Biosphere Reserves in India 2024

Biosphere Reserves in India UPSC

India has several Biosphere Reserves, which are designated areas to protect and conserve the unique biodiversity and ecosystems found within them. These reserves promotes sustainable development while ensuring the conservation of biological diversity.

Table of Contents List of Biosphere Reserves in India UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in India What is Biosphere Reserves? Criteria for Designation of Biosphere Reserve Three Main Zones of Biosphere Reserve UNESCO MAB India First Biosphere Reserves in India Marine Biosphere Reserve in India Biosphere Reserves in India UPSC Question

List of Biosphere Reserves in India (18 Biosphere Reserves in India)

Here is a list of the Biosphere Reserves in India:

S. No.	Biosphere Reserves	Year	State
1.	Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve	1986	Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka
2.	Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve	1988	Uttarakhand
3.	Nokrek Biosphere Reserve	1988	Meghalaya
4.	Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve	1989	Tamil Nadu
5.	Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve	1989	West Bengal
6.	Manas Biosphere Reserve	1989	Assam
7.	Great Nicobar Island Biosphere Reserve	1989	Andaman and Nicobar Islands
8.	Simlipal Biosphere Reserve	1994	Odisha
9.	Dibru-saikhova Biosphere Reserve	1997	Assam
10.	Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve	1998	Arunachal Pradesh
11.	Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve	1999	Madhya Pradesh
12.	Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve	2000	Sikkim
13.	Agastyamalai Biosphere Reserve	2001	Kerala, Tamil Nadu
14.	Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve	2005	Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh
15.	Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve	2008	Gujarat
16.	Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve	2009	Himachal Pradesh
17.	Seshachalam Hills Biosphere Reserve	2010	Andhra Pradesh
18.	Panna Biosphere Reserve	2011	Madhya Pradesh

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in India (UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves in India/MAB Biosphere Reserves in India)

12 Biosphere Reserves in India recognised by UNESCO. UNESCO designates Biosphere Reserves as part of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program. UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in India include:

 

S. No.	UNESCO Biosphere Reserves	Year	State
1.	Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve	2000	Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka
2.	Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve	2001	Tamil Nadu
3.	Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve	2001	West Bengal
4.	Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve	2004	Uttarakhand
5.	Nokrek Biosphere Reserve	2009	Meghalaya
6.	Simlipal Biosphere Reserves	2009	Odisha
7.	Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve	2009	Madhya Pradesh
8.	Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve	2012	Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh
9.	Great Nicobar Island Biosphere Reserve	2013	Andaman and Nicobar Islands
10.	Agastyamalai Biosphere Reserve	2016	Kerala, Tamil Nadu
11.	Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve	2018	Sikkim
12.	Panna Biosphere Reserve	2020	Madhya Pradesh

What is Biosphere Reserves?

A Biosphere Reserve is a designated area that aims to balance the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of natural resources, and local economic development. These reserves are part of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program, which was established in 1971. The primary goals of Biosphere Reserves are:

(i) Conservation of Biodiversity: Biosphere Reserves are created to protect and conserve the unique and diverse ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity found within their boundaries. This includes habitats, flora, fauna, and microorganisms.

(ii) Sustainable Development: While conservation is a primary focus, Biosphere Reserves also promote sustainable development. They seek to find a balance between human activities and environmental protection, ensuring that local communities can benefit from the natural resources within the reserve without depleting them.

(iii) Scientific Research and Monitoring: Biosphere Reserves serve as living laboratories for research and monitoring. Scientists and researchers can study the ecosystems, conduct experiments, and gather data to better understand ecological processes and promote sustainable practices.

(iv) Education and Public Awareness: These reserves also play a role in educating the public about the importance of biodiversity, ecology, and sustainability. They often offer educational programs, workshops, and activities to raise awareness and promote environmental stewardship.

Criteria for Designation of Biosphere Reserve

The designation of a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO follows specific criteria to ensure that the area meets the objectives of biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and scientific research. The criteria for the designation of a Biosphere Reserve are based on the guidelines set by the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program. These criteria are as follows:

1. Core Area Criteria:

a. Minimally Disturbed Ecosystem: The core area should encompass one or more ecosystems that are relatively undisturbed or minimally disturbed by human activities.

b. Ecological Value: The core area should contain significant biodiversity, unique or rare ecosystems, endangered species, or important genetic resources.

c. Scientific and Research Significance: The core area should offer opportunities for scientific research, ecosystem monitoring, and conservation.

2. Buffer Zone Criteria:

a. Protection of Core Area: The buffer zone should provide a protective barrier around the core area to minimize human impact and support the conservation objectives of the core area.

b. Sustainable Use: The buffer zone allows for sustainable human activities such as traditional agriculture, forestry, and controlled tourism, which contribute to the well-being of local communities.

c. Cultural Significance: The buffer zone may also include areas with cultural or historical significance, promoting the conservation of traditional knowledge and practices.

