How Many Biosphere Reserves are There in India

how many biosphere reserves are there in india, answer is here. 18 Biosphere Reserves serve as testing grounds to understanding and monitoring and regulating changes in social and ecological systems.

Table of Contents

How Many Biosphere Reserves Are There in India

India had 18 biosphere reserves recognized by UNESCO. However, the number of biosphere reserves in India may have changed since then as new ones can be designated, or the status of existing ones may have been updated. I recommend checking with the latest information from the Government of India or UNESCO to get the most current count and details of biosphere reserves in India.

Total Biosphere Reserves in India

18 Biosphere Reserves serve as testing grounds for transdisciplinary approaches to understanding monitoring and regulating changes in social and ecological systems, as well as biodiversity management. They are regions that offer local solutions to challenges faced by the world. Terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems are all included in biosphere reserves. Each site encourages methods that balance biodiversity conservation with long-term use.

National governments nominate biosphere reserves, which remain within the sovereign jurisdiction of the states in which they are located. Following the decisions of the MAB International Coordinating Council, the Director-General of UNESCO designates Biosphere Reserves under the intergovernmental MAB Programme (MAB ICC). Their status is well-known over the world. The designation process allows member states to submit sites.

Read About: Biodiversity

Unesco Biosphere Reserve in India

There are 18 biosphere reserves in India, to safeguard bigger areas of natural habitat than a conventional national park or animal sanctuary, and these reserves frequently incorporate one or more national parks or reserves, as well as buffer zones that are available to some economic activities. The protected region’s flora and animals, as well as the people populations that live there and their way of life, are all given protection.

Read About: UNESCO

Largest Biosphere Reserve in India

the largest biosphere reserve in India is the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, which is located in the southern part of the state of West Bengal and extends into Bangladesh. The Sundarbans is known for its unique mangrove ecosystem and is home to the Bengal tiger, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Please note that the status of biosphere reserves can change over time, and there may have been developments or changes since my last update in 2021. It’s a good idea to verify this information with a current and reliable source for the most up-to-date information.

How many Biosphere Reserves are there in India: List of 18 Biosphere Reserves

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve-Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve-Uttarakhand
Gulf of Mannar-Tamil Nadu
Nokrek-Meghalaya
Sundarbans-West Bengal
Manas-Assam
Simlipal-Odisha
Dihang-Dibang-Arunachal Pradesh
Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve-Madhya Pradesh
Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve-Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh
Great Rann of Kutch-Gujarat Desert
Cold Desert-Himachal Pradesh
Khangchendzonga National Park-Sikkim
Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve-Kerala, Tamil Nadu
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve-Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Dibru-Saikhowa-Assam
Seshachalam Hills-Andhra Pradesh
Panna-Madhya Pradesh

Read About: Ramsar Sites of India

Total Biosphere Reserves in India: Zones

Three biosphere reserve zones exist:

Biosphere Reserve: Core Zone

Human involvement is strictly banned in this legally protected area. The data from these locations aids in determining the long-term viability of operations and the preservation of environmental quality in the surrounding areas.

Biosphere Reserve: Buffer Zone

The buffer zone encompasses the area immediately surrounding the core zone. Humans are only allowed to engage in research and education here. The core area’s conservation aims should not be obstructed by these activities. This category also covers actions that improve the quality of production by assisting in the management of natural vegetation, agricultural land, fisheries, and forests. Recreation and tourism amenities may be included in this zone. In comparison to the transition zone, human activity in this zone is less intense.

Biosphere Reserve: Manipulation Zones

Human activities such as crops, recreation, forestry, and settlements are permitted in this periphery of a biosphere reserve with the agreement of reserve management and local people. The degraded region is restored to its natural state through these activities. Local communities, scientists, conservation agencies, cultural groups, and other stakeholders all work together in this zone to ensure that the environment is used sustainably for the benefit of the people who live there.

FAQs

Name the 3 biosphere reserve zones.

The three zones are: Core zone, Buffer zone and Manipulation zones.

What is the primary objective of the Biosphere Reserve?

The primary goal of a biosphere reserve is to preserve genetic diversity in representative ecosystems by safeguarding wild animals, inhabitant traditional lifestyles, and domesticated plant/animal genetic resources.

What distinguishes Biosphere Reserves?

Outpacing traditionally limited conservation zones through zoning designs that combine core protected areas with zones where local residents and businesses support sustainable development through often very inventive and participatory governance systems.