changeadminIn September 2025, India’s Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh was included in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
With this addition, India has 18 notified Biosphere Reserves covering approximately 91,425 sq. km, of which 13 are recognised by UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR).
These reserves span diverse landscapes — from mountains and forests to coasts and islands — showcasing India’s ecological richness and commitment to conserving biodiversity while supporting local communities.
The Biosphere Reserve Division of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) administers a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for Biodiversity Conservation, which operates as a sub-scheme under the broader Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems (CNRE) programme.
The scheme provides financial assistance to states for targeted conservation and development activities, with implementation primarily handled by State Forest Departments. It follows a cost-sharing model: 60:40 (Central: State) and 90:10 for the North Eastern and Himalayan states.
What sets this scheme apart is its focus on local communities, particularly those living in and around Biosphere Reserves. By promoting alternative livelihoods, eco-development activities, and sustainable resource management, the scheme helps reduce biotic pressure on core biodiversity zones.
Special emphasis is placed on buffer and transition zones, providing supplementary support to minimise dependence on critical ecosystems and ensure long-term sustainability.
Biosphere Reserves in India also serve as living laboratories for sustainable development, integrating ecological protection with community welfare.
They complement other national initiatives, such as Project Tiger, Project Elephant, Green India Mission, and the National Biodiversity Action Plan, creating a holistic framework for conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
In essence, India’s Biosphere Reserve programme exemplifies the balance between nature and human development, demonstrating how environmental stewardship, scientific research, and socio-economic support can coexist to secure ecological and community well-being.
Impact of Conservation Efforts
The establishment of Biosphere Reserves in India reflects a long-term national vision for conservation and sustainable development aligned with global environmental goals under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.
India is at the forefront of promoting and managing Biosphere Reserves, showcasing its dedication to conserving biodiversity, empowering local communities, and advancing sustainable ecosystem practices.
- Biosphere Reserves have significantly contributed to maintaining ecosystem balance, enabling biodiversity conservation, and strengthening climate resilience in fragile habitats. They serve as demonstration sites for sustainable practices and provide economic and livelihood security to forest-dependent populations through alternative livelihood measures.
- India’s implementation of the Biosphere Reserve Programme has also supported measurable improvements in forest health indicators. As of October 2025, India ranked 9th globally in total forest area and 3rd in annual forest gain, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025.
- Continuous monitoring, enhanced community participation, and expansion of the Biosphere Reserve network have collectively strengthened India’s position among global leaders in forest and biodiversity conservation.
- Biosphere Reserves complement India’s broader conservation framework by linking habitat protection with sustainable community development. These reserves act as living laboratories where integrated approaches converge to strengthen ecosystem resilience and conserve species across diverse landscapes.
Several national schemes align with the objectives of Biosphere Reserves, collectively contributing to habitat conservation, sustainable resource use, and community development. Some of these are as follows:
Project Tiger – Initiated in 1973, has been India’s flagship conservation initiative, completing 50 years in 2023. Focused on tiger conservation through dedicated reserves and strict protection measures, it has played a crucial role in reviving tiger populations.
Project Elephant – India, home to over 60% of the global Asian elephant population, has undertaken significant measures to protect and conserve these majestic animals.
Project Elephant is a flagship initiative aimed at ensuring the long-term survival of elephants in their natural habitats. This program focuses on habitat preservation, human-elephant conflict mitigation, and the welfare of captive elephants, reflecting India’s deep-rooted cultural and ecological commitment to elephant conservation.
Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) Scheme –This centrally sponsored scheme provides financial and technical assistance to state and union territory governments for wildlife conservation activities.
National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) – The NBA, established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, is entrusted with the crucial responsibility of regulating access to India’s vast biological resources and associated traditional knowledge.
Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) and Wildlife Corridors – Eco-sensitive Zones around Protected Areas, i.e. National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. The purpose of declaring an ESZ is to create a “Shock Absorber” for the specialised Ecosystem, such as Protected Areas or other natural sites, and to act as a transition zone from areas of high protection to areas of lesser protection.
Green India Mission – The mission aims to protect, restore, and enhance India’s forest cover while tackling climate change. GIM focuses on improving biodiversity, water resources, and ecosystems such as mangroves and wetlands, while helping absorb carbon.
Wrapping Up
By integrating ecological protection with community empowerment, biosphere reserves in India serve as living examples of harmony between nature and people, supported by national policies and international partnerships such as UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme.
With a growing network of reserves, increased forest cover, and active collaboration for innovative and inclusive approaches, India continues to set benchmarks in global conservation.
These efforts ensure that both ecological treasures and local communities thrive, strengthening India’s role as a leader in sustainable living for present and future generations.
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