India is home to a rich and diverse natural heritage, reflected in its numerous biosphere reserves. These reserves are designated by UNESCO to promote sustainable development based on local community efforts and sound science. They serve as important sites for conservation, research, and education on the interaction between humans and the environment.
Here’s a comprehensive list of the UNESCO Protected Biosphere Reserves in India along with their year of notification and locations:
| Sl. No | Name | Notification | Location (States) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nilgiri | 1986 | Part of Wayanad, Nagarhole, Bandipur, Mudumalai, Nilambur, Silent Valley and Siruvani hills (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka) |
| 2 | Nanda Devi | 1988 | Part of Chamoli, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar districts (Uttarakhand) |
| 3 | Nokrek | 1988 | Part of Garo Hills (Meghalaya) |
| 4 | Great Nicobar | 1989 | Southernmost islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| 5 | Gulf of Mannar | 1989 | Indian part of Gulf of Mannar between India and Sri Lanka (Tamil Nadu) |
| 6 | Manas | 1989 | Part of Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, Nalbari, Kamrup, and Darrang districts (Assam) |
| 7 | Sundarbans | 1989 | Part of delta of Ganges and Brahmaputra river system (West Bengal) |
| 8 | Simlipal | 1994 | Part of Mayurbhanj district (Odisha) |
| 9 | Dibru-Saikhowa | 1997 | Part of Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts (Assam) |
| 10 | Dehang-Dibang | 1998 | Part of Siang and Dibang Valley (Arunachal Pradesh) |
| 11 | Pachmarhi | 1999 | Parts of Betul, Hoshangabad and Chhindwara districts (Madhya Pradesh) |
| 12 | Khangchendzonga | 2000 | Parts of Khangchendzonga hills (Sikkim) |
| 13 | Agasthyamalai | 2001 | Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries and adjoining areas (Kerala) |
| 14 | Achanakamar – Amarkantak | 2005 | Parts of Anuppur and Dindori districts (Madhya Pradesh) and Bilaspur district (Chhattisgarh) |
| 15 | Kachchh | 2008 | Part of Kachchh, Rajkot, Surendranagar and Patan districts (Gujarat) |
| 16 | Cold Desert | 2009 | Pin Valley National Park, Chandratal and Sarchu Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary (Himachal Pradesh) |
| 17 | Seshachalam Hills | 2010 | Seshachalam Hill ranges covering parts of Chittoor and Kadapa districts (Andhra Pradesh) |
| 18 | Panna | 2011 | Part of Panna and Chhatarpur districts (Madhya Pradesh) |
| 19 | Kanchenjunga | 2018 | Parts of North and West Sikkim districts |
Why Are Biosphere Reserves Important?
Biosphere reserves play a crucial role in conserving biodiversity and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources. They act as living laboratories where scientists and policymakers study ecosystems, test sustainable development models, and preserve cultural and biological diversity.
India's biosphere reserves span from tropical forests and grasslands to mountainous regions and coastal zones, reflecting the incredible ecological diversity of the country.
Conclusion
These UNESCO Biosphere Reserves are jewels of India’s natural heritage. Protecting and preserving these areas ensures the wellbeing of countless species and local communities while providing a blueprint for balancing nature and development worldwide.
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