{"id":29670,"date":"2026-09-10T17:43:24","date_gmt":"2026-09-10T12:13:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/?p=29670"},"modified":"2026-09-10T17:43:24","modified_gmt":"2026-09-10T12:13:24","slug":"biosphere-reserves-in-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/biosphere-reserves-in-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Biosphere Reserves in India, Criteria, List, Importance"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Biosphere Reserves in India represent an integrated approach to conserving biodiversity while addressing the developmental needs of local communities. India\u2019s Biosphere Reserve Programme seeks to protect representative ecosystems, genetic resources and ecological processes while promoting sustainable livelihoods, scientific research, environmental education and community participation. India currently has 18 notified Biosphere Reserves, covering approximately 91,425 sq km, of which 13 are included in UNESCO\u2019s World Network of Biosphere Reserves.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Biosphere Reserves in India encompass diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, deserts, wetlands, coastal areas and islands. Their zonation into core, buffer and transition areas enables conservation to coexist with research, education and sustainable resource use, making Biosphere Reserves in India an important instrument of landscape-level conservation and sustainable development.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Biosphere Reserves in India Overview<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">India's Biosphere Reserve Programme was developed to complement the protected-area network by conserving representative ecosystems while integrating sustainable livelihoods, research, education and local participation.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Indian National Man and Biosphere (MAB) Committee began identifying potential sites in 1979, while the establishment of Biosphere Reserves was approved in 1983.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">India's national Biosphere Reserve Programme was subsequently launched in 1986, broadly following UNESCO's MAB guidelines. The programme seeks to:<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Conserve representative ecosystems and biological diversity.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Protect genetic resources and ecological processes.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Promote sustainable economic and human development.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Encourage participation of local communities.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Integrate scientific research with traditional knowledge.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Support environmental education and training.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">India currently has 18 notified Biosphere Reserves covering about 91,425 sq km. Following the addition of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve to UNESCO's World Network in September 2025, 13 Biosphere Reserves in India are internationally recognised under UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme provides the international framework through which Biosphere Reserves demonstrate conservation, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/sustainable-development\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>sustainable development<\/strong><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, research and cooperation between people and ecosystems.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The MAB Programme was launched by <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/unesco\/\" target=\"_blank\">UNESCO<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in 1970 as a broad ecological programme linking natural and social sciences with conservation and sustainable resource management.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The term \"Biosphere Reserve\" was introduced within the MAB framework in 1971, while the World Network of Biosphere Reserves was formally launched in 1976. The MAB Programme focuses on:<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Understanding interactions between humans and ecosystems.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Conserving biological and cultural diversity.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Promoting sustainable development.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Supporting research, monitoring and environmental education.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sharing knowledge and best practices internationally.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Improving human well-being while maintaining ecological integrity.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) is therefore different from India's national Biosphere Reserve system \u2013 a site can be a nationally designated Biosphere Reserve without being part of UNESCO's WNBR.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Biosphere Reserves in India Declaration Criteria<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The criteria for Biosphere Reserve designation emphasise ecological representation, biodiversity significance, sustainable development potential, appropriate zonation and meaningful participation of communities and institutions.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Under UNESCO's Statutory Framework, an area considered for Biosphere Reserve designation should generally:<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Represent a mosaic of ecological systems characteristic of major biogeographical regions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Have substantial significance for biodiversity conservation.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Provide opportunities to demonstrate sustainable development at a regional scale.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Have an adequate size and appropriate zonation to perform the three Biosphere Reserve functions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Contain a legally constituted core area dedicated to long-term protection.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Have a clearly identified buffer zone adjoining or surrounding the core.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Include an outer transition area where sustainable resource-use practices can be promoted.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Provide mechanisms for participation by government authorities, local communities and other stakeholders.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Have arrangements for management, research, monitoring, education and training<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Biosphere Reserves in India Zonation<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The zonation system of Biosphere Reserves in India enables reserves to combine strict biodiversity protection with compatible economic activities, research and sustainable resource use across interconnected ecological and social landscapes.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Core Zone:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The core zone is the most strictly protected part of a biosphere reserve. It is intended for long-term conservation of ecosystems, species and genetic diversity, with activities generally restricted to those compatible with conservation, such as monitoring and non-destructive research.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Buffer Zone<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The buffer zone surrounds or adjoins the core area. Activities compatible with conservation can be undertaken here, including research, environmental education, ecological restoration, recreation and sustainable resource use.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Transition Zone<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The transition zone is the outer area where communities and other stakeholders work towards sustainable management of natural resources and socio-economic development. Agriculture, settlements and other sustainable economic activities may occur here.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Biosphere Reserves in India Map<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-29683 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/09\/09170229\/Biosphere-Reserves-in-India.png\" alt=\"Biosphere Reserves in India\" width=\"775\" height=\"548\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/09\/09170229\/Biosphere-Reserves-in-India.png 1491w, https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/09\/09170229\/Biosphere-Reserves-in-India-768x543.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 775px) 100vw, 775px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Biosphere Reserves in India List<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are 18 Biosphere Reserves in India which are spread across diverse mountain, forest, desert, coastal, island and wetland ecosystems, collectively covering approximately 91,425 sq km.