Biosphere Reserves in India are designated areas that aim to conserve and protect representative ecosystems, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. These reserves serve as living laboratories for research, education, and sustainable development. They typically consist of core zones, buffer zones, and transition zones, each with varying levels of protection and human activity. India has 18 Biosphere Reserves recognized by UNESCO. This includes famous ones like the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, and Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. They contribute to the conservation of unique ecosystems and foster the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature.

The topic Biosphere Reserves in India is an important topic under environment subject for UPSC prelims as well as mains examination. 

In this article on Biosphere Reserves in India UPSC, we shall discuss the objectives, functions, and structure of Biosphere Reserves and a list of 18 biosphere reserves in India. 

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What are Biosphere Reserves in India?

Biosphere Reserves are designated areas of land and/or coastal/marine ecosystems. Here, communities and governments work together to promote conservation, sustainable development, and research. They are internationally recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR).

Purpose of Biosphere Reserves

The Three main functions/purposes of the biosphere reserves are as follows,

• To Conserve Biodiversity and its ecosystem and also to conserve cultural diversity
• To Promote sustainable development in the communities of the surrounding region
• To Aid logistics support by establishing an international network for research, monitoring, education, and training.

The biosphere reserves not only aim to conserve the plants and animals but also the human communities who inhabit these protected regions and their culture. These protected areas (biosphere reserves) serve as learning areas for sustainable development under diverse contexts.

Aspirants can also check the NCERT Notes on the importance of biodiversity here.

List of Biosphere Reserves in India

Following is the list of 18 biosphere reserves in India:

Also, read Blue Revolution for UPSC here.

List of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in India

Following is the list of 11 biosphere reserves in India that are included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Study the NCERT Notes on the loss of biodiversity from the linked article for UPSC.

Distribution of Biosphere Reserves Across the World

Criteria for Designation of Biosphere Reserves

In order to designate an area as a biosphere reserve, it should meet the following criteria.

• The core area of the site must be effectively protected and disturbed very minimally.
• The core area should be a biogeographical unit and should be large enough to support a viable population of species of all trophic levels in the ecosystem.
• The area should be of significance for conserving biological diversity.
• The site should possess additional land and water that would be suitable to carry out research and demonstrations on sustainable methods of research and management.
• The area should have the potential to preserve the traditional tribal or rural modes of living for harmonious use of the environment.

Check the highest peaks in the states of India here.

Zonification of Biosphere Reserves in India

The biosphere reserves are divided into the following three zones, which are interrelated.

Core Zone

The core zone is a strictly protected area in the biosphere reserve under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. It contributes to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species, and genetic variations. These areas are protected from any human activities that might affect wildlife and natural processes.

Buffer Zone

The zone which surrounds or adjoins the core zone is known as the buffer zone. Activities such as scientific research, monitoring, education, and training are carried out in this zone. Human activities which do not affect the natural ecosystem of the biosphere reserves are permitted in this region.

Transition Zone

The transition zone is the outermost region of the biosphere reserve. Sustainable economic and human activities are carried out in the transition zone. This zone consists of agricultural practices and settlements.

Study the NCERT Notes on environment and ecosystem here.

Conservation of Biosphere Reserves in India

The Indian government has taken many steps to conserve biosphere reserves, including:

• Establishing a network of biosphere reserves: There are currently 18 biosphere reserves in India. They cover a total area of over 60,000 square kilometers. These reserves represent a wide range of ecosystems. This includes the Himalayan snow peaks and the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans.
• Developing management plans: Each biosphere reserve has a management plan. It outlines the goals and objectives for the reserve. The management plans are developed in consultation with local communities and other stakeholders. 
  • The Management Action Plan is created by the state government. It is authorised and supervised by the Central MAB Committee.
• Biosphere Reserve Scheme: The GoI has been implementing the Biosphere Reserve scheme since 1986. Under this, financial assistance is distributed in:
  • 90:10 ratio to the North Eastern Region States, and three Himalayan states, and 
  • a 60:40 ratio to other states.

This is for the maintenance, improvement, and development of certain items. 

Also, learn about the Ramsar Sites in India for UPSC here!

Way Forward

• Secure land rights for tribals who depend on forest resources in transition areas.
• Market resources like spices from the reserves of Kerala with "Biosphere Reserve Tags" to increase their value.
• Implement the Munnar Declaration, which suggests that biosphere reserves can be carved out of the desert and Gangetic plain bio-geographic zones.
• Take strict steps against alien species invading various biosphere reserves.

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