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.

How is an Area Declared a Biosphere Reserve?

An area is declared a Biosphere Reserve when it meets certain criteria

• having a protected and ecologically important core,
• benefiting local tribes and rural communities, and
• having enough space to support diverse species.

Structure of a Biosphere Reserve

A biosphere reserve is divided into three zones:

• the Core Area, where human activity is strictly prohibited to protect the ecosystem;
• the Buffer Zone, where limited activities like research are allowed; and
• the Transition Zone, where human activities like tourism and education are permitted, as long as they don’t harm the environment.

Biosphere reserves serve several important functions, including scientific research, protecting endangered wildlife, preventing poaching, preserving medicinal plants, and safeguarding the well-being of local communities. They also offer a safe habitat for wildlife and provide scenic spots for people to enjoy nature.

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.

Fauna of Biosphere reserves

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.

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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