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">1. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Year of designation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 1986<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>State\/UT:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Key specification:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> India's first Biosphere Reserve; Western Ghats landscape.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Hills\/Landforms:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Nilgiri Hills, Wayanad Hills and Siruvani Hills<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>River system:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Bhavani, Moyar, Kabini, etc.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>National Parks in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve:<\/b>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bandipur National Park<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nagarhole National Park<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mudumalai National Park<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mukurthi National Park<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Silent Valley National Park<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tiger Reserves in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve:<\/b>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bandipur Tiger Reserve<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nagarhole Tiger Reserve<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mudumalai Tiger Reserve<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Important Species:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque, Royal Bengal Tiger<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2. Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Year of designation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 1988<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>State\/UT:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Uttarakhand<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Key specification:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> High-altitude Himalayan ecosystem; includes Nanda Devi landscape and Valley of Flowers.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Hills\/Landforms:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Nanda Devi Massif, Garhwal Himalayas<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>River system:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Rishi Ganga, Dhauli Ganga and Alaknanda system<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>National Parks in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve:<\/b>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nanda Devi National Park<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Valley of Flowers National Park<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tiger Reserves in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> None<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Important Species:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Snow Leopard, Himalayan Musk Deer<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">3. Nokrek Biosphere Reserve<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Year of designation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 1988<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>State\/UT:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Meghalaya<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Key specification:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Garo Hills ecosystem; important centre of endemic biodiversity.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Hills\/Landforms:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Garo Hills, including Nokrek Peak<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>River system:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Simsang, Ganol and related Garo Hills rivers<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>National Parks in the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nokrek National Park<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tiger Reserves in the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> None<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Important Species:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Red Panda, Hoolock Gibbon, Asian Elephant<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">4. Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Year of designation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 1989<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>State\/UT:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Andaman and Nicobar Islands<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Key specification:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Tropical island ecosystem with exceptional terrestrial, coastal and marine biodiversity.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Hills\/Landforms:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Mount Thullier and central hill ranges of Great Nicobar<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>River system:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Galathea River, Alexandra River and other short island streams<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>National Parks in the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve:<\/b>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Campbell Bay National Park<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Galathea National Park<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tiger Reserves in the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> None<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Important Species:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Nicobar Megapode, Dugong, Saltwater Crocodile<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">5. Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Year of designation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 1989<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>State\/UT:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Tamil Nadu<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Key specification: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It is India\u2019s first marine Biosphere Reserve with rich coral, seagrass and coastal ecosystems<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Hills\/Landforms:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Coastal plains, islands, coral reefs and sand formations<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>River system:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Coastal waters influenced by rivers including Vaigai and Tamiraparani<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>National Parks in the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tiger Reserves in the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> None<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Important Species:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Dugong, Olive Ridley Turtle<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">6. Manas Biosphere Reserve<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Year of designation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 1989<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>State\/UT:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Assam<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Key specification:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Eastern Himalayan foothill ecosystem; important riverine grassland and forest landscape.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Hills\/Landforms:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Himalayan foothills and Bhabar-Terai landscape<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>River system:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Manas, Beki, Hakua and related Brahmaputra tributaries<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>National Parks in the Manas Biosphere Reserve: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Manas National Park<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tiger Reserves in the Manas Biosphere Reserve: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Manas Tiger Reserve<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Important Species:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Royal Bengal Tiger, Golden Langur, Pygmy Hog, Wild Water Buffalo<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">7. Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Year of designation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 1989<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>State\/UT:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> West Bengal<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Key specification:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> World's largest contiguous mangrove ecosystem; deltaic landscape.