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.
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List of Biosphere Reserves in India
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Sl.No.
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Name of Biosphere Reserve
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Year
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Location (States)
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1
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Nilgiri
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1986
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Part of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka
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2
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Nanda Devi
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1988
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Uttarakhand
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3
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Nokrek
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1988
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Meghalaya
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4
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Great Nicobar
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1989
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Andaman and Nicobar Islands
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5
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Gulf of Mannar
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1989
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Tamil Nadu
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6
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Manas
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1989
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Assam
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7
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Sunderbans
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1989
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West Bengal
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8
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Simlipal
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1994
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Odisha
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9
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Dibru-Saikhowa
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1997
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Assam
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10
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Dehang-Dibang
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1998
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Arunachal Pradesh
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11
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Pachmarhi
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1999
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Madhya Pradesh
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12
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Khangchendzonga
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2000
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Sikkim
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13
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Agasthyamalai
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2001
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Kerala
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14
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Achanakamar – Amarkantak
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2005
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Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh
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15
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Kachchh
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2008
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Gujarat
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16
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Cold Desert
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2009
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Himachal Pradesh
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17
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Seshachalam Hills
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2010
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Andhra Pradesh
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18
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Panna
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2011
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Madhya Pradesh
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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.
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UNESCO Protected Biosphere Reserve
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Year
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Name
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State
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2000
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Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
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Tamil Nadu
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2001
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Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve
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Tamil Nadu
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2001
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Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve
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West Bengal
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2004
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Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
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Uttarakhand
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2009
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Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve
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Madhya Pradesh
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2009
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Nokrek Biosphere Reserve
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Meghalaya
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2009
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Simlipal Biosphere Reserve
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Odisha
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2012
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Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve
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Chhattisgarh
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2013
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Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve
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Great Nicobar
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2016
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Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve
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Kerala and Tamil Nadu
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2018
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Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve
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Part of North and West Sikkim districts
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2020
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Panna Biosphere Reserve
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Madhya Pradesh
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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.
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