Biosphere Reserves are areas of terrestrial and marine ecosystems which are established by countries and recognized by UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere program to promote sustainable development. The purpose of a biosphere reserve is to conserve all forms of life, along with its support system. The first biosphere reserve of the world was established in 1979 and UNESCO has declared that in July 2021 there are 714 Biosphere reserves across 129 countries in the world.

In this article, we will discuss the Biosphere reserves of India that are now considered UNESCO-protected Biosphere Reserves.

1. Nilgiri(1986)

Nilgiri biosphere was established in 1986 and it is a part of Wayanad, Nagarhole, Bandipur, Madumalai, Nilambur, Silent Valley, and Siruvani hills which are in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. The main fauna found in this reserve is Nilgiri tahr, tigers, and lion-tailed macaques.

2. Nanda Devi(1988)

Nanda Devi biosphere is located in Uttarakhand and it is spread across 5860(Square km). It is established in the year 1988 and the main animals found in this reserve are Snow leopards and Himalayan black bears.

3. Gulf of Man(1989)

Gulf of Mannar is established in 1989 in the state of Tamil Nadu and it extends from Rameshwaram island in the north to Kanyakumari in the south. Here Dugongs are the key faunas found in the reserve.

4.Nokrek(1988)

Nokrek biosphere reserve in Meghalaya( In West Garo Hills). The biosphere reserve is spread 820square km. In this reserve, Red Pandas are the most found and reserved animals.

5. Sundarbans(1989)

Sundarbans is one of the major tourist attractions in West Bengal. It is a delta formed by Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems. Thousands of visitors visit this place every year and Sundarbans is also the home to Royal Bengal Tigers.

6. Manas(1989)

Manas biosphere reserve is a part of Assam where Asiatic elephants, tigers, Assam roofed turtle, hispid hares, and golden langur are found. Established in 1989, the Manas biosphere is spread across 2837square kilometers.

7. Simlipal(1994)

Simlipal is a part of Mayurbhanj district, Odisha. Established in the year 1994, Simlipal is the home to Gaur, Royal Bengal Tiger, and Asian Elephants. The area of Simlipal is 4374 square kilometers.

8. Dihang-Dibang(1998)

The reserve is located in Arunachal Pradesh. The biosphere reserve is a part of Siang and Dibang valley. The reserve is spread across 5112 square kilometers, and it is home to Mishmi takin and musk deers.

9. Pachmarhi Biosphere reserve(1999)

Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is a part of Betul, Hoshangabad, and Chhindwara District in Madhya Pradesh. In this reserve, you will find Giant squirrels, and flying squirrels as well. The biosphere reserve was established in 1999 and it is spread across 4981square kilometers.

10. Achanakmar(2005)

Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve- This biosphere is a part of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. In this vast area of 3835square kilometers, you will find Four-horned antelopes, Indian wild dogs, Sarus crane, white-rumped vultures, and sacred grove bush frogs.

UNESCO is promoting the integration of man and nature for sustainable development through awareness of poverty reduction and human well-being improvement.

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