Biosphere Reserves in India

In this article, we will learn about what is biosphere reserve and its key features along with the list of biosphere reserves in India.

A biosphere reserve is an internationally recognized ecosystem that protects nature and wildlife while allowing people to live and use resources in a balanced way. In other words, a biosphere reserve is a specially protected area that balance conservation, environment, and sustainable use of natural resources.

In 1971, UNESCO launched the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme to improve the relationship between people and the natural environment through the establishment of biosphere reserves.

The first biosphere reserve in the world was established in 1979. Since then, the network has expanded to 748 biosphere reserves in 134 countries (as per the UNESCO MAB Programme, 2024).

Presently, India has 18 biosphere reserves. Out of these, 12 have been recognized as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) by UNESCO.

Zones of Biosphere Reserves

Biosphere reserves are divided into three zones, each serving a different purpose:

• Core Zone: This area is fully protected where no human activity is allowed. It is the most important zone to preserve wildlife, biodiversity, and natural ecosystems.
• Buffer Zone: This area surrounds the core area, allowing some controlled human activities, such as research, education, tourism, and sustainable resource use.
• Transition Zone: This is the outermost area where people are allowed to live, work, and use resources sustainably. This zone promotes the balance between conservation and development.

Salient Features of Biosphere Reserves

The salient features (or main characteristics) of biosphere reserves are outlined below:

• Biosphere reserves protect nature by conserving plants, animals, and ecosystems.
• They support sustainable use, allowing people to live and use natural resources without harming the environment.
• Biosphere reserves are divided into three zones:
  • Core Zone : Fully protected, with no human activity.
  • Buffer Zone: Limited human activities like research and education are allowed.
  • Transition Zone: Sustainable human activities such as farming and tourism are permitted.
• A biosphere reserve supports research, allowing scientists to study wildlife, plants, and climate change in these areas.
• UNESCO recognizes some biosphere reserves as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR).
• Biosphere reserves protect endangered species by providing a safe home to rare and endangered plants and animals. For example, the core zone of a biosphere reserve is a strictly protected area where human activities (like hunting, farming, or settlements) are prohibited to make a safe ecosystem for endangered species.
• These reserves also help fight climate change by protecting forests, wetlands, and other natural areas that absorb carbon dioxide.
• Biosphere reserves also promote tourism. Tourists can explore nature and wildlife, but the core zone remains off-limits to protect wildlife.

These are the salient features of biosphere reserves that you should keep in mind for your competitive exams.

List of Biosphere Reserves in India

Look at the below in map of 18 biosphere reserves in India.

These are the list of 18 biosphere reserves in India that you should keep in mind for your exams.

List of 12 UNESCO Protected Biosphere Reserves in India

Out of these 18 biosphere reserves, 12 have been recognized on World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO. They are as follows in the table:

FAQs on Biosphere Reserves

Now glance at frequently asked questions on Biosphere Reserves in simple words: