18 Biosphere Reserves In India: The Most Comprehensive List You’ll Find [MAP]

Biosphere Reserves in India

There are 18 Biosphere Reserves in India, among which 12 Biosphere reserves in India find their place in UNESCO’s List of Man & Biosphere Reserves Programme. As defined by UNESCO, Biosphere reserves are ‘learning places for sustainable development’ which means Biosphere reserves are areas set aside for learning how to develop in ways that do not harm the environment.

In simple words, Biosphere reserves are places where people test different approaches to understand and manage changes in nature and preventing conflicts over natural resources. The goal is to promote conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity. Biosphere reserves are nominated by national governments and remain under the jurisdiction of the country where they are located. After designating a Biosphere reserve a country can submit the site name to UNESCO, and if it satisfies all their requirements it will be designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve under the intergovernmental Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.

What is the Goal of a Biosphere Reserve?

Biosphere reserves aim to balance protecting biodiversity with using natural resources sustainably. They have three main goals:

  1. Conservation – Protecting ecosystems and species
  2. Development – Allowing some economic uses that don’t harm biodiversity
  3. Education – Teaching people about conservation and sustainable development

The goal is to show that humans and nature can coexist without damaging habitats and wildlife. Biosphere reserves bring together protection, research, learning, and responsible resource use in one place, as described in “The Biosphere Reserve: A Tool for Environmental Conservation and Management” by Batisse (1982).

There are currently 738 biosphere reserves in 134 countries, including 22 transboundary sites, that belong to the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Biosphere Reserves in India

S.NoName of BiosphereYear of NotificationArea (sq. km.)Location
1Nilgiri19865520Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka
2Nanda Devi19885860Uttarakhand
3Nokrek1988820Meghalaya
4Great Nicobar1989885A&N Islands
5Gulf of Mannar198910500Tamil Nadu
6Manas19892837Assam
7Sunderbans19899630West Bengal
8Simlipal19944374Odhisa
9Dibru-Saikhowa1997765Assam
10Dehang-Dibang19985111Arunachal Pradesh
11Pachmarhi19994926Madhya Pradesh
12Khangchendzonga20002619Sikkim
13Agasthyamalai20011828Kerala
14Achanakamar - Amarkantak20053835Madhya Pradesh and Chhattishgarh State
15Kachchh200812454Gujarat
16Cold Desert20097770Himachal Pradesh
17Seshachalam Hills20104755Andhra Pradesh
18Panna20112998Madhya Pradesh

12 biosphere reserves in india under mab – biosphere reserves recognised by unesco in india

unesco-biosphere-reserve-in-india
UNESCO biosphere reserve in india – unesco man and biosphere reserve in india – world biosphere reserve in india

12 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in India

S.NoName of BiosphereYear of designation by UNESCOArea sq. Km.Location
1Nilgiri20005520Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka
2Gulf of Mannar200110500Tamil Nadu
3Sunderbans20019630West Bengal
4Nanda Devi20045860Uttarakhand
5Nokrek2009820Meghalaya
6Pachmarhi20094926Madhya Pradesh
7Simlipal20094374Odhisa
8Achanakamar - Amarkantak20123835Madhya Pradesh & Chhattishgarh State
9Great Nicobar2013885A&N Islands
10Agasthyamalai20161828Kerala
11Khangchendzonga20182619Sikkim
12Panna20202998Madhya Pradesh

What is Biosphere?

The Biosphere includes all the living components of the Earth. It consists of all plants and animals, including all the micro Organisms that live on Earth and their interactions with the surrounding environment. Most of the organisms exist in the lithosphere, the hydrosphere, and the atmosphere. Many organisms move freely from one realm to the other. All these together constitute the Biosphere.

In other words, the biosphere is the global ecological system integrating all living beings and their relationships, forming the outermost shell of our rocky planet, as described in “Reconnecting to the Biosphere: a Social-Ecological Renaissance” by Folke and Gunderson (2012).

List of Biosphere Reserves in India

1. Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve

Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve

Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is located in the Himalayan Mountains in the northern part of India in Uttarakhand. Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO recognised Biosphere reserve under Man & Biosphere Programme. The snow-clad peaks, along with the presence of over 30 glaciers and rare and endangered species of animals and birds, deep and vast valleys, meadows and rivers, makes the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve unique.

