Correct option is A
The correct answer is (a) 18.
· As of June 2021, India has established 18 biosphere reserves.
· Biosphere reserves are areas designated to promote the conservation of biodiversity along with the sustainable use of natural resources.
· These reserves are part of a global network under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) Program.
· These 18 biosphere reserves include diverse ecosystems and are spread across different geographical and ecological regions of the country.
Information Booster:
· Biosphere reserves aim to protect both the environment and the people living in and around these areas.
· Some of the well-known biosphere reserves in India include the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, and Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve.
· UNESCO recognizes some of these biosphere reserves as part of its World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
· These reserves play a critical role in research, monitoring, education, and training related to ecological and environmental conservation.