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HIMACHAL Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve IN UNESCO LIST
1. What is the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve (CDBR)?
The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve (CDBR) is located in Himachal Pradesh, covering 7,770 sq km across the Lahaul-Spiti district. It is India’s first high-altitude cold desert reserve and represents one of the coldest and driest ecosystems in the world.
2. Why has UNESCO included it in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR)?
It was recognized for its unique ecology, including snow leopards, Himalayan ibex, Himalayan wolf, and fragile alpine ecosystems. This recognition strengthens international conservation efforts and enhances climate resilience in the Himalayas.
3. How many biosphere reserves from India are now in the WNBR?
With this inclusion, India now has 13 biosphere reserves in the WNBR. Globally, there are 785 sites in 142 countries.
4. What are the ecological features of the reserve?
The reserve is home to:
• 655 herbs, 41 shrubs, and 17 tree species.
• 14 endemic plants and 47 medicinal plants vital to the Sowa Rigpa/Amchi system.
• 17 mammal species and 119 bird species.
• Terrain featuring glacial valleys, alpine lakes, and high-altitude deserts.
5. How is the reserve organized for conservation?
The CDBR is divided into zones:
• Core zone: 2,665 sq km
• Buffer zone: 3,977 sq km
• Transition zone: 1,128 sq km
This zoning balances conservation, sustainable use, and community involvement.
6. How do local communities live in this region?
About 12,000 residents live in scattered villages, practicing pastoralism, yak and goat herding, barley and pea farming, and Tibetan herbal medicine. Their Buddhist traditions guide the sustainable use of fragile alpine resources.
7. What are the benefits of this recognition?
• Boosts international research collaboration.
• Promotes eco-tourism.
• Enhances global visibility of Himachal’s cold desert.
• Strengthens climate resilience strategies.
8. How does this relate to other conservation efforts in India?
This recognition complements India’s broader conservation commitments. The country now has 93 Ramsar sites and 13 biosphere reserves in the WNBR, underscoring its global role in biodiversity protection and sustainable development.