3. Transition Area Criteria:

a. Economic and Human Development: The transition area should support a range of human activities, including agriculture, settlements, and various forms of development, all of which are conducted in harmony with the environment.

b. Participation of Local Communities: Local communities should be actively involved in the management of the transition area and in making decisions related to land use and development.

c. Promotion of Sustainable Practices: The transition area should promote sustainable practices that support both the conservation of natural resources and the well-being of local communities.

It's important to note that designation as a Biosphere Reserve is not just about conserving nature but also about promoting sustainable development and ensuring the well-being of local people. The balance between conservation and sustainable development is a key principle of the Biosphere Reserve concept.

These criteria provide a framework for selecting and managing areas that can serve as models for achieving a harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. When a region meets these criteria and is successfully managed according to the principles of the MAB program, it may be designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. 

Three Main Zones of Biosphere Reserve

A Biosphere Reserve typically consists of three interrelated zones:

1. Core Zone:

This is the central and most strictly protected area of the reserve, where human activity is limited and controlled to ensure the preservation of critical habitats and species.

2. Buffer Zone:

Surrounding the core zone, the buffer zone allows for controlled human activities such as sustainable agriculture, forestry, and recreational activities. The aim is to minimize environmental impact while promoting sustainable practices.

3. Transition Zone:

The transition zone is the outermost area of the reserve, where human settlement and development are more common. Here, development is encouraged to support local communities and promote sustainable livelihoods while adhering to ecological and cultural conservation guidelines.

UNESCO MAB India UPSC (Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme in India)

What is Man and Biosphere Programme?

The Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, launched in 1971,  is an initiative by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) that aims to promote the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources while fostering economic development and scientific research. In India, the MAB Programme is implemented through a network of Biosphere Reserves, which serve as model areas for the balanced coexistence of humans and nature.

Here's how the MAB Programme is implemented in India:

(i) Designation of Biosphere Reserves: India designates specific areas as Biosphere Reserves based on the criteria and guidelines set by the MAB Programme. These Biosphere Reserves are recognized for their ecological and cultural significance and are part of a global network of similar sites.

(ii) Three-Zone Approach: Each Biosphere Reserve in India is typically divided into three zones: the Core Zone, Buffer Zone, and Transition Zone. These zones serve different purposes, with the core zone being the most strictly protected, the buffer zone allowing for sustainable human activities, and the transition zone supporting economic development while adhering to conservation principles.

(iii) Conservation and Research: Biosphere Reserves in India actively engage in the conservation of biodiversity. They also promote scientific research and monitoring, with scientists and researchers studying ecosystems, wildlife, and sustainable practices within the reserves.

(iv) Sustainable Development: One of the key goals of the MAB Programme in India is to promote sustainable development. This includes supporting traditional and sustainable agricultural practices, forestry, fisheries, and tourism within the buffer and transition zones. The idea is to improve the livelihoods of local communities while minimizing environmental impact.

(v) Community Involvement: Local communities living in and around the Biosphere Reserves are actively involved in decision-making and management processes. Their participation is crucial for achieving the program's goals, as their knowledge and practices are often integral to sustainable living.

(vi) Education and Public Awareness: The MAB Programme in India also focuses on education and raising public awareness about the importance of conserving biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources. Educational programs and activities are often organized to engage people, especially local communities.

(vii) International Collaboration: The MAB Programme in India involves collaboration with international organizations and partners to exchange knowledge, experience, and best practices in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

First Biosphere Reserves in India

The first Biosphere Reserve in India was the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, designated by UNESCO in 1986. The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is located in the Western Ghats of South India and encompasses parts of the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.

This Biosphere Reserve is known for its exceptional biodiversity and high levels of endemism. It includes diverse ecosystems such as tropical rainforests, grasslands, wetlands, and montane forests. The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is home to several endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna, making it an area of global ecological significance.

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was the first of its kind in India and played a crucial role in highlighting the importance of preserving biodiversity and balancing conservation with sustainable development. It has since served as a model for other Biosphere Reserves established across the country.

Marine Biosphere Reserve in India UPSC

The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, located in the southeastern coast of Tamil Nadu, primarily consists of a marine and coastal ecosystem. It is a Marine Biosphere Reserve, and its focus is on the conservation of marine and coastal biodiversity, coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and various species of marine life.

Biosphere Reserves in India UPSC Question

Q. How many Biosphere Reserves are there in India?

A. India had a total of 18 designated Biosphere Reserves. These Biosphere Reserves are distributed across different regions of the country and serve as important areas for the conservation of biodiversity, scientific research, and sustainable development. 

Q. How many Biosphere Reserves in India are recognised by UNESCO?

A. There were 12 Biosphere Reserves in India that had been recognized by UNESCO as part of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program. These are areas of global importance for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. 

Q. Which state has the highest number of Biosphere Reserves in India?

A. The Indian state of Madhya Pradesh had the highest number of Biosphere Reserves. Madhya Pradesh is known for its rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystems, which has led to the establishment of several Biosphere Reserves in the state.

1. Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve
2. Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve
3. Panna Biosphere Reserve