Biosphere Reserves in India: List, UNESCO Recognition & Significance
Gajendra Singh Godara
Oct 6, 2025
15
mins read
A biosphere reserve is an area of terrestrial or coastal/marine ecosystems recognized under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme (launched 1971) to promote harmonious interaction between people and nature . Such reserves balance conservation with sustainable use: they conserve landscape-level biodiversity, support research/education, and foster local livelihoods. Biosphere reserves fulfill three core functions - biodiversity conservation, sustainable economic development, and logistic support for science and education.
India’s Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh was recently recognized as the country’s 13th UNESCO World Network Biosphere Reserve. Covering 7,770 sq km, it includes protected areas like Pin Valley National Park and supports rare Himalayan wildlife and traditional pastoral communities. This designation highlights India’s commitment to conserving fragile high-altitude ecosystems. The reserve serves as a model balancing biodiversity conservation with sustainable livelihoods in extreme environments.
A biosphere reserve is an internationally designated area (by UNESCO) that includes natural and cultural landscapes, enabling conservation alongside human activity . It is not just a park but a model for sustainable co-existence: local communities practice traditional livelihoods under strict ecological management.
UNESCO’s MAB programme (since 1971) has created a World Network of Biosphere Reserves (785 sites globally as of 2025 ) of which India now has 13 UNESCO-recognized sites.
To be designated, a site must meet several criteria (per UNESCO/MAB guidelines):
Representative Core Area & Ecosystem:
The core area should be a protected, minimally disturbed area of high nature conservation value, often classified as a national park or sanctuary.
This area must represent a specific bio-geographical region and possess significant genetic resources, exemplifying the native ecology and supporting diverse trophic levels.
2. Adequate Size and Ecological Integrity
The site must be large enough to sustain viable populations of native flora and fauna, covering all necessary ecological processes for long-term survival.
It should ideally contain a range of habitats, rare and endangered species, and display diversity in soils and microclimates.
3. Preservation of Traditional Lifestyles
Biosphere Reserves must allow for the conservation of traditional tribal or rural modes of living that harmonize with the environment.
Protection extends to local wildlife, culture, and customs, encouraging sustainable and harmonious use of resources.
4. Community Involvement and Knowledge Integration
Active participation of local communities is essential in the management and decision-making of Biosphere Reserves.
Integration of indigenous knowledge with scientific approaches enhances biodiversity conservation and socio-economic development, while supporting local livelihoods.
5. Conservation and Development Functions
Biosphere Reserves must facilitate the preservation of genetic resources, endemic species, unique ecosystems, and landscapes.
They are expected to balance conservation needs with the promotion of sustainable economic and human growth, strengthening the social, economic, and environmental pillars of development.
6. Logistic Support and Research Activities
The BR site should provide opportunities and infrastructure for research, environmental education, training programs, and long-term ecological monitoring.
These activities strengthen both conservation and sustainable development, benefiting science, policy, and local communities.
The Biosphere Reserve scheme was initiated by the Government of India in 1986. The scheme aligns with UNESCO's Man and Biosphere (MAB) programme, following India's commitment to the international landscape approach.
North Eastern States & Himalayan States: Receives financial assistance on a 90:10 cost-sharing basis (Centre:State).
Other States: Supported in a 60:40 ratio for maintenance, improvement, and development activities within biosphere reserves.
Management Action Plan: Each state's government prepares a management action plan for their biosphere reserves.
Approval & Monitoring: The plan is submitted to the Central MAB Committee for approval and regular monitoring.
Ministry Oversight: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is responsible for implementing, coordinating, and supervising the scheme nationally.
Crucially, each reserve is divided into three zones to balance use and protection:
Core Area: Strictly protected (no human activity allowed). It is legally safeguarded (e.g. as a sanctuary/park) and contains the most undisturbed ecosystems, serving as a genetic reservoir and wildlife refuge .
Buffer Zone: Surrounds the core. It allows limited activities (e.g. eco-tourism, research stations, education) that reinforce core protection. Traditional sustainable uses (grazing, cultivation) may occur here under management .
Transition (Cooperation) Zone: The outer area where villages, farming, and industries exist. Development here is managed for sustainability (e.g. agroforestry, ecotourism) so that human needs are met without harming the core.
Read about What are Eco-sensitive Zones ?
