Protects genetic resources, species, ecosystems and landscapes.
• Conserves biodiversity and supports the maintenance of ecological processes.

2. Development Function

• Promotes sustainable economic and human development.
• Encourages activities such as responsible tourism, sustainable agriculture and the use of local resources without damaging ecosystems.
• Supports the livelihoods and well-being of local communities.

3. Logistic Support Function

• Facilitates research, environmental monitoring and education.
• Promotes training and capacity-building.
• Supports the exchange of scientific knowledge and sustainable management practices.

To perform these functions, biosphere reserves are organised into three interconnected zones:

This zonation allows biosphere reserves to combine strict conservation with activities that support local livelihoods and sustainable resource use.

UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme

The Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme is an intergovernmental scientific programme launched by UNESCO in 1971.

It aims to improve the relationship between people and their environment by combining natural and social sciences. The programme promotes scientific research, capacity-building and sustainable management of natural resources.

Its major objectives include:

• Conserving biodiversity and maintaining healthy ecosystems.
• Promoting sustainable economic and human development.
• Supporting research, monitoring and environmental education.
• Encouraging cooperation between governments, scientists, local communities and other stakeholders.

Under this programme, UNESCO recognises biosphere reserves as sites where innovative approaches to conservation and sustainable development can be developed, tested and shared.

Biosphere Reserves in India Recognised by UNESCO

India has 13 biosphere reserves included in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR), out of a total of 18 notified biosphere reserves nationwide. The latest addition was the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh, recognised in September 2025. 

The 13 UNESCO-Recognised Biosphere Reserves in India are: 

1. Nilgiri (Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka) – Recognised in 2000.
2. Gulf of Mannar (Tamil Nadu) – Recognised in 2001.
3. Sunderban (West Bengal) – Recognised in 2001.
4. Nanda Devi (Uttarakhand) – Recognised in 2004.
5. Nokrek (Meghalaya) – Recognised in 2009.
6. Pachmarhi (Madhya Pradesh) – Recognised in 2009.
7. Similipal (Odisha) – Recognised in 2009.
8. Achanakmar-Amarkantak (Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh) – Recognised in 2012.
9. Great Nicobar (Andaman and Nicobar Islands) – Recognised in 2013.
10. Agasthyamala (Kerala and Tamil Nadu) – Recognised in 2016.
11. Khangchendzonga (Sikkim) – Recognised in 2018.
12. Panna (Madhya Pradesh) – Recognised in 2020.
13. Cold Desert (Himachal Pradesh) – Recognised in 2025. 

World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR)

The World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) is a global network of sites designated under UNESCO’s MAB Programme.

It facilitates international cooperation and the exchange of knowledge, research and best practices among biosphere reserves.

• As of 2026, the network comprised 797 biosphere reserves across 145 countries.
• These reserves cover approximately 7.5 million square kilometres, representing more than 5% of the Earth’s terrestrial surface.
• Around 90% of the sites overlap with Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), highlighting their importance for global biodiversity conservation.

The network also supports regional and thematic cooperation to address shared challenges such as climate change, ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss and sustainable livelihoods.

Significance of Biosphere Reserves

Biosphere reserves are important because they connect biodiversity conservation with the needs of local communities and sustainable development.

• Conservation of biodiversity: They protect diverse ecosystems, endangered species and genetic resources.
• Climate change mitigation and adaptation: Forests, wetlands, mangroves and other ecosystems within these reserves support carbon storage, regulate water cycles and strengthen resilience to climate-related risks.
• Sustainable livelihoods: They promote nature-based livelihoods and responsible use of natural resources, reducing pressure on ecosystems.
• Scientific research: They provide sites for long-term ecological monitoring and research on interactions between human activities and natural systems.
• Protection of cultural diversity: They help preserve traditional knowledge, cultural practices and the relationship of Indigenous and local communities with their environment.
• Global environmental cooperation: Through the WNBR, they facilitate the exchange of knowledge and coordinated responses to environmental challenges.

Biosphere reserves also contribute to the objectives of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by linking ecosystem protection with inclusive and sustainable development.