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Biosphere Reserves In India, Complete List, Significance, History

Biosphere Reserves in India: There are 18 Biosphere Reserves in India. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was India's first, established in 1986. Check Biosphere Reserves in India List, including maps, names below.
authorImageParul Rishi7 Apr, 2024
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Biosphere Reserves in India

Biosphere Reserves in India: A biosphere reserve is a special area on land or in water recognized by UNESCO as extremely important because of its unique plants, animals, and natural features. These reserves are essential for protecting different kinds of life and using natural resources in a way that doesn't harm the environment. Biosphere reserves are chosen by countries and are managed by the governments of those countries.

Biosphere Reserves in India 2024

Two years after starting the MAB-Man and biosphere program, UNESCO made a list of biosphere reserves in 1971. These areas are linked with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), according to the law. Biosphere Reserves aim to keep nature safe while also helping communities grow in a balanced way socially, economically, and culturally. Biosphere Reserves are not controlled by any specific laws. The first ones were made in 1979, and now there are 701 Biosphere Reserves in 124 countries, including 21 that span across borders.

List of Biosphere Reserves in India

The recognition of biosphere reserves comes through official notifications issued by either state or central governments. Presently, India proudly hosts a total of 18 biosphere reserves.
List of Biosphere Reserves in India
Sl.No. Name of Biosphere Reserve Year Location (States)
1 Nilgiri 1986 Part of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka
2 Nanda Devi 1988 Uttarakhand
3 Nokrek 1988 Meghalaya
4 Great Nicobar 1989 Andaman and Nicobar Islands
5 Gulf of Mannar 1989 Tamil Nadu
6 Manas 1989 Assam
7 Sunderbans 1989 West Bengal
8 Simlipal 1994 Odisha
9 Dibru-Saikhowa 1997 Assam
10 Dehang-Dibang 1998 Arunachal Pradesh
11 Pachmarhi 1999 Madhya Pradesh
12 Khangchendzonga 2000 Sikkim
13 Agasthyamalai 2001 Kerala
14 Achanakamar – Amarkantak 2005 Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh
15 Kachchh 2008 Gujarat
16 Cold Desert 2009 Himachal Pradesh
17 Seshachalam Hills 2010 Andhra Pradesh
18 Panna 2011 Madhya Pradesh

UNESCO Protected Biosphere Reserves

India has 11 special areas called biosphere reserves that are part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. These places are important for protecting nature and studying how people and nature can live together without harming each other.

UNESCO Protected Biosphere Reserve

Year Name State
2000 Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve Tamil Nadu
2001 Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Tamil Nadu
2001 Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve West Bengal
2004 Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve Uttarakhand
2009 Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve Madhya Pradesh
2009 Nokrek Biosphere Reserve Meghalaya
2009 Simlipal Biosphere Reserve Odisha
2012 Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve Chhattisgarh
2013 Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve Great Nicobar
2016 Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve Kerala and Tamil Nadu
2018 Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve Part of North and West Sikkim districts
2020 Panna Biosphere Reserve Madhya Pradesh

Function of Biosphere Reserves in India

1. Conservation: Biosphere Reserves protect and take care of plants, animals, and beautiful landscapes to make sure they stay healthy and last a long time.

2. Development: They also help people in nearby communities to find ways to grow and make money in a way that doesn't hurt the environment.

3. Research and Support: Biosphere Reserves are like big helpers for scientists. They give support and resources for studying different problems related to conservation and how people can develop in a sustainable way.

Biosphere Reserves in India Zones

1. Core Area: This is like the heart of the biosphere reserve, where nature is protected the most. It's all about keeping the landscapes, plants, animals, and different types of life safe and healthy.

2. Buffer Zone: Around the core area, there's a buffer zone. Here, activities are done carefully to make sure they don't harm the environment. It's also a place where scientists can study and learn about nature.

3. Transition Area: This is the outer part of the reserve where people live and work. Here, development and activities are done in a way that doesn't damage the environment too much. The goal is to balance human needs with nature's needs.

Biosphere Conservation in India

UNESCO supports people and nature living together in a good way to help our planet stay healthy and make sure everyone can have a good life. They do this by talking with different groups, teaching about reducing poverty and making life better for everyone, respecting different cultures, and helping communities adapt to changes.

Biosphere Reserves in India Significance

Biosphere Reserves in India are really important for a few reasons:

1. Protecting Animals and Plants: These reserves keep many different types of animals and plants safe, especially ones that are in danger. The special areas in these reserves are like safe homes where they can grow and have babies without being bothered.

2. Taking Care of Nature: India's Biosphere Reserves have lots of different landscapes, like forests, wetlands, and coastlines. It's important to keep these places safe so that everything in nature stays in balance and can handle changes like climate change.

3. Helping People and Nature: These reserves show that people can grow and make money in a way that doesn't hurt nature. They encourage things like eco-friendly tourism and projects that help local communities grow while still keeping nature safe.

4. Learning and Teaching: Scientists study these reserves to learn more about how nature works and how to keep it safe. They also teach people who visit and live nearby about how important it is to take care of the environment.

Overall, Biosphere Reserves in India show how much the country cares about nature and wants to make sure it stays healthy for the future. To succeed in upcoming exams, candidates should consider exploring PW SSC Books We provide high-quality content at an affordable price, including sample papers, mock tests, guidance sessions, and more to ensure aspirants secure their selection. Also, enroll today on SSC Online Coaching to turn your dreams into reality.
Other Related Links
Tiger Reserves in India National Parks in India
Biosphere Reserves in India Elephant Reserves in India

Biosphere Reserves in India FAQs

Q1. What is a Biosphere Reserve?

Ans. A Biosphere Reserve is a protected area designated by the government to conserve biodiversity, promote sustainable development, and facilitate scientific research.

Q2. How many Biosphere Reserves are there in India?

Ans. India currently has 18 Biosphere Reserve

Q3. What is the purpose of a Biosphere Reserve?

Ans. The primary purpose of a Biosphere Reserve is to conserve the biological diversity of a region while also promoting sustainable development and providing opportunities for research, monitoring, and education.

Q4. Are there any UNESCO-recognized Biosphere Reserves in India?

Ans. Yes, there are 11 Indian Biosphere Reserves are part of UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
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