Aspect | National Park | Wildlife Sanctuary | Biosphere Reserve |
Legal basis | Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (WPA), notified by state/central government | Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 | Notified under UNESCO Man & Biosphere (MAB) Programme framework; managed under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 tools, state notifications, and administrative orders (no standalone “Biosphere Reserve Act”) |
Primary objective | Strict protection of ecosystems and flagship species; preserve ecological integrity | Protection of wildlife and habitats with relatively greater flexibility for local use | Conservation of biodiversity at landscape scale + sustainable development + research/education (“living laboratories”) |
Zonation | Core area (strict protection; no human activity) | No mandatory zonation; buffer ideas applied administratively | Three zones: Core (no human use), Buffer (regulated research, eco-restoration), Transition (sustainable livelihoods, eco-friendly development) |
Human activities | No grazing, no private rights; tourism permitted in notified eco-tourism zones only | Traditional activities may be regulated/allowed (e.g., controlled grazing, resource use) per management plan | Core: prohibited; Buffer: regulated activities/research; Transition: sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism, community livelihoods promoted |
Rights and settlements | Settlement of rights done before notification; post-notification rights not allowed | Rights can exist and are regulated; relocation is need-based and planned | Emphasizes coexistence in buffer/transition; integrates local communities and institutions |
Governance instrument | Statutory protection; strong enforcement via WPA | Statutory protection; flexible management through sanctuary rules | Multi-sectoral management plans; often overlap multiple PAs (NPs/WS) within one BR; national/state committees coordinate |
Species focus | Often megafauna/keystone species (e.g., tigers, rhinos) and entire ecosystems | Broad wildlife protection across taxa and habitats | Entire bioregions: flora, fauna, genetics, ecosystem services, human–nature interactions |
Research & education | Allowed with permissions; priority is protection | Allowed with permissions; more operational flexibility | Key pillar: long-term ecological monitoring, climate adaptation pilots, community-based conservation |
Examples | Kaziranga NP, Gir NP, Keoladeo NP, Jim Corbett NP | Bharatpur WLS (pre-upgradation), Chilika WLS, Ranibennur WLS | Nilgiri BR, Nanda Devi BR, Gulf of Mannar BR, Pachmarhi BR, Sundarbans BR |
International status | Can be UNESCO World Heritage Sites or Ramsar within NP | Can overlap with Ramsar/World Heritage | Can be UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserves (part of World Network of BRs) |
India has 18 notified biosphere reserves, covering ~91,425 km² as of 2023 . These span diverse regions - from the Western Ghats and Himalayas to desert and marine areas.
S. No. | Biosphere Reserve | State(s) | Year of Establishment |
1 | Nilgiri | Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka | 1986 |
2 | Nanda Devi | Uttarakhand | 1988 |
3 | Nokrek | Meghalaya | 1988 |
4 | Great Nicobar | Andaman & Nicobar Islands | 1989 |
5 | Gulf of Mannar | Tamil Nadu | 1989 |
6 | Manas | Assam | 1989 |
7 | Sunderbans | West Bengal | 1989 |
8 | Simlipal | Odisha | 1994 |
9 | Dibru-Saikhowa | Assam | 1997 |
10 | Dehang-Dibang | Arunachal Pradesh | 1998 |
11 | Pachmarhi | Madhya Pradesh | 1999 |
12 | Khangchendzonga | Sikkim | 2000 |
13 | Agasthyamalai | Tamil Nadu, Kerala | 2001 |
14 | Achanakmar–Amarkantak | Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh | 2005 |
15 | Great Rann of Kachchh | Gujarat | 2008 |
16 | Cold Desert | Himachal Pradesh | 2009 |
17 | Seshachalam Hills | Andhra Pradesh | 2010 |
18 | Panna | Madhya Pradesh | 2011 |
UNESCO’s MAB Programme (1971-present) coordinates the global World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Its goal is to improve the relationship between humans and the environment through science, education, and policy. The MAB council reviews and approves BR nominations submitted by member nations.
As of 2025, there are 785 BRs in 142 countries , reflecting a commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goals. India actively participates: its BR network represents India’s major biomes and aligns with initiatives like UN SDG 15 (Life on Land).
Out of India’s 18 reserves, 13 have UNESCO recognition in the World Network (WNBR) .