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Hills\/Landforms:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Tidal islands, mudflats, mangrove forests and deltaic plains<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>River system:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta; major distributaries include Matla, Raimangal and Gosaba<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>National Parks in the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sundarbans National Park<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tiger Reserves in the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sundarbans Tiger Reserve<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Important Species:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Royal Bengal Tiger<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">8. Similipal Biosphere Reserve<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Year of designation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 1994<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>State\/UT:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Odisha<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Key specification:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Major Eastern Ghats forest ecosystem with high floral and faunal diversity.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Hills\/Landforms:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Similipal Hills and Eastern Ghats highlands<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>River system:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Budhabalanga, Khairi and Salandi river systems<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>National Parks in the Similipal Biosphere Reserve: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Similipal National Park<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tiger Reserves in the Similipal Biosphere Reserve: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Similipal Tiger Reserve<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Important Species:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Gaur (Indian Bison)<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">9. Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Year of designation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 1997<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>State\/UT:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Assam<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Key specification:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Wetland, riverine and forest ecosystem in the Brahmaputra floodplain<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Hills\/Landforms:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Predominantly low-lying floodplains and river islands<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>River system:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Brahmaputra, Dibru and Lohit river systems<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>National Parks in the Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dibru-Saikhowa National Park<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tiger Reserves in the Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> None<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Important Species:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> White-winged Wood Duck, Gangetic River Dolphin, Feral Horse<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">10. Dehang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Year of designation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 1998<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>State\/UT:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Arunachal Pradesh<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Key specification:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Eastern Himalayan high-altitude ecosystem with exceptional mountainous biodiversity.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Hills\/Landforms:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Eastern Himalayas, Mishmi Hills and high mountain valleys<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>River system:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Siang and Dibang river systems<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>National Parks in the Dehang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Mouling National Park<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tiger Reserves in the Dehang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> None<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Important Species:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Mishmi Takin, Red Panda, Musk Deer<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">11. Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Year of designation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 1999<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>State\/UT:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Madhya Pradesh<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Key specification:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Satpura landscape; important central Indian forest ecosystem.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Hills\/Landforms:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Satpura Range and Pachmarhi Hills<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>River system:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Tawa, Denwa and Sonbhadra river systems<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>National Parks in the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Satpura National Park<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tiger Reserves in the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Satpura Tiger Reserve<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Important Species:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Royal Bengal Tiger, Gaur (Indian bison), Indian Giant Squirrel<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">12. Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Year of designation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 2000<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>State\/UT:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Sikkim<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Key specification:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> High-altitude Himalayan ecosystem centred around Mount Khangchendzonga.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Hills\/Landforms:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Khangchendzonga massif and Eastern Himalayan mountains<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>River system:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Teesta and Rangeet river systems<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>National Parks in the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Khangchendzonga National Park<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tiger Reserves in the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> None<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Important Species:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Musk Deer<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">13. Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Year of designation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 2001<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>State\/UT:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Kerala, Tamil Nadu<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Key specification:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Southern Western Ghats ecosystem with exceptional plant diversity and high endemism.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Hills\/Landforms:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Agasthyamalai Hills and southern Western Ghats<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>River system:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Tamiraparani, Neyyar and Karamana river systems<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>National Parks in the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve:<\/b>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve does not have any formal national parks; instead, it encompasses three wildlife sanctuaries: Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary and Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tiger Reserves in the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Important Species:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque, Asian Elephant<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">14. Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Year of designation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 2005<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>State\/UT:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Key specification:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Interstate Biosphere Reserve in India; important central Indian forest and watershed landscape.