Nanda Devi Biosphere ReserveKey Facts
Surface Area6407.03 Sq. Km.
Core Area(s)712.12 Sq. Km.
Buffer Zone(s)5148.57 Sq. Km.
Transition Zone(s)546.34 Sq. Km.
Designation Date by UNESCO2004
LocationAcross three districts of Uttarakhand – Chamoli, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar

2. Panna Biosphere Reserve

panna biosphere reserve
panna biosphere reserve

There are a total of 3 Biosphere Reserves in Madhya Pradesh which are Panna Biosphere Reserve, Panchmari Biosphere Reserve and Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve.

Panna Biosphere ReserveKey Facts
Designation Date by UNESCO2020
Core Area(s)792.53 sq. Km.
Buffer Zone(s)98720 sq. Km.
Transition Zone(s)1219.25 sq. Km.
Encompasses– Panna National Park
– Three sections of Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary (I, III, and IV)
– Reserved Forests of the North Panna Forest Division
Special Designations– Panna National Park also declared as Panna Tiger Reserve
– Entire area of Panna National Park and 3 parts of Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary notified as Critical Tiger Habitat Area

3. Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve

The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve covers three districts of Madhya Pradesh, Hoshangabad, Betul and Chhindwara

Pachmarhi Biosphere ReserveKey Facts
Designation Date by UNESCO2009
Total Area4987.38 sq. km.
Encompasses Three Districts– Hoshangabad
– Betul
– Chhindwara
Wildlife Conservation Units– Bori Sanctuary (485.72 sq. km)
– Satpura National Park (524.37 sq. km)
– Pachmarhi Sanctuary (417.78 sq km)

4. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

Nilgiri biosphere reserve
Nilgiri biosphere reserve
  • Total area of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve – 5,520 sq. km.
    • Core area(s): 1240 Sq. Km.
    • Buffer zone(s): 3574 Sq. Km.
    • Transition zone(s): 706 Sq. Km.
  • The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve situated in parts of Tamilnadu, Kerala   and Karnataka. 
  • Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was included in UNESCO World network of Biosphere Reserves in the year 2000.
  • The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve have the distinction of being the first biosphere reserve in India.
  • It is located in the Western Ghats

5. Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve

Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve
Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve
  • Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve is in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
  • This reserve is one of the less developed and least disturbed areas in both the states.
  • Declaration Date of inclusion in MAB programme of UNESCO: 2012
  • Core area(s): 551.50 sq. Km.
  • Buffer zone(s): 19558.75 sq. Km.

6. Agasthyamalai Biosphere reserve

The Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve encompasses the southernmost portion of India’s Western Ghats mountain range. Included on UNESCO’s world network in 2016, it spans 1,100 square kilometers across Tamil Nadu and Kerala states. Agasthyamalai protects unique habitats ranging from wet evergreen forests to grasslands above 1,200 meters elevation. The reserve is a stronghold of diverse flora and fauna as well as the indigenous Kani tribe. Spiritually significant Mount Agasthya at 1,869 meters is the highest peak.

Agasthyamalai’s mosaic of protected forests, wildlife sanctuaries and reserve areas aim to balance conservation goals with sustainable development. While core zones preserve sensitive montane ecosystems, buffer areas support regulated resource collection and tourism benefitting local communities.

Agasthyamalai Biosphere ReserveKey Facts
LocationWestern Ghats, India
Area1,100 sq km
Elevation100-1,869 m
Key PeaksAgasthya, Chenmunjimottai, Athirumala
Forest TypesTropical wet evergreen, grasslands
Local CommunityIndigenous Kani tribe
DesignationUNESCO World Network Site, 2016

7. Similipal Biosphere Reserve: Odisha

chilika lake
Similipal biosphere reserve
  • Similipal biosphere reserve contributes 38% of the total area of the Protected Area network in Odisha. It is the sixth-largest biosphere reserve in India, one of India’s oldest tiger reserves, and a major biodiversity hotspot in Eastern India.
  • The Similipal Biosphere Reserve covers an area of 5569 sq km, and the forests constitute 22% of the geographical area, out of which 5% of its area falls under the Protected Area network.
  • The government notified the Similipal Biosphere Reserve on June 22, 1994. It comprises the entire Similipal sanctuary (core and buffer together), the adjoining Nato and Satkoshia Reserve Forests, forming additional buffers, and a belt of approximately 10 KM in width around the entire buffer designated as the “transition zone”. The total area of Similipal Biosphere Reserve is 5569 sq. km.
Simlipal Biosphere ReserveKey Facts
Designation Date as MAB by UNESCO2009
Surface Area (Terrestrial)556,900 hectares
Core Area(s)84,500 hectares
Buffer Area(s)212,900 hectares
Transition Area(s)259,500 hectares

