India's Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve Joins UNESCO's Global Network: What It Means for Conservation

India's Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve has been officially recognized by UNESCO as part of its World Network of Biosphere Reserves. This designation not only highlights India's commitment to biodiversity conservation but also aims to promote tourism and research in the region. Spanning 7,770 square kilometers in Himachal Pradesh, the reserve is home to unique ecosystems and diverse wildlife. The recognition comes as part of a larger initiative by UNESCO, which has designated 26 new biosphere reserves across 21 countries, marking a significant milestone in global conservation efforts. This article explores the implications of this recognition for India's environmental initiatives and the local communities that depend on these fragile ecosystems.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 27, 2025, 22:28 IST

UNESCO Expands Global Biosphere Reserves

New Delhi/Shimla: The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in India, located in the trans-Himalayan region, has been officially recognized as one of the 26 new biosphere reserves by UNESCO, as announced on Saturday.

With this latest designation, India now boasts a total of 13 biosphere reserves within UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR).

Spanning approximately 7,770 square kilometers, the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve is situated in the Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, showcasing a stunning array of landscapes.

This reserve features windswept plateaus, glacial valleys, alpine lakes, and high-altitude deserts, making it one of the coldest and driest ecosystems in the WNBR.

UNESCO's announcement highlighted that this year marks the highest number of new biosphere reserves designated in two decades, bringing the total to 785 sites across 142 countries, with over one million square kilometers of natural areas added to protection since 2018.

The decision to include the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve was made during the 37th session of UNESCO's International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) held in Paris, as shared by Union Minister for Environment and Forests, Bhupender Yadav, on social media.

Yadav emphasized that this addition reflects India's dedication to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development led by community initiatives.

He also noted that India is actively working to preserve and restore its ecosystems under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This announcement follows the recent inclusion of two Ramsar sites in India to the UNESCO list, raising the total number of Ramsar sites in the country to 93, which are recognized for their international importance as wetlands.

The recognition of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve is expected to enhance tourism and research opportunities in the area.

This year, six nations welcomed their inaugural biosphere reserves, while Sao Tome and Principe became the first country to have its entire territory designated as a biosphere reserve.

The six countries that received their first biosphere reserves include Angola, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Iceland, Oman, and Tajikistan.

In addition to these, new reserves were designated in Albania, China, Ethiopia, France, Greece, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mongolia, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, and Sweden.

UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay remarked that with nearly thirty new designations this year, the World Network of Biosphere Reserves has achieved a significant milestone, now protecting 5% of the planet.

She emphasized the importance of balancing nature conservation with sustainable livelihoods within these reserves.

This week, UNESCO convened over 2,000 international experts, decision-makers, civil society members, Indigenous representatives, and youth for the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves to review the accomplishments of this historic program and plan for the future.

During the Congress, Azoulay encouraged every member state to establish at least one biosphere reserve by 2035.

Biosphere reserves play a crucial role in safeguarding some of the planet's most valuable and delicate ecosystems.

The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve is home to 732 species of vascular plants, including 30 endemic and 157 near-endemic species of the Indian Himalayas.

The reserve's altitudes range from 3,300 to 6,600 meters, encompassing the Pin Valley National Park and the Kibber and Chandratal Wildlife Sanctuaries.

This fragile ecosystem supports resilient alpine grasses, medicinal herbs, and rare species such as the Willow-leaved sea-buckthorn, Himalayan birch, and Persian juniper.

Notable wildlife includes the snow leopard, Himalayan ibex, blue sheep, Himalayan wolf, and various bird species like the Himalayan snowcock and golden eagle.

Approximately 12,000 residents inhabit the area, engaging in traditional pastoralism, yak and goat herding, barley and pea farming, and practicing Tibetan herbal medicine, knowledge preserved through Buddhist monastic traditions and community councils that manage the use of delicate alpine resources.

As India's first high-altitude cold desert biosphere reserve, it underscores the urgent need to protect mountain ecosystems that are increasingly threatened by tourism and climate change.