India is home to a diverse range of ecosystems from dense forests and wetlands to grasslands and coastal areas. To protect its unique biodiversity India has established biosphere reserves—special areas dedicated to conserving wildlife plants and natural resources while promoting sustainable development.
In this topic we will explore the number of biosphere reserves in India their significance and their role in environmental conservation.
What is a Biosphere Reserve?
A biosphere reserve is a protected area recognized for its ecological importance. These areas aim to:
- Preserve biodiversity by protecting plant and animal species.
- Support research on ecological balance and conservation.
- Promote sustainable development by involving local communities in conservation efforts.
Biosphere reserves in India are designated by the Government of India and some are also recognized internationally by UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.
How Many Biosphere Reserves are There in India?
As of today India has 18 biosphere reserves spread across different states. Out of these 12 have been recognized by UNESCO under the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
List of Biosphere Reserves in India
Below is the complete list of 18 biosphere reserves in India along with their locations and year of establishment:
- Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve – Tamil Nadu Kerala Karnataka (1986)
- Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve – Uttarakhand (1988)
- Nokrek Biosphere Reserve – Meghalaya (1988)
- Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve – Andaman & Nicobar Islands (1989)
- Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve – Tamil Nadu (1989)
- Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve – West Bengal (1989)
- Manas Biosphere Reserve – Assam (1989)
- Simlipal Biosphere Reserve – Odisha (1994)
- Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve – Assam (1997)
- Dehang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve – Arunachal Pradesh (1998)
- Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve – Madhya Pradesh (1999)
- Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve – Sikkim (2000)
- Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve – Tamil Nadu Kerala (2001)
- Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve – Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh (2005)
- Great Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve – Gujarat (2008)
- Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve – Himachal Pradesh (2009)
- Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve – Andhra Pradesh (2010)
- Panna Biosphere Reserve – Madhya Pradesh (2011)
UNESCO-Recognized Biosphere Reserves in India
Among the 18 biosphere reserves 12 have received international recognition from UNESCO under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. These are:
- Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (2000)
- Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve (2001)
- Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve (2001)
- Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (2004)
- Nokrek Biosphere Reserve (2009)
- Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (2009)
- Simlipal Biosphere Reserve (2009)
- Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve (2012)
- Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve (2013)
- Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve (2016)
- Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (2018)
- Panna Biosphere Reserve (2020)
Importance of Biosphere Reserves in India
Biosphere reserves play a crucial role in maintaining environmental balance. Their key benefits include:
1. Conservation of Biodiversity
Biosphere reserves protect endangered species and unique ecosystems. For example the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve is home to the famous Royal Bengal Tiger and the largest mangrove forest in the world.
2. Climate Change Mitigation
Forests and wetlands in biosphere reserves absorb carbon dioxide helping to combat climate change. The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve plays a key role in maintaining the ecological balance of South India.
3. Support for Local Communities
Biosphere reserves encourage sustainable living practices by involving local communities in conservation efforts. Many reserves support eco-tourism and sustainable agriculture.
4. Scientific Research and Education
These areas provide valuable opportunities for scientists to study ecosystems wildlife and climate change. Researchers use data from biosphere reserves to improve conservation techniques.
Threats to Biosphere Reserves in India
Despite their importance biosphere reserves face several challenges including:
1. Deforestation and Habitat Loss
Illegal logging and expansion of agricultural land threaten forests in Manas and Simlipal Biosphere Reserves.
2. Climate Change and Natural Disasters
Rising sea levels and extreme weather conditions impact Sundarbans and Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserves.
3. Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade
Endangered species like tigers rhinos and elephants are at risk due to poaching activities in Manas and Panna Biosphere Reserves.
4. Pollution and Industrial Activities
Industrial pollution mining and urbanization affect Pachmarhi and Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserves.
Conservation Efforts and Future Prospects
To protect biosphere reserves the Indian government and international organizations are taking various steps such as:
- Strengthening anti-poaching laws and increasing patrols.
- Promoting eco-tourism to generate sustainable revenue.
- Expanding community-led conservation projects.
- Enhancing scientific research and climate adaptation programs.
India is also working to expand the list of UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserves by nominating more sites for international recognition.
India’s 18 biosphere reserves play a vital role in preserving biodiversity and supporting ecological balance. With 12 UNESCO-recognized sites these reserves contribute to global conservation efforts.
However challenges like deforestation climate change and poaching threaten these fragile ecosystems. By promoting sustainable development enforcing environmental laws and involving local communities India can ensure that its biosphere reserves continue to thrive for future generations.
