On September 27, 2025, during the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in Hangzhou, China, UNESCO formally inducted the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve as India’s 13th addition to its World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). This designation is a significant development for Indian environmental conservation, particularly given the unique challenges of high-altitude ecosystems. It brings India’s total number of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves to 13, and the global network to 785 sites.
Ecological and Biogeographical Significance
Located in the trans-Himalayan region, the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve spans a vast area of 7,770 km² with altitudes ranging from 3,300 to 6,600 meters. The reserve encompasses diverse and often extreme landscapes, including glacial valleys, windswept plateaus, and rugged alpine lakes. The core areas of this reserve are of particular note for students of environmental science: they include Pin Valley National Park, the Chandratal and Sarchu regions, and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary.
This designation is particularly noteworthy as it represents one of the coldest and driest ecosystems within the entire WNBR. The area’s harsh climate and unique biogeography have resulted in a remarkable degree of biological specialization. The reserve is a biodiversity hotspot, documented to host 732 species of vascular plants, with a high degree of endemism, including 30 endemic and 157 near-endemic species to the Indian Himalayas.
From a faunal perspective, the Cold Desert is a critical habitat for several iconic and globally significant species, many of which are indicative of a healthy high-altitude ecosystem. These include the elusive Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia), the Himalayan Ibex (Capra sibirica), and the Blue Sheep (Pseudois nayaur), which is a primary prey species for the snow leopard. Other key species include the Himalayan wolf (Canis lupus chanco), the Himalayan snowcock (Tetraogallus himalayensis), and the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos daphanea). The presence and health of these apex and indicator species are crucial for long-term ecological monitoring and conservation efforts.
Integrating Socio-Cultural Systems with Conservation
The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve serves as a potent example of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, which emphasizes the integration of human communities into conservation frameworks. The region is home to approximately 12,000 inhabitants living in scattered villages, whose traditional livelihoods are intricately linked to the fragile ecosystem. Their practices, such as traditional pastoralism, yak and goat herding, and subsistence farming of barley and peas, are deeply rooted in the landscape.
A key aspect of this sustainable co-existence is the preservation of traditional knowledge systems, particularly those related to Tibetan herbal medicine, which are sustained through Buddhist monastic traditions. Community councils play a vital role in the management of alpine resources, regulating their use and preventing overexploitation. This model, as highlighted by Tim Curtis, Director of UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia, demonstrates how environmental protection can be achieved while supporting the communities that depend on these resources, thus fostering a “reconciliation with nature.” This approach is particularly relevant for masters-level students, who should consider the socio-economic dimensions of conservation and the importance of indigenous knowledge in crafting effective management strategies.
The Broader Context of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme
The MAB programme is an intergovernmental scientific initiative that seeks to create a robust scientific basis for enhancing the relationship between people and their environments.
Biosphere Reserves function as ‘learning sites for sustainable development.’ They are not merely static protected areas but dynamic models for testing interdisciplinary approaches to managing the complex interactions between social and ecological systems. They serve as a platform for addressing global challenges through local solutions. The three core functions of a Biosphere Reserve—conservation of biodiversity and cultural diversity, sustainable economic development, and logistic support for research and education—are fundamental to their success.
The 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves, held in Asia for the first time, marked a significant milestone for the MAB programme, underscoring its growing global reach and inclusivity. With over 3,000 participants from more than 100 countries, the congress provided a critical forum for discussing and advancing these integrated conservation models.
QUIZ
According to the article, what is the total number of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in India after the designation of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve?
a) 10 b) 13 c) 12 d) 15
2. The Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, which governs the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, When did this program begin?
a) 1995 b) 1975 c) 1971 d) 1990
3. Which of the following is NOT a core function of a Biosphere Reserve,
a) Conservation of biodiversity and cultural diversity. b) Economic development that is socio-culturally and environmentally sustainable. c) Promoting large-scale industrialization to improve local livelihoods. d) Logistic support for research and education.
4. The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve is a critical habitat for several notable animals. Which of the following species is mentioned in the article as residing in this reserve?
a) Siberian tiger b) Asiatic lion c) Bengal tiger d) Snow Leopard
5. The 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves was the first time the event was held in which region? a) Europe b) The Americas c) Africa d) Asia
Comment your Answer !!!