8. Nokrek Biosphere Reserve

Nokrek Biosphere Reserve
Nokrek Biosphere Reserve

The Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is located in the Garo Hills of northeastern India. It encompasses 82,000 hectares of mostly evergreen forest along the Tura mountain range, with Nokrek as the highest peak at 1,412 meters. The area has a tropical climate ideal for lush vegetation and supports many unique, rare and endangered species like tigers, elephants and Hoolock gibbons.

Local economy and livelihoods depend on natural resources through shifting cultivation, collection of forest products, and small-scale plantations and aquaculture supported by the biosphere reserve program. Humans have lived in Nokrek since the Pleistocene era, with current inhabitants largely from Garo tribes who have ancestrally practiced slash-and-burn agriculture in the region.

Nokrek was designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2009. Its core conservation areas protect key habitats and biodiversity. Buffer and transition zones support both biodiversity protection and sustainable socioeconomic activities for local communities like apiculture, horticulture and freshwater aquaculture.

Nokrek Biosphere ReserveKey Facts
LocationGaro Hills, Meghalaya State, northeast India
Area82,000 hectares
Core Zone4,748 hectares
Buffer Zone22,792 hectares
Transition Zone54,640 hectares
Designation2009
ClimateTropical
LandscapeEvergreen forest, mountain peaks
Unique SpeciesHoolock gibbon, tiger, Asian elephant
Local TribesGaro, Banias, Hajjons
Local EconomyShifting agriculture, forest products, small-scale agriculture and aquaculture

9. Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve

National Parks in Andaman and Nicobar
National Parks in Andaman and Nicobar

The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve protects over 100,000 hectares of tropical evergreen forest, mountain ranges and coastal ecosystems on Great Nicobar Island. Designated in 2013, it has exceptionally high biodiversity, with numerous endemic and endangered species of plants, mammals, birds and other animal groups. Local tribes traditionally depended on its forests and seas for survival through hunting, gathering and fishing.

The reserve’s large core zone conserves critical habitats and species. Buffer and transition areas support biodiversity protection as well as sustainable development for indigenous communities through small-scale agriculture, horticulture and fishing. The goal is to balance conservation needs and human livelihoods on this ecologically unique and vulnerable island ecosystem.

Great Nicobar Biosphere ReserveKey Facts
LocationGreat Nicobar Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Area103,870 hectares
Core Zone53,623 hectares
Buffer Zone34,877 hectares
Transition Zone10,070 hectares (land); 5,300 hectares (marine)
Designation2013
ClimateTropical
LandscapeTropical evergreen forest, mountain ranges, coastal areas
Unique Species650+ plants, crab-eating macaque, Nicobar tree shrew, etc.
Local TribesShompen, Nicobarese
Local EconomyFishing, hunting/gathering, small-scale agriculture

10. Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve

national park in tamil nadu
national park in tamil nadu

The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve protects over 600 hectares of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove ecosystems spread across island chains off India’s southeastern coast. Endowed with over 4,200 unique marine plant and animal species, the Gulf of Mannar is considered one of the world’s most biodiverse coastal regions. The area provides critical feeding and breeding habitat for endangered species like dugongs and sea turtles.

Threats to the Gulf of Mannar include habitat destruction, overharvesting of marine resources, pollution, and loss of coral reefs and mangroves. The biosphere reserve aims to promote conservation while supporting sustainable livelihoods for local fishing communities through community-based management programs. Buffer and transition zones allow regulated resource use and development activities.

Gulf of Mannar Biosphere ReserveKey Facts
LocationOff southeast India’s Tamil Nadu coast
Area623 hectares (core); 155,377 hectares (total)
Designation Date as MAB by UNESCO2001
Landscape/HabitatsCoral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves
Key Species4,223+ marine species, dugongs, sea turtles
Local CommunityMarakeyar fishers
ThreatsHabitat loss, overharvesting, pollution

11. Manas Biosphere Reserve

national park in assam
national park in assam

The Manas Biosphere Reserve spans Assam’s Manas National Park in northeast India. Situated at the Himalayan foothills and bordering Bhutan, the reserve encompasses dense forests, grasslands and a diversity of habitats. Manas supports many rare and endangered species like tigers, pygmy hogs, Indian rhinos, Asian elephants and Bengal floricans, as well as significant wild water buffalo populations.

