A Biosphere Reserve is a protected area created to conserve biodiversity, ecosystems, wildlife, and traditional human life together in a balanced manner. These reserves may include terrestrial, coastal, or marine ecosystems.

The concept of Biosphere Reserves was introduced under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, launched in 1971. The first biosphere reserve in the world was established in 1979. India currently has 18 Biosphere Reserves.

Importance of Biosphere Reserves

Biosphere Reserves are important because they:

• Protect natural ecosystems and wildlife
• Preserve genetic diversity
• Encourage sustainable use of resources
• Promote scientific research and environmental education
• Maintain harmony between humans and nature

These reserves play a major role in balancing ecological conservation with economic development.

Functions of Biosphere Reserves

Every Biosphere Reserve performs three major functions:

1. Conservation Function

• Protects landscapes, ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity.
• Helps preserve rare and endangered plants and animals.

2. Development Function

• Encourages sustainable economic and human development.
• Supports local communities through eco-friendly activities.

3. Logistic Support Function

• Promotes environmental research, monitoring, training, and awareness.
• Assists in studying climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development.

Zonation System of Biosphere Reserves

A Biosphere Reserve is generally divided into three interconnected zones.

1. Core Zone

• The innermost and most protected region.
• Human activities are strictly restricted.
• Conserves ecosystems, wildlife, and biodiversity.

2. Buffer Zone

• Surrounds the core area.
• Limited activities such as research, education, and eco-tourism are allowed.
• Acts as a protective layer for the core zone.

3. Transition Zone

• The outermost region where sustainable economic and human activities are permitted.
• Local communities live and work in this area using eco-friendly methods.

List of Biosphere Reserves in India

1. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (1986)

• Located in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
• India’s first biosphere reserve.
• Includes Silent Valley, Bandipur, Nagarhole, and Mudumalai regions.

2. Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (1988)

• Located in Uttarakhand.
• Known for Himalayan biodiversity and high-altitude ecosystems.

3. Nokrek Biosphere Reserve (1988)

• Situated in Meghalaya.
• Famous for citrus diversity and rich forest cover.

4. Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve (1989)

• Located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Important for tropical forests and marine biodiversity.

5. Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve (1989)

• Located in Tamil Nadu between India and Sri Lanka.
• Rich in coral reefs, mangroves, and marine life.

6. Manas Biosphere Reserve (1989)

• Located in Assam.
• Known for tigers, elephants, and one-horned rhinoceros.

7. Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve (1989)

• Located in West Bengal.
• Famous for mangrove forests and Royal Bengal Tigers.

8. Simlipal Biosphere Reserve (1994)

• Located in Odisha.
• Rich in forests, waterfalls, and wildlife diversity.

9. Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve (1997)

• Located in Assam.
• Known for wetlands and migratory birds.

10. Dehang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve (1998)

• Situated in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Contains dense forests and rare Himalayan species.

11. Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (1999)

• Located in Madhya Pradesh.
• Known for central Indian highlands and biodiversity.

12. Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (2000)

• Located in Sikkim.
• Includes mountain ecosystems around Mount Kanchenjunga.

13. Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve (2001)

• Spread across Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• Rich in medicinal plants and evergreen forests.

14. Achanakmar–Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve (2005)

• Located in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
• Important watershed area for major rivers.

15. Kachchh Biosphere Reserve (2008)

• Located in Gujarat.
• Includes desert ecosystems and grasslands.

16. Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve (2009)

• Located in Himachal Pradesh.
• Characterized by cold desert climate and sparse vegetation.

17. Seshachalam Hills Biosphere Reserve (2010)

• Located in Andhra Pradesh.
• Known for red sanders forests.

18. Panna Biosphere Reserve (2011)

• Located in Madhya Pradesh.
• Famous for tiger conservation and river ecosystems.

UNESCO Protected Biosphere Reserves in India

Out of the 18 Biosphere Reserves in India, several have been included in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) under the MAB Programme.

UNESCO-Recognized Biosphere Reserves

Year	Biosphere Reserve	State
2000	Nilgiri	Tamil Nadu
2001	Gulf of Mannar	Tamil Nadu
2001	Sundarbans	West Bengal
2004	Nanda Devi	Uttarakhand
2009	Pachmarhi	Madhya Pradesh
2009	Nokrek	Meghalaya
2009	Simlipal	Odisha
2012	Achanakmar-Amarkantak	Chhattisgarh
2013	Great Nicobar	Andaman & Nicobar Islands
2016	Agasthyamalai	Kerala & Tamil Nadu
2018	Khangchendzonga	Sikkim
2020	Panna	Madhya Pradesh

World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR)

The World Network of Biosphere Reserves is a global network established by UNESCO to encourage conservation and sustainable development.

Its objectives include:

• Protecting biodiversity
• Promoting ecological balance
• Supporting scientific research
• Improving human well-being through sustainable practices

Countries nominate their biosphere reserves to UNESCO under the MAB Programme. Once approved, the site becomes part of the WNBR.

Important UPSC Facts

• India has 18 Biosphere Reserves.
• Nilgiri is the first Biosphere Reserve of India.
• UNESCO launched the Man and the Biosphere Programme in 1971.
• Biosphere Reserves combine conservation with sustainable development.
• Sundarbans is famous for mangrove forests and Royal Bengal Tigers.
• Gulf of Mannar is India’s first marine biosphere reserve.
• Panna Biosphere Reserve received UNESCO recognition in 2020.