List of Biosphere Reserves in India: Biosphere Reserves play a vital role as protective zones for vast natural habitats, going beyond the scope of traditional national parks or animal sanctuaries. India currently takes pride in having 18 biosphere reserves, actively contributing to the preservation of its rich biodiversity. These reserves are classified under the IUCN Category V Protected Areas. India's remarkable diversity of flora and fauna sets it apart as an exceptionally unique country. Candidates preparing for competitive exams should familiarize themselves with the different biosphere reserves in India. To access a comprehensive list of Biosphere Reserves in India and additional information, I recommend referring to the article provided.
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Table of Content
- Biosphere Reserves
- List of Biosphere Reserves in India
- List of Biosphere Reserves included in MAB List
Biosphere Reserves
Before we list the biosphere reserves along with their location candidates must know the criteria for setting up of biosphere reserve. Criteria for Designation of Biosphere Reserve
- A site must contain a protected and minimally disturbed core area of value of nature conservation.
- The core area must be a bio-geographical unit and should be large enough to sustain viable populations representing all trophic levels.
- The involvement of local communities and the use of their knowledge in biodiversity preservation.
- Areas potential for preservation of traditional tribal or rural modes of living for harmonious use of the environment.
There are 727 biosphere reserves in 131 countries, including 22 transboundary sites. They are distributed as follows:
- 86 sites in 31 countries in Africa
- 35 sites in 14 countries in the Arab States
- 168 sites in 40 countries in Asia and the Pacific
- 306 sites in 24 countries in Europe and North America
- 132 sites in 22 countries Latin America and the Caribbean.
- There are 18 biosphere reserves in India:
List Of Biosphere Reserves In India
The list is as follows:- Cold Desert, Himachal Pradesh
- Nanda Devi, Uttrakhand
- Khangchendzonga, Sikkim
- Dehang-Debang, Arunachal Pradesh
- Manas, Assam
- Dibru-Saikhowa, Assam
- Nokrek, Meghalaya
- Panna, Madhya Pradesh
- Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh
- Achanakmar-Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh
- Kachchh, Gujarat (Largest Area)
- Similipal, Odisha
- Sundarban, West Bengal
- Seshachalam, Andhra Pradesh
- Agasthyamala, Karnataka-Tamil Nadu-Kerala
- Nilgiri, Tamil Nadu-Kerala (First to be Included)
- Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu
- Great Nicobar, Andaman & Nicobar Island
List Of Biosphere Reserves Included In MAB List
7 most significant biosphere reserves are listed in the MAB list. The Biosphere reserves included in the MAB list enjoy the special distinction of global recognition, but the magnet and control of such areas are under the National Government, Unesco guides and assists the member nation. The Indian List of Biosphere Reserves includes 1 marine national park and 10 other land-based national parks. The detailed list is as follows:
- Nilgiri (First to be included)
- Gulf of Mannar
- Sunderban
- Nanda Devi
- Nokrek
- Pachmarhi
- Similipal
- Achanakmar - Amarkantak
- Great Nicobar
- Agasthyamala
- Khangchendzonga
- Panna
Now Learn The location of MAB Sites With the Help Of MAP
List of Biosphere Reserve: Criteria for Designation
- A site that must contain an effectively protected and minimally disturbed core area of value of nature conservation.
- The core area should have characteristics of a bio-geographical unit and be sizable enough to support thriving populations that represent all trophic levels in the ecosystem.
- To integrate biodiversity protection and socioeconomic development while controlling and containing disputes, the management authority must secure local communities' participation and collaboration.
- areas with the potential to preserve traditional tribal or rural ways of life for environmentally friendly use.
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Biosphere conservation
India is a signatory to the landscape approach backed by the UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) program, which serves as the guiding force behind the Biosphere Reserve Program. The Government of India has been operating a program known as the Biosphere Reserve since 1986, in which financial support is given to the states of the North Eastern Region and the three Himalayan states in a ratio of 90:10 and to other states in a ratio of 60:40 for the upkeep, development, and improvement of specific items. The Management Action Plan is created by the State Government and is authorized and followed by the Central MAB Committee.You may also read:
Indian States, UTs and their Capitals, 28 States and 8 UTs List |
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It is important to note that the essential methodology of biosphere conservation involves Man as the name suggests. Biosphere reserves look to integrate the local forest inhabitants for conservation and train them for scientific management of the area.
To know more read here:
List Of Nationalized Banks In India | List Of National Organizations And Their Headquarters | SBI PO Syllabus |
Which is the 1st Biosphere Resreve Of India?
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was the first biosphere reserve in India established in the year 1986.
Which is the larget Biosphere reserve of India?
Part of Kutch, Morbi, Surendranagar and Patan districts; the largest biosphere reserve in India.
How many biosphere reserves are there in India?
There are 18 Biosphere reserves in India as of 2023, of which 12 are also part of the UNESCO MAB Programme.