Source: TOI
Context: India’s Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve (Himachal Pradesh) has been included in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) at the 37th ICC-MAB session.
About Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve included in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves:
- What it is?
- A high-altitude biosphere reserve (7,770 sq km) in Himachal Pradesh’s Trans-Himalayan region, integrating Pin Valley National Park, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandratal Wetland and surrounding areas.
- It is zoned into core, buffer, and transition areas balancing conservation and community livelihoods.
- Located in:
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- Lahaul-Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh
- Altitude: 3,300–6,600 m
- Terrain: windswept plateaus, glacial valleys, alpine lakes, and high-altitude desert ecosystems
- History:
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- Established in 2009 as a Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve.
- Included in UNESCO’s WNBR in 2025, becoming India’s first high-altitude cold desert site in the global network.
- Features
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- Flora: 655 herbs, 41 shrubs, 17 tree species.
- Includes 14 endemics and 47 medicinal plants vital for Sowa Rigpa/Amchi healing tradition.
- Fauna: 17 mammals, 119 birds.
- Flagship species: Snow Leopard, Himalayan wolf, Tibetan antelope, Himalayan ibex.
- Communities: ~12,000 residents engaged in pastoralism, yak/goat herding, barley & pea farming, Tibetan herbal medicine.
- Zonation: Core (2,665 sq km), Buffer (3,977 sq km), Transition (1,128 sq km).
- Climate: One of the coldest and driest ecosystems in UNESCO’s WNBR.
- Flora: 655 herbs, 41 shrubs, 17 tree species.
- Indian and UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves:
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- India has 18 biosphere reserves, of which 13 are now in WNBR.
- Globally: 785 sites in 142 countries and UNESCO added 26 new reserves in 2025 – highest in 20 years.
- Significance:
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- Global recognition: Enhances India’s role in biodiversity conservation and sustainable mountain ecosystem management.
- Research hub: Serves as a “living laboratory” for international scientific collaboration.
