Biosphere Reserves in India – Complete Notes & List
India is one of the world’s richest countries in terms of biological diversity. To protect ecosystems while ensuring sustainable development, the Government of India has established Biosphere Reserves under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme of UNESCO. These reserves play a vital role in conserving flora, fauna, and traditional human cultures.
At present, India has 18 Biosphere Reserves, out of which 13 are recognized by UNESCO.
What is a Biosphere Reserve?
A Biosphere Reserve is a large protected area meant for:
Conservation of plants, animals, and microorganisms
Promotion of sustainable developmentSupport for research, education, and training
Objectives of Biosphere Reserves
Conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems
Development based on sustainable use of natural resources
Logistic support for research, monitoring, and education
Zonation of Biosphere Reserves
Each Biosphere Reserve is divided into three zones:
1. Core Zone
Fully protected area
No human activity allowedFocus on conservation of species
2. Buffer Zone
Surrounds the core zone
Limited activities like research, education, eco-tourism3. Transition Zone
Human settlements allowed
Sustainable agriculture, forestry, and livelihood activitiesTotal Biosphere Reserves in India (State-wise List)
| No. | Biosphere Reserve | State(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nilgiri | Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka |
| 2 | Nanda Devi | Uttarakhand |
| 3 | Nokrek | Meghalaya |
| 4 | Gulf of Mannar | Tamil Nadu |
| 5 | Sundarbans | West Bengal |
| 6 | Manas | Assam |
| 7 | Great Nicobar | Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
| 8 | Similipal | Odisha |
| 9 | Dibru-Saikhowa | Assam |
| 10 | Dihang-Dibang | Arunachal Pradesh |
| 11 | Pachmarhi | Madhya Pradesh |
| 12 | Khangchendzonga | Sikkim |
| 13 | Agasthyamalai | Kerala, Tamil Nadu |
| 14 | Achanakmar-Amarkantak | Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh |
| 15 | Great Rann of Kutch | Gujarat |
| 16 | Cold Desert (Spiti) | Himachal Pradesh |
| 17 | Seshachalam Hills | Andhra Pradesh |
| 18 | Panna | Madhya Pradesh |
UNESCO-Recognized Biosphere Reserves in India (13)
✔ Nilgiri
✔ Nanda Devi
✔ Nokrek
✔ Gulf of Mannar
✔ Sundarbans
✔ Great Nicobar
✔ Similipal
✔ Pachmarhi
✔ Khangchendzonga
✔ Agasthyamalai
✔ Achanakmar-Amarkantak
✔ Panna
✔ Cold Desert (Spiti Valley)
Important Biosphere Reserves – Exam Focus
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
First biosphere reserve in India (1986)
Located in Western GhatsFamous for Nilgiri Tahr & Elephants
Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve
World’s largest mangrove forest
Habitat of Royal Bengal TigerDelta of Ganga–Brahmaputra
Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve
India’s first marine biosphere reserve
Rich coral reefs and seagrassHabitat of Dugong
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
Himalayan ecosystem
Snow leopard, musk deerUNESCO World Heritage Site
Great Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve
Largest biosphere reserve in India
Salt marsh ecosystemIndian Wild Ass & Flamingos
Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve
Located in Spiti Valley
India’s only cold desert biosphere reserveHigh-altitude ecosystem
Why Biosphere Reserves are Important
Protect endangered species
Maintain ecological balancePreserve traditional knowledge
Promote eco-tourism
Support climate change mitigation
Most Repeated Exam Facts (Quick Revision)
First Biosphere Reserve: Nilgiri
Largest Biosphere Reserve: Great Rann of KutchOnly Marine Biosphere Reserve: Gulf of Mannar
Mangrove Ecosystem: Sundarbans
Cold Desert Ecosystem: Spiti (HP)
Western Ghats Reserve: Nilgiri, Agasthyamalai
MCQs for Practice
India’s first biosphere reserve is:
Answer: NilgiriWhich biosphere reserve is a mangrove ecosystem?
Answer: SundarbansGulf of Mannar is located in:
Answer: Tamil NaduWhich biosphere reserve lies in Spiti Valley?
Answer: Cold DesertAchanakmar-Amarkantak is shared by:
Answer: MP & Chhattisgarh
Conclusion
Biosphere Reserves are vital for environmental conservation and sustainable development. For competitive exams like SSC, UPSC, JKSSB, State PCS, questions from this topic are frequently asked. A clear understanding of their location, ecosystem type, and UNESCO status is essential