UNESCO-Recognized Biosphere Reserves in India
Year of Recognition | Biosphere Reserve | State(s) | Notes/Highlights |
2000 | Nilgiri | Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka | First from India to join WNBR |
2001 | Gulf of Mannar | Tamil Nadu | India’s only marine biosphere reserve |
2001 | Sundarbans | West Bengal | World’s largest mangrove forest |
2004 | Nanda Devi | Uttarakhand | Himalayan high-altitude ecosystem |
2009 | Pachmarhi | Madhya Pradesh | Satpura ranges; unique mixed forests |
2009 | Nokrek | Meghalaya | Known for citrus genetic diversity |
2009 | Simlipal | Odisha | Tiger reserve, sal forests |
2012 | Achanakmar-Amarkantak | Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh | Source region of Narmada and Son rivers |
2013 | Great Nicobar | Andaman & Nicobar Islands | Unique marine-terrestrial ecosystem |
2016 | Agasthyamalai | Tamil Nadu, Kerala | Southern Western Ghats hotspot |
2018 | Khangchendzonga | Sikkim | Includes Mt. Kanchenjunga, sacred landscapes |
2020 | Panna | Madhya Pradesh | Tiger habitat, successful reintroduction program |
2025 | Cold Desert | Himachal Pradesh | India’s first high-altitude cold desert site |
The latest addition is the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve (Himachal Pradesh), designated in Sept 2025 as India’s 13th UNESCO BR . Cold Desert is India’s first high-altitude cold desert reserve (7,770 km², 3,300-6,600 m altitude) covering Pin Valley NP, Chandratal Wetland, Sarchu & Kibber Sanctuary . It harbors rare Himalayan species (snow leopard, Himalayan ibex) and supports ~12,000 pastoralists. UNESCO noted this add-on as symbolic of India’s commitment to protecting fragile ecosystems while supporting local communities .
Biosphere reserves play a vital role in conservation and sustainable development:
Biodiversity preservation: They protect whole ecosystems and endangered species (from tigers in Sundarbans to endemic plants in the Cold Desert) . By covering large, representative landscapes they secure genetic diversity and ecological processes.
Research and education: As “living laboratories” BRs facilitate long-term ecological monitoring, climate studies, and innovation in resource management. They encourage traditional knowledge sharing and scientific research.
Sustainable livelihoods: By involving local communities (e.g. promoting eco-tourism, agroforestry, handicrafts) reserves help improve rural incomes without depleting resources . For example, Gulf of Mannar won UNESCO’s 2023 Batisse Award for community-led plastic waste checkpoints.
Ecosystem services: BRs act as watersheds, soil protectors, and carbon sinks - mitigating floods and climate change. They ensure ecosystem services (water purification, pollination) continue to benefit society.
Global commitments: Biosphere reserves embody India’s fulfillment of international commitments (UNESCO MAB, Convention on Biological Diversity, SDGs). They enhance India’s profile in global conservation and provide forums for international cooperation.
UPSC Previous Year Questions
Q. Consider the following pairs: (2013)
Nokrek Biosphere Reserve : Garo Hills
Logtak (Loktak) Lake : Barail Range
Namdapha National Park : Dafla Hills
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
Ans: (a)
Q. The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of (2014)
(a) biosphere reserves
(b) botanical gardens
(c) national parks
(d) wildlife sanctuaries
Ans: (a)
Q. Out of all the Biosphere Reserves in India, four have been recognized on the World Network by UNESCO. Which one of the following is not one of them? (2008)
(a) Gulf of Mannar
(b) Kanchenjunga
(c) Nanda Devi
(d) Sunderbans
Ans: (b)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is biosphere reserve in simple words?
A biosphere reserve is a protected ecosystem where biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and research activities coexist with local communities.
Q2. How many biosphere reserves are there in India?
India has 18 biosphere reserves across different states, covering diverse ecosystems like deserts, coasts, mountains, and forests.
Q3. Which is the first biosphere reserve in India?
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, established in 1986 across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, was the first biosphere reserve in India.
Q4. Which is the largest biosphere reserve in India?
The Great Rann of Kachchh in Gujarat is the largest biosphere reserve in India, spread over desert and salt marsh ecosystems.
Q5. What is the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve famous for?
The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh is known for its high-altitude ecosystem, snow leopards, and recognition as India’s 13th UNESCO biosphere site.
Conclusion
Biosphere reserves form India’s cornerstone network for conserving its diverse ecology while supporting human well-being. India’s 18 BRs - from the Nilgiri jungles to the Himalayan cold deserts and coastal Sundarbans - illustrate a holistic approach to conservation . They integrate science and society, serving both national priorities (ecosystem conservation, rural livelihoods) and global agendas (climate change, biodiversity goals). In sum, biosphere reserves are “pockets of hope” that showcase India’s commitment to sustainable development and figure prominently in exam discussions .
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