Biosphere Reserves: Status, Maps & Facts for UPSC
Q. With reference to Biosphere Reserves (BR) in India, consider the following statements:
1. All 18 notified Biosphere Reserves in India are part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR).
2. The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh is the latest Indian site to be included in the UNESCO WNBR.
3. The funding pattern for BRs in Himalayan states follows a 90:10 ratio between the Centre and the State.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Context
On November 3, the International Day for Biosphere Reserves was observed globally. India highlighted its network of 18 notified Biosphere Reserves (BRs), which serve as "learning places for sustainable development," reconciling biodiversity conservation with sustainable human use.
What are Biosphere Reserves?
Biosphere reserves are areas identified by national governments to test interdisciplinary approaches in managing social and ecological systems. They include terrestrial, marine, and coastal ecosystems under the sovereign jurisdiction of the states where they are located.
Key Institutional Frameworks:
- UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme: An international scientific program that combines natural and social sciences to improve livelihoods and safeguard ecosystems.
- World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR): A dynamic network of sites of excellence fostering international cooperation.
- MAB Council: The governing body (International Coordinating Council) composed of 34 Member States.
Biosphere Reserves in India
India's network covers approximately 91,425 sq. km.
- Total Notified BRs: 18
- UNESCO Recognized (WNBR): 13
- Latest Inclusion: The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve (Himachal Pradesh) was included in UNESCO’s WNBR in September 2025.
Governance and Financial Support
The Biosphere Reserve Division of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) administers these areas under a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).
- Funding Pattern: 60:40 (Central:State) for general states; 90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan states.
- Budgetary Hike: The allocation for biodiversity conservation under the Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems (CNRE) programme doubled from ₹5 crore (2024-25) to ₹10 crore (2025-26).
- Zoning: Special emphasis is placed on buffer and transition zones to provide alternative livelihoods and reduce biotic pressure on the core zone.
Impact & Global Rankings
India’s conservation efforts have yielded measurable results as reported in the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025:
- Forest Area: India ranks 9th globally.
- Annual Forest Gain: India ranks 3rd globally.
Complementary Conservation Initiatives
India’s BR programme works in alignment with several national schemes:
- Project Tiger (1973): Focused on tiger conservation through dedicated reserves.
- Project Elephant: Protects over 60% of the global Asian elephant population.
- Green India Mission: Aims to protect and enhance forest cover while tackling climate change.
- Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs): Act as "Shock Absorbers" and transition zones around Protected Areas.
🎯 Analysis & Insights
Prelims mastery
Correct Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only.
Reasoning: Statement 1 is incorrect because only 13 out of 18 BRs are recognized by UNESCO WNBR. Statement 2 is correct (included in September 2025). Statement 3 is correct as North Eastern and Himalayan states receive 90:10 funding.
Mains perspective
"Biosphere Reserves are not just about protecting nature, but about managing the interaction between social and ecological systems." Discuss the role of India's Biosphere Reserves in promoting sustainable livelihoods for forest-dependent communities. (150 words)