Biosphere Reserves in India

What are Biosphere reserves?

Biosphere reserves are ‘learning places for sustainable development. They provide support in research and analysis of issues of conservation of sustainable development. They are sites for testing interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and managing changes and interactions between social and ecological systems.

Biosphere reserves include the prevention and management of biodiversity. They conserve genetic resources, species, ecosystems, and landscapes. Biosphere reserves are declared by the Central or state government through the program of MAB under UNESCO.

Man and Biosphere- MAB:

Man and Biosphere- MAB was Launched by UNESCO in 1971 for the establishment of the scientific basis for the improvement of the relationship between man and the environment.

The MAB defines biospheres as:

Core Area: it comprises a strictly protected ecosystem that contributes to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species, and genetic variation.

Buffer Zone: It surrounds the core area. The buffer zone is used for activities compatible with sound ecological practices which reinforce scientific research, monitoring, training, and education.

Transition Area: It is the part of the reserve where the greatest activity is allowed, foresting economic and human development that is socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable.

• Currently, there are 714 biosphere reserves in 129  countries, including 21 transboundary sites, that belong to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). Their distribution as :
  • 85 sites in 31 countries in Africa
  • 33 sites in 12 countries in the Arab States
  • 157 sites in 24 countries in Asia and the Pacific
  • 302 sites in 38 countries in Europe and North America
  • 130 sites in 21 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Which is the first Biosphere Reserve of India?

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve the part of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka is the first Biosphere Reserve of India.

Which is the largest and smallest biosphere reserve in India?

The largest is Runn of kutch in Gujarat and the smallest one is Dibru- Saikhoa in Assam.

There are eighteen Biosphere reserves in India listed below:

12 reserves were announced as World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO under Man And Biosphere (MAB) program list.

Map showing Biosphere Reserves in India

References:

• https://wii.gov.in/nwdc_biosphere_reserves
• https://en.unesco.org/biosphere/about
• https://en.unesco.org/biosphere/wnbr

Rivers of India and their main Tributaries

You can also read: 💡

• Ramsar wetlands in India
• List of Some Important Wildlife Sanctuaries of India
• Tiger Reserves in India
• List of main volcanoes in the world 
• List of Mountain Passes of India
• Indus river system
• Ganga river system 

If you have any updates or suggestions, please suggest us in the comment section!!!

Thank you 🙂