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Hills\/Landforms:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Maikal Range and Amarkantak Plateau<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>River system:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Narmada, Son and Johila river systems<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>National Parks in the Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> None<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tiger Reserves in the Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Achanakmar Tiger Reserve.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Important Species:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Four-horned Antelope, Dhole, Leopard<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">15. Great Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Year of designation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 2008<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>State\/UT:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Gujarat<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Key specification:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Desert, saline wetland and arid ecosystem.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Hills\/Landforms:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Great Rann, saline flats, desert landscape and surrounding arid plains<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>River system:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Seasonal streams and drainage systems of the Kutch region<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>National Parks in the Great Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> None<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tiger Reserves in the Great Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> None<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Important Species:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Indian Wild Ass, Great Indian Bustard, Flamingo<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">16. Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Year of designation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 2009<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>State\/UT:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Himachal Pradesh<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Key specification:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> High-altitude trans-Himalayan cold desert ecosystem.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Hills\/Landforms:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Trans-Himalayan mountains, Spiti Valley and high-altitude plateaus<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>River system:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Spiti River, Pin River and Sutlej system<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>National Parks in the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pin Valley National Park<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tiger Reserves in the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> None<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Important Species:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Snow Leopard, Himalayan Ibex, Blue Sheep<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">17. Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Year of designation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 2010<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>State\/UT:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Andhra Pradesh<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Key specification:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Eastern Ghats ecosystem; famous for endemic Red Sanders forests<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Hills\/Landforms:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Seshachalam Hills and Tirumala Hills<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>River system:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Swarnamukhi and other seasonal streams<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>National Parks in the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Sri Venkateswara National Park<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tiger Reserves in the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> None<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Important Species:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Red Sanders, Golden Gecko, Slender Loris<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">18. Panna Biosphere Reserve<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Year of designation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 2011<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>State\/UT:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Madhya Pradesh<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Key specification:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Vindhyan landscape with dry deciduous forests, plateaus and riverine ecosystems.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Hills\/Landforms:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Vindhyan Range, plateaus, gorges and forested ravines<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>River system:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Ken River and its tributaries<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>National Parks in the Panna Biosphere Reserve: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Panna National Park<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tiger Reserves in the Panna Biosphere Reserve: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Panna Tiger Reserve<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Important Species:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Royal Bengal Tiger, Chinkara, Sloth Bear<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Biosphere Reserves in India Important Facts<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>First Biosphere Reserve in India<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Nilgiri, designated in 1986.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Largest Biosphere Reserve in India by area<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Great Rann of Kutch, approximately 12,454 sq km, among India's notified Biosphere Reserves in the official list.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Smallest Biosphere Reserve in India by area<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Nokrek, approximately 820 sq km.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Only high-altitude cold desert Biosphere Reserve in India<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Cold Desert, Himachal Pradesh; it covers 7,770 sq km and was added to UNESCO's WNBR in 2025.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Biosphere Reserves in India Under UNESCO MAB<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">UNESCO recognition places selected Indian Biosphere Reserves within the World Network, enabling international cooperation, knowledge exchange and recognition of their conservation and sustainable-development value. As of September 2026, 13 biosphere reserves in India are included in UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR):<\/span><\/p>\r\n<table style=\"width: 92.015%\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"width: 26.1792%\"><b>Biosphere Reserves in India<\/b><\/td>\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"width: 27.4764%\"><b>State\/UT<\/b><\/td>\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"width: 22.9953%\"><b>Year designated in India<\/b><\/td>\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"width: 30.184%\"><b>Year included in WNBR<\/b><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 26.1792%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nilgiri<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 27.4764%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.9953%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">1986<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 30.184%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2000<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 26.1792%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Gulf of Mannar<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 27.4764%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tamil Nadu<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.9953%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">1989<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 30.184%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2001<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 26.1792%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sundarbans<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 27.4764%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">West Bengal<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.9953%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">1989<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 