Why in news?
UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere programme announced that India’s Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve had been admitted to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves during its congress in Hangzhou, China, in late September 2025. This is the first high‑altitude cold desert reserve from India to receive the recognition.
About the reserve
- Location and extent: Spread over 7,770 square kilometres at altitudes of 3,300–6,600 metres, the reserve encompasses Pin Valley National Park, Chandratal, Sarchu and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh.
- Unique landscapes: It features glaciers, alpine meadows, cold deserts and high‑altitude lakes. The region is characterised by low precipitation, sparse vegetation and dramatic temperature variations.
- Biodiversity: Over 700 species of vascular plants grow here, including many endemics. Wildlife includes snow leopards, Himalayan ibex, blue sheep, Himalayan wolves, golden eagles and Himalayan snowcocks.
- Human presence: About 12,000 residents live within the reserve, practising pastoralism, yak and goat herding, and small‑scale farming. Traditional Tibetan medicine is part of the local culture.
Importance of UNESCO recognition
Being part of the World Network brings international attention, funding opportunities and guidance on sustainable management. It requires a balance between conservation and development. Authorities must now prepare management plans that conserve biodiversity, promote community livelihoods and foster research and education. The recognition underscores India’s diversity—from tropical forests to high‑altitude deserts—and encourages eco‑tourism that respects fragile ecosystems.