Known for its exceptional biodiversity, scenic vistas and habitat variety, the Manas Biosphere Reserve is a critical protected area for conservation and sustainable development. As part of the Manas National Park system, it serves as a Project Tiger reserve, elephant reserve and UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site.

Manas Biosphere ReserveKey Facts
LocationAssam, Northeast India
HabitatsForests, grasslands
Key SpeciesTiger, rhinos, elephants, pygmy hogs, floricans
DesignationsUNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, Project Tiger reserve, National Park

12. Sundarban Biosphere Reserve

The Sundarban Biosphere Reserve contains the world’s largest contiguous mangrove forest, spanning India and Bangladesh. With over 960,000 hectares protected, Sundarban supports unmatched mangrove biodiversity and provides critical habitat for endangered Royal Bengal tigers and other wildlife. The highly productive ecosystem also serves as a natural fish nursery.

Sundarban’s unique biogeography harbors over 165 animal species and 81 mangrove plant species. But growing human populations depend directly on its forests and waterways for income, fuel and food. An eco-development program promotes participatory resource management and sustainable alternative livelihoods like aquaculture, apiculture and handicrafts. Key aims are balancing biodiversity conservation with community needs in this iconic yet threatened mangrove landscape.

Sundarbans Biosphere ReserveKey Facts
LocationIndia & Bangladesh
Area963,000 hectares
HabitatsMangrove forests, waterways
Key SpeciesRoyal Bengal tiger, crocodiles
Designation2001 UNESCO site
Population3 million locally dependent

13. Dibru Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve

national park in assam
national park in assam

The Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve in Assam, is situated on the Brahmaputra River plains, it encompasses wet evergreen forests, deciduous forests, grasslands and diverse habitats. Dibru-Saikhowa is known for its rich biodiversity, including rare and endangered species like white-winged ducks, black-breasted parrotbills and capped langurs.

Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve serves as an important protected area for conservation and sustainable development. While its core area strictly protects vulnerable ecosystems and wildlife, the reserve’s buffer zone supports regulated community resource use.

14. Dihang Dibang Biosphere Reserve

Dibang River Basin Map
Dibang River Basin Map

Spanning over 5,000 square kilometers in Arunachal Pradesh, India, the Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve protects a biodiversity-rich landscape from sub-tropical forests to alpine meadows. Dihang-Dibang harbors unique flora like rare orchids and rhododendrons across various habitats and altitudes, along with endangered fauna including the Rufous-tailed Babbler.

With low population density at just 2 people per square kilometer, the remote Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve provides a significant stronghold for conservation. While its core zone preserves fragile mountain ecosystems, buffer areas allow indigenous communities to sustainably use resources.

15. Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve

The Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve in Sikkim, India protects over 290,000 hectares of one of the world’s highest ecosystems, spanning 1,220 to 8,586 meters elevation. This transboundary Himalayan biodiversity hotspot harbors high floral and faunal diversity, including endangered species and over 30 rhododendron species across various mountain habitats.

While no permanent settlements exist within the reserve, over 35,000 people reside in surrounding transition zone villages relying on subsistence agriculture and pastoralism. Ecotourism provides some income, but most households live at subsistence level. The core protection zone preserves fragile high-altitude ecosystems, while buffer and transition areas support regulated community use and development.

Khangchendzonga Biosphere ReserveKey Facts
LocationSikkim, India
Area293,112 hectares
Elevation1,220 to 8,586 m
Key SpeciesRhododendrons, endemic flora/fauna
DesignationUNESCO site, 2018
Population35,000 in surrounding villages
Local EconomySubsistence agriculture, pastoralism

16. Kachchh Biosphere Reserve

The Kachchh Biosphere Reserve in Gujarat, India spans two major ecosystem types: the Great Rann and Little Rann of Kachchh. This diverse landscape with seasonal wetlands and arid grasslands supports unique biodiversity, including endangered species like the Indian wild ass.

