The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve of Himachal Pradesh has been included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) as of September 2025, making it India’s 13th biosphere reserve on the WNBR list. This reserve covers around 7,770 sq km across the Lahaul-Spiti district in the trans-Himalayan region and is recognized as one of the coldest and driest ecosystems in the world.

Reserve Features and Zones

The reserve spans altitudes from 3,300 to 6,600 meters and includes Pin Valley National Park, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandratal Wetland, and the Sarchu plains.
It is zoned into three sections to balance conservation and community use:

• Core zone: 2,665 sq km
• Buffer zone: 3,977 sq km
• Transition zone: 1,128 sq km

The landscape includes windswept plateaus, glacial valleys, alpine lakes, and high-altitude deserts.

Ecological Importance

• The reserve harbors over 700 species of vascular plants, with a significant number of endemics and medicinal plants, vital for the traditional Sowa Rigpa/Amchi system of medicine.
• It is home to flagship and threatened species such as the snow leopard, Himalayan ibex, blue sheep, Himalayan wolf, and over 119 bird species including the golden eagle and Himalayan snowcock.
• The area supports traditional livelihoods of around 12,000 inhabitants practicing pastoralism and traditional farming, alongside preservation of Tibetan Buddhist cultural heritage.

Global and National Significance

• The reserve was recognized at the 37th session of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Council in Paris.
• The UNESCO designation is expected to enhance research, promote responsible eco-tourism, and boost conservation and climate resilience actions in the high-altitude Himalayas.
• India now has 13 WNBR-listed biosphere reserves, reflecting its growing commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

This global recognition places Himachal’s cold desert on the international conservation map and highlights the urgency of protecting fragile mountain ecosystems facing threats from climate change and increasing tourism pressure.

UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR)

The UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) is a global network of protected areas that serves as a "learning place for sustainable development" by balancing biodiversity conservation with the sustainable use of natural resources.
The network was established in 1971 under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. As of September 2025, UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme has a total of 785 designated Biosphere Reserves worldwide, which collectively cover over 8 million square kilometers and are home to nearly 300 million people. 

Functions of a biosphere reserve

Each biosphere reserve integrates three core functions: 

• Conservation: Protecting and preserving ecosystems, species, and genetic variation.
• Development: Fostering human and economic growth that is socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable.
• Logistic support: Providing a network for research, environmental education, monitoring, and training to support conservation and sustainable development efforts. 

Zones of a biosphere reserve

To achieve its goals, each biosphere reserve is organized into three interrelated zones: 

• Core area: A strictly protected zone for conserving landscapes, ecosystems, and genetic variation, with minimal human interference.
• Buffer zone: An area surrounding the core zone that allows for activities compatible with ecological practices, such as scientific research, monitoring, and eco-tourism.
• Transition area: The outermost area where communities foster socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable economic and human activities. 

Key criteria for designation

To qualify for designation as a biosphere reserve, an area must meet several criteria: 

• Contain a mosaic of representative ecological systems and significant biological diversity.
• Be large enough to serve the three functions of conservation, development, and logistic support.
• Involve local communities and stakeholders in its planning and management. 

Biosphere reserves vs. national parks

While both aim to protect natural areas, biosphere reserves differ from national parks in their approach:
 

Feature	Biosphere Reserve	National Park
Main Objective	Balances biodiversity conservation with sustainable use of natural resources and human livelihoods.	Primarily focuses on the strict conservation of wildlife and ecosystems.
Human Activities	Allows limited human activities and settlements in the buffer and transition zones.	Strictly limits or prohibits human activities like grazing, hunting, or forestry.
Zonation	Consists of distinct core, buffer, and transition zones.	The entire area is typically managed as a single, protected unit.
Size	Generally larger in size, often encompassing multiple ecosystems and communities.	Usually smaller in size and focused on protecting a specific area.
Recognition	Internationally recognized under UNESCO's MAB Programme.	Legally designated by national governments.

 
Regional and thematic networks

The WNBR promotes international cooperation through various regional and thematic networks, allowing for the exchange of knowledge and best practices: 

• Regional Networks: Include groups like the African Biosphere Reserves Network (AfriMAB) and the East Asian Biosphere Reserve Network (EABRN).
• Thematic Networks: Focus on specific ecosystems, such as mountains, islands and coasts, or wetlands. 

Benefits for local communities

Local communities play a vital role and can receive several benefits from biosphere reserve designation: 

• Sustainable livelihoods: They can engage in sustainable practices like eco-tourism or the production of local goods, which can increase income.
• Empowerment: Their involvement in management fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility.
• Cultural preservation: The program helps protect traditional knowledge and cultural practices linked to the environment. 

Examples of biosphere reserves

Some notable examples from around the world include: 

• Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve (India and Bangladesh): A vast mangrove forest and home to the Royal Bengal tiger.
• Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (India): Known for its diverse ecosystems and indigenous communities.
• Great Barrier Reef Biosphere Reserve (Australia): The world's largest coral reef system. 

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