30.184%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2001<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 26.1792%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nanda Devi<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 27.4764%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Uttarakhand<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.9953%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">1988<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 30.184%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2004<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 26.1792%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nokrek<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 27.4764%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Meghalaya<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.9953%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">1988<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 30.184%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2009<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 26.1792%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pachmarhi<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 27.4764%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Madhya Pradesh<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.9953%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">1999<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 30.184%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2009<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 26.1792%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Similipal<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 27.4764%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Odisha<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.9953%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">1994<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 30.184%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2009<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 26.1792%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Achanakmar-Amarkantak<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 27.4764%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.9953%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2005<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 30.184%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2012<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 26.1792%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Great Nicobar<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 27.4764%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.9953%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">1989<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 30.184%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2013<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 26.1792%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Agasthyamalai<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 27.4764%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tamil Nadu, Kerala<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.9953%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2001<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 30.184%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2016<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 26.1792%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Khangchendzonga<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 27.4764%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sikkim<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.9953%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2000<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 30.184%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2018<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 26.1792%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Panna<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 27.4764%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Madhya Pradesh<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.9953%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2011<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 30.184%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2020<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 26.1792%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cold Desert<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 27.4764%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Himachal Pradesh<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.9953%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2009<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 30.184%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2025<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Biosphere Reserves in India Outside UNESCO's MAB World Network<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Five of India's 18 nationally designated Biosphere Reserves currently remain outside UNESCO's World Network, although they continue to receive national recognition and conservation support. These are:<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Manas \u2013 Assam<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dibru-Saikhowa \u2013 Assam<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dehang-Dibang \u2013 Arunachal Pradesh<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Great Rann of Kutch \u2013 Gujarat<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Seshachalam \u2013 Andhra Pradesh<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Being outside the UNESCO World Network does not mean that these areas lack protection or conservation value. India's National Biosphere Reserve Programme continues to support conservation and management activities in designated reserves.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Biosphere Reserves in India Importance<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The importance of biosphere reserves in India lies in their ability to combine biodiversity protection with sustainable livelihoods, scientific research, climate resilience and community participation across large ecological landscapes.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Biodiversity Conservation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> They protect ecosystems, species and genetic diversity across representative landscapes.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Sustainable Development<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: They demonstrate ways to reconcile environmental protection with socio-economic development.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Climate Resilience:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Healthy forests, wetlands, mountains, coastal ecosystems and other habitats strengthen ecological resilience.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Livelihood Security<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Sustainable livelihood programmes can reduce communities' dependence on ecologically sensitive core areas.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Scientific Research<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Biosphere Reserves provide field settings for ecological research, monitoring and experimentation.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Environmental Education<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: They serve as platforms for awareness, training and environmental education.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Traditional Knowledge:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Their community-oriented approach allows conservation planning to incorporate local knowledge and practices.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>International Cooperation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: UNESCO's WNBR facilitates the exchange of knowledge and experiences between Biosphere Reserves around the world<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Biosphere Reserves in India Conservation Efforts<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">India's conservation strategy combines national funding, management plans, protected-area measures, scientific monitoring and community livelihood programmes to strengthen ecological protection within Biosphere Reserve landscapes.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Centrally Sponsored Scheme:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The Biosphere Reserve Division of MoEFCC administers a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for biodiversity conservation under the broader Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems (CNRE) programme.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It provides financial assistance to States for conservation and development activities. The current funding pattern is 60:40 between Centre and State, and 90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan States.