Kachchh harbors rare flora and fauna adapted to the extreme climate. While the core zone strictly protects vulnerable desert and wetland habitats, buffer and transition zones allow regulated community use of resources. Sustainable grassland management and livelihood practices that prevent overgrazing are encouraged. Conservation of Kachchh’s distinctive wildlife while supporting local pastoral groups is a key focus in this fragile arid region.

17. Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve

National Parks in Himachal pradesh
National Parks in Himachal pradesh

Spanning nearly 8,000 square kilometers in Himachal Pradesh, India, the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve protects a rare high-altitude ecosystem characterized by barren, rugged mountain landscapes. With scarce vegetation adapted to the harsh climate, the reserve supports unique and endangered species like snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, ibex and gazelles.

While core zones strictly conserve fragile habitats and wildlife, buffer and transition areas allow regulated grazing and resource collection by local communities. Promoting both ecological preservation and sustainable development is key in Cold Desert. Initiatives focus on safeguarding its biodiversity while improving livestock and tourism opportunities for resident populations dependent on this extreme, yet vulnerable,

18. Seshachalam Hills Biosphere Reserve

The Seshachalam Hills Biosphere Reserve is located in the southern part of India, specifically in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is known for its diverse and unique flora and fauna, including several endemic and rare species. The reserve is characterized by its hilly terrain and rich biodiversity, making it an important area for conservation and scientific research. The Seshachalam Hills Biosphere Reserve is recognized for its significant ecological value and the conservation of its diverse range of plant and animal life

Biosphere Conservation in India?

Since 1986, the Government of India has been implementing a programme known as Biosphere Reserve, which provides financial assistance in the proportions of 90:10 to the Northeastern Region States and three Himalayan states and 60:40 to other states for the upkeep, improvement, and advancement of certain components. The Central MAB Committee reviews and approves the Management Action Plan drafted by the State Government.

Zoning Schemes of Biosphere Reserve

The zonation of each biosphere reserve in India or any other Biosphere reserve should include:

zones of biosphere reserve
zones of biosphere reserve – Biosphere Reserves in India

Core area

  • Human interference in the core area is restricted
  • The core area of Biosphere Reserves generally consists of national parks and sanctuaries protected under the wildlife protection act 1972.
  • Core areas of the biosphere reserve are securely protected sites for conserving biological diversity. Monitoring these minimally disturbed ecosystems and undertaking non-destructive research and other low-impact uses such as education. 
  • In addition to its conservation function, the core area of the reserves contributes to a range of ecosystem services, e.g. carbon sequestration, supply of clean water and air, soil stabilization. 

Buffer zone

  • Buffer zone generally surrounds or adjoins the core regions and can be used for activities compatible with sound environmental practices, such as
    • environmental education, 
    • recreation, 
    • Ecotourism
    • applied and basic research. 
  • The buffer zone of the biosphere reserve also has a critical connectivity function in a larger spatial context as they connect biodiversity components within core areas with those in transition areas.
  • Buffer zones also have intrinsic functions of maintaining anthropogenic, biological, and cultural diversity in the biosphere reserves. 

Transition area 

  • It is the outermost area of the Biosphere Reserves.
  • Transition Area plays a central function in sustainable development. Transition Areas may contain a variety of agricultural activities, settlements, and other uses. 
  • Local communities, management agencies, scientists, NGOs, cultural groups, and other stakeholders work together to manage and sustainably develop the area’s resources.

FAQ

Total biosphere reserve in india 2024?

There are 18 Biosphere reserves in India as of 2024, of which 12 are also part of the UNESCO MAB Programme.

First biosphere reserve in India.

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is the first biosphere reserve in India. GOI on 01.09.1986 declared it as India’s first biosphere reserve.

Oldest biosphere reserve in India.

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is the oldest biosphere reserve in India. It was notified on 01.09.1986 as the first biosphere reserve in India. It shares its area between Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.

How many biosphere in India.

There are 18 Biosphere reserves in India, in which 12 are also part of UNESCO MAB Programme.

Which is the smallest biosphere reserve in India?

According to Wildlife Institute of India sponsored by Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Govt of India, Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere reserve with an area of 765 sq. km. Is the smallest biosphere reserve in India.

Which Is the largest biosphere reserve in India?

Kachchh Biosphere reserve in Gujrat with an area of 12,454 sq. Km. Is the largest biosphere reserve in India

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13 Comments

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