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Biosphere Reserves in India: Check Name and Location

Biosphere Reserves in India- Biosphere reserves are an important topic for UPSC Prelims 2023. Every year aspirants can find questions based on biosphere reserves in UPSC CSE Prelims. Biosphere Reserves are areas designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as sites for demonstrating innovative approaches to conservation and sustainable development. In this article, you can check the complete information about Biosphere Reserves in India.

What are biosphere reserves?

  • Biosphere Reserve (BR) is an international designation by UNESCO for representative parts of natural and cultural landscapes extending over large area of terrestrial or coastal/marine ecosystems or a combination of terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
  • BRs are designated to deal with one of the most important questions of reconciling the conservation of biodiversity, the quest for economic and social development, and the maintenance of associated cultural values.
  • Below is the list of all the biosphere reserves in India.

Biosphere reserves in India

India currently has 18 Biosphere Reserves spread across the country, encompassing a total area of over 1.6 million hectares. These reserves serve as important centers for research, education, and ecotourism, and are vital for the long-term conservation of India’s unique natural heritage.

Sl. No. Name of Biosphere Reserve Established in 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 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 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 Anupur and Dindori districts of M.P. and parts of Bilaspur districts of Chhattishgarh 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 covering parts of Chittoor and Kadapa districts of Andhra Pradesh.
18 Panna 2011 Part of Panna and Chhattarpur districts in Madhya Pradesh.

First Biosphere Reserve in India

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was the first Biosphere Reserve in India, established in September 1986. It is located in the Western Ghats of southern India and covers an area of approximately 5,520 square kilometers, encompassing parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is known for its rich biodiversity and unique cultural heritage, and it is home to many endangered species such as the Nilgiri tahr, lion-tailed macaque, and the Asian elephant.

Biosphere Reserves under MAN of UNESCO

  • UNESCO has introduced the designation ‘Biosphere Reserve’ for natural areas to minimize conflict between development and conservation.
  • BRs are nominated by the national government which meets a minimal set of criteria and adheres to a minimal set of conditions for inclusion in the world network of Biosphere reserves under the Man and Biosphere Reserve Programme of UNESCO.
  • Globally, there are 686 biosphere reserves in 122 countries, including 20 transboundary sites.

Biosphere Reserves under MAB

Biosphere Reserves fall under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme of UNESCO, which aims to promote sustainable development and the conservation of biodiversity in designated areas around the world. India has 12 internationally recognized BRs. They are as follows.

Sl. No. YEAR NAME STATES
1 2000 Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve Tamil Nadu
2 2001 Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Tamil Nadu
3 2001 Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve West Bengal
4 2004 Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve Uttarakhand
5 2009 Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve Madhya Pradesh
6 2009 Nokrek Biosphere Reserve Meghalaya
7 2009 Simlipal Biosphere Reserve Odisha
8 2012 Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve Chhattisgarh
9 2013 Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve Great Nicobar
10 2016 Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve Kerala and Tamil Nadu
11 2018 Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve Part of North and West Sikkim districts
12 2020 Panna Biosphere Reserve Madhya Pradesh

Interesting facts about the Biosphere Reserves for UPSC Aspirants.

  1. India has 18 designated Biosphere Reserves, which cover an area of over 1.6 million hectares.
  2. The first Biosphere Reserve in India was established in 1986, in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in the Western Ghats.
  3. Biosphere Reserves in India are categorized into three zones: the Core Zone, the Buffer Zone, and the Transition Zone.
  4. The Core Zone of a Biosphere Reserve is strictly protected and usually comprises of the most ecologically sensitive areas, while the Buffer and Transition Zones allow for more sustainable human activities.
  5. Biosphere Reserves in India are home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the Asiatic Lion, Bengal Tiger, and Indian Rhinoceros.
  6. The Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, located in the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, is the largest mangrove forest in the world and is home to the endangered Bengal Tiger.
  7. Biosphere Reserves in India also serve as important centers for research and education, with many institutions and universities conducting research on topics ranging from biodiversity conservation to sustainable agriculture and forestry.
  8. Some of the Biosphere Reserves in India, such as the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve and the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, are also recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

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FAQs

What is a Biosphere Reserve?

A Biosphere Reserve is a protected area that aims to conserve biodiversity while also promoting sustainable development.

How many Biosphere Reserves are there in India?

As of 2023, there are 18 Biosphere Reserves in India.

What is the purpose of Biosphere Reserves in India?

The purpose of Biosphere Reserves in India is to conserve the biodiversity of the area, promote sustainable development, and conduct research and monitoring of the area's ecological systems.

What is the difference between a National Park and a Biosphere Reserve?

A National Park is a protected area that is established to conserve the natural environment, while a Biosphere Reserve is a protected area that aims to conserve biodiversity while promoting sustainable development.

Can people live in Biosphere Reserves?

Yes, people can live in Biosphere Reserves. However, the activities of the people living in the Biosphere Reserves are regulated to ensure that they do not harm the ecological systems of the area.

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