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Management Action Plans<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Management Action Plans are used to translate conservation objectives into field-level programmes.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For example, Madhya Pradesh implements Management Action Plans for Pachmarhi, Panna and Achanakmar-Amarkantak, with monitoring and coordination involving state and district-level institutions<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Community-Based Livelihoods<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Conservation programmes increasingly link ecological protection with alternative livelihoods.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Examples from Madhya Pradesh include Tussar sericulture, fisheries, self-help group activities and livelihood-development programmes, designed to reduce pressure on sensitive ecosystems while improving local incomes.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Research and Environmental Education<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Nature camps, field studies, GIS-based mapping, ecological monitoring and research activities help improve understanding of Biosphere Reserve ecosystems. Such initiatives also create environmental awareness among students and local communities.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Complementary Conservation Programmes:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Biosphere Reserve conservation is complemented by wider national initiatives such as:<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Project Tiger<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Project Elephant<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Green India Mission<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">National Biodiversity Action Plan<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Eco-sensitive zones and wildlife corridors<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Biosphere Reserves in India Challenges<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Despite their integrated conservation model, biosphere reserves face pressures from habitat degradation, competing development demands, limited community participation and difficulties in coordinating multiple institutions.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Habitat Degradation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Deforestation, fragmentation, infrastructure expansion and unsustainable resource extraction can weaken ecological connectivity and affect species populations.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Development\u2013Conservation Conflict:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Roads, mining, tourism, settlements and other development activities can create conflicts with biodiversity objectives, particularly where human populations depend heavily on natural resources.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Community Participation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The success of a Biosphere Reserve depends substantially on local participation. Weak involvement of communities can reduce acceptance of conservation measures and limit the effectiveness of sustainable-development initiatives.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Institutional Coordination:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Biosphere Reserves often involve Central ministries, State Forest Departments, district administrations, research institutions, local communities and other stakeholders. Coordinating their responsibilities can be challenging.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Financial and Capacity Constraints<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Effective monitoring, research, habitat restoration and livelihood programmes require sustained financial and technical capacity.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Climate Change:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Changes in temperature, rainfall, extreme events, sea levels and ecosystem conditions can increase pressure on mountain, coastal, island and forest biosphere reserves.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tourism Pressure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Poorly managed tourism can increase waste, water demand, infrastructure pressure and disturbance to wildlife and local ecosystems.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Biosphere Reserves in India Way Forward<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">India can strengthen biosphere reserves by moving towards landscape-level governance, stronger community institutions, scientific monitoring, sustainable livelihoods and better integration of conservation with development planning.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Strengthen Community Participation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Give local communities a greater role in planning, monitoring and benefit-sharing.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Promote Sustainable Livelihoods:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Expand eco-friendly enterprises, non-timber forest products, responsible ecotourism and community-based businesses.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Improve Scientific Monitoring<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Use GIS, remote sensing, biodiversity databases and long-term ecological monitoring to track ecosystem changes.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Strengthen Landscape Connectivity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Protect wildlife corridors and ecological linkages between protected areas.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Integrate Climate Adaptation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Develop location-specific adaptation strategies for Himalayan, coastal, island, desert and forest ecosystems.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Improve Institutional Coordination:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Establish stronger coordination between Central and State agencies, research institutions and local bodies.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Promote Responsible Tourism<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Ensure carrying-capacity-based tourism planning and waste-management systems.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Biosphere Reserves in India UPSC PYQs<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Q1.<\/strong> Which of the following are in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve? <strong>(UPSC Prelims 2019)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">a) Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">b) Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Silent Valley National Park<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">c) Kaundinya, Gundla Brahmeswaram and Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Mukurthi National Park<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">d) Kawal and Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Ans: (a)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Q2.<\/strong> Consider the following pairs: <strong>(UPSC Prelims 2013)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Nokrek biosphere reserve: Garo Hills<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Logtak (Loktak) lake: Bakail Range<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Namdapha national park: Dafla Hills<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Which of the above pairs is\/are correctly matched?<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">a) 1 only<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">b) 2 and 3 only<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">c) 1, 2 and 3<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">d) None\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Ans: (a)<\/b><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Biosphere Reserves in India protect ecosystems and communities, with 18 notified reserves, including 13 recognised under UNESCO\u2019s MAB Programme. Read about their criteria, list and importance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":29754,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[38,33],"tags":[2000,40,654],"class_list":["post-29670","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-upsc-notes","category-upsc-environment-ecology-notes","tag-biosphere-reserves-in-india","tag-quest","tag-upsc-environment-and-ecology-notes"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29670","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29670"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29670\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29763,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29670\/revisions\/29763"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29754"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29670"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29670"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29670"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}