Biosphere reserves in India
SMD Classes
Biosphere Reserves in India
Content by Shyam Mohan Dubey
What is a Biosphere Reserve?
A Biosphere Reserve is a large area of terrestrial, coastal or marine ecosystems designated to conserve biodiversity while supporting sustainable development and the well-being of local communities. It protects plants, animals, ecosystems and the traditional knowledge and livelihoods of people living in the region.
Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme
- Launched by UNESCO in 1971 as an intergovernmental scientific programme.
- Its objective is to improve the relationship between people and their environment through science, conservation and sustainable development.
- The World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) connects internationally recognised sites.
India's National Programme
India's National Biosphere Reserve Programme was initiated in 1986. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) administers the relevant biodiversity conservation scheme; State Forest Departments implement activities and state governments prepare management action plans.
Three Zones of a Biosphere Reserve
1. Core Zone / मुख्य क्षेत्र
The most protected zone. It conserves ecosystems, species and genetic resources. Human interference is kept to a minimum; only permitted activities such as monitoring and non-destructive research are undertaken.
2. Buffer Zone / मध्यवर्ती क्षेत्र
Surrounds or adjoins the core zone. Research, education, restoration and regulated, low-impact activities such as eco-tourism may be allowed.
3. Transition Zone / संक्रमण क्षेत्र
The outermost zone and an area of cooperation. Settlements, agriculture, managed forests and sustainable economic activities take place here.
Functions of Biosphere Reserves
Conservation / संरक्षण
Conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species, genetic diversity and traditional culture.
Development / विकास
Promoting sustainable economic and human development that is socially, culturally and ecologically appropriate.
Logistic Support / सहायक कार्य
Supporting research, monitoring, environmental education, training and exchange of knowledge.
All 18 Biosphere Reserves in India
Year refers to national designation. Area figures are approximate and follow the Government of India's published list.
| # | Name | Year | State(s) / केंद्र-राज्य | Area (sq. km) | UNESCO WNBR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nilgiri | 1986 | Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka | 5,520 | 2000 |
| 2 | Nanda Devi | 1988 | Uttarakhand | 6,407 | 2004 |
| 3 | Nokrek | 1988 | Meghalaya | 820 | 2009 |
| 4 | Gulf of Mannar | 1989 | Tamil Nadu | 10,500 | 2001 |
| 5 | Sundarbans | 1989 | West Bengal | 9,630 | 2001 |
| 6 | Manas | 1989 | Assam | 2,837 | — |
| 7 | Great Nicobar | 1989 | Andaman and Nicobar Islands | 885 | 2013 |
| 8 | Similipal | 1994 | Odisha | 5,569 | 2009 |
| 9 | Dibru-Saikhowa | 1997 | Assam | 765 | — |
| 10 | Dehang-Dibang | 1998 | Arunachal Pradesh | 5,111.5 | — |
| 11 | Pachmarhi | 1999 | Madhya Pradesh | 4,982 | 2009 |
| 12 | Khangchendzonga | 2000 | Sikkim | 2,931 | 2018 |
| 13 | Agasthyamalai | 2001 | Kerala, Tamil Nadu | 3,500 | 2016 |
| 14 | Achanakmar-Amarkantak | 2005 | Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh | 3,835 | 2012 |
| 15 | Great Rann of Kutch | 2008 | Gujarat | 12,454 | — |
| 16 | Cold Desert | 2009 | Himachal Pradesh | 7,770 | 2025 |
| 17 | Seshachalam | 2010 | Andhra Pradesh | 4,755.58 | — |
| 18 | Panna | 2011 | Madhya Pradesh | 2,998.98 | 2020 |
13 Indian Biosphere Reserves in UNESCO's World Network
The following reserves are included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). The year shown is the year of inclusion.
Important Facts for Competitive Exams
- First Biosphere Reserve in India: Nilgiri (1986).
- Largest by area: Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat (about 12,454 sq. km).
- Smallest by area in the Government table: Dibru-Saikhowa, Assam (about 765 sq. km).
- Only marine Biosphere Reserve: Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu.
- Latest UNESCO inclusion: Cold Desert, Himachal Pradesh (2025).
- States with three reserves each: Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu (including shared reserves).
- Great Nicobar: Shompen and Nicobarese communities; saltwater crocodile and Nicobar megapode.
- Nokrek: Garo Hills, Meghalaya; known for the red panda and Hoolock gibbon.
- Sundarbans: Mangrove ecosystem; Royal Bengal Tiger.
- Gulf of Mannar: Dugong (sea cow), coral reefs and marine biodiversity.
- Cold Desert: Himachal Pradesh; snow leopard and high-altitude cold desert ecosystem.
- Seshachalam: Andhra Pradesh; red sanders (red sandalwood) and slender loris.
- Panna: Madhya Pradesh; Ken River, tiger and diamond-bearing region.
- Achanakmar-Amarkantak: Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh; Narmada originates in the Amarkantak region.
Biosphere Reserve, National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary
| Basis | Biosphere Reserve | National Park | Wildlife Sanctuary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary aim | Biodiversity conservation with sustainable development | Protection of wildlife and ecosystems | Protection of wildlife, especially fauna |
| Area | Generally large; may include parks and sanctuaries | Defined protected area | Defined protected area |
| Human activity | Varies by core, buffer and transition zones | Highly restricted, subject to law | Regulated; certain rights/activities may be permitted under law |
| Recognition | National designation; selected sites may join UNESCO WNBR | Declared under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 | Declared under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 |
Quick Revision Questions
a) Nanda Devi b) Nilgiri c) Nokrek d) Sundarbans
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Answer: b) Nilgiri (1986)a) Core b) Buffer c) Transition d) None
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Answer: c) Transition Zonea) Gujarat b) Tamil Nadu c) Kerala d) Odisha
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Answer: b) Tamil Nadua) Ladakh b) Uttarakhand c) Himachal Pradesh d) Sikkim
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Answer: c) Himachal Pradesha) 1965 b) 1971 c) 1986 d) 1992