Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve included in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: TOI
Context: India’s Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve (Himachal Pradesh) has been included in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) at the 37th ICC-MAB session.
About Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve included in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves:
• What it is? A high-altitude biosphere reserve (7,770 sq km) in Himachal Pradesh’s Trans-Himalayan region, integrating Pin Valley National Park, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandratal Wetland and surrounding areas. It is zoned into core, buffer, and transition areas balancing conservation and community livelihoods.
• A high-altitude biosphere reserve (7,770 sq km) in Himachal Pradesh’s Trans-Himalayan region, integrating Pin Valley National Park, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandratal Wetland and surrounding areas.
• It is zoned into core, buffer, and transition areas balancing conservation and community livelihoods.
• Located in:
• Lahaul-Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh Altitude: 3,300–6,600 m Terrain: windswept plateaus, glacial valleys, alpine lakes, and high-altitude desert ecosystems
• Lahaul-Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh
• Altitude: 3,300–6,600 m
• Terrain: windswept plateaus, glacial valleys, alpine lakes, and high-altitude desert ecosystems
• History:
• Established in 2009 as a Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve. Included in UNESCO’s WNBR in 2025, becoming India’s first high-altitude cold desert site in the global network.
• Established in 2009 as a Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve.
• Included in UNESCO’s WNBR in 2025, becoming India’s first high-altitude cold desert site in the global network.
• Features
• Flora: 655 herbs, 41 shrubs, 17 tree species. Includes 14 endemics and 47 medicinal plants vital for Sowa Rigpa/Amchi healing tradition. Fauna: 17 mammals, 119 birds. Flagship species: Snow Leopard, Himalayan wolf, Tibetan antelope, Himalayan ibex. Communities: ~12,000 residents engaged in pastoralism, yak/goat herding, barley & pea farming, Tibetan herbal medicine. Zonation: Core (2,665 sq km), Buffer (3,977 sq km), Transition (1,128 sq km). Climate: One of the coldest and driest ecosystems in UNESCO’s WNBR.
• Flora: 655 herbs, 41 shrubs, 17 tree species. Includes 14 endemics and 47 medicinal plants vital for Sowa Rigpa/Amchi healing tradition.
• Includes 14 endemics and 47 medicinal plants vital for Sowa Rigpa/Amchi healing tradition.
• Fauna: 17 mammals, 119 birds. Flagship species: Snow Leopard, Himalayan wolf, Tibetan antelope, Himalayan ibex.
• Flagship species: Snow Leopard, Himalayan wolf, Tibetan antelope, Himalayan ibex.
• Communities: ~12,000 residents engaged in pastoralism, yak/goat herding, barley & pea farming, Tibetan herbal medicine.
• Zonation: Core (2,665 sq km), Buffer (3,977 sq km), Transition (1,128 sq km).
• Climate: One of the coldest and driest ecosystems in UNESCO’s WNBR.
• Indian and UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves:
• India has 18 biosphere reserves, of which 13 are now in WNBR. Globally: 785 sites in 142 countries and UNESCO added 26 new reserves in 2025 – highest in 20 years.
• India has 18 biosphere reserves, of which 13 are now in WNBR.
• Globally: 785 sites in 142 countries and UNESCO added 26 new reserves in 2025 – highest in 20 years.
• Significance:
• Global recognition: Enhances India’s role in biodiversity conservation and sustainable mountain ecosystem management. Research hub: Serves as a “living laboratory” for international scientific collaboration.
• Global recognition: Enhances India’s role in biodiversity conservation and sustainable mountain ecosystem management.
• Research hub: Serves as a “living laboratory” for international scientific collaboration.