Context:

Every year on November 3, the world celebrates the International Day for Biosphere Reserves, highlighting regions where nature and people coexist in balance. These reserves are not just protected areas — they are living examples of how biodiversity conservation and community well-being can go hand in hand. India, with its vast ecological diversity, has built a strong network of such reserves that blend scientific research, traditional knowledge, and sustainable livelihoods.

What are Biosphere Reserves?

• • A Biosphere Reserve (BR) is a designated area where efforts are made to conserve biodiversity while promoting sustainable development and cultural values. These areas act as “living laboratories” where scientists, policymakers, and local communities work together to find practical solutions for environmental challenges.
  • Unlike wildlife sanctuaries or national parks, biosphere reserves are not governed by a single law. They are instead internationally recognized under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, but remain under the sovereign control of national governments.

They aim to balance three main objectives:

1.       Conservation – Protecting landscapes, ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity.

2.      Development – Fostering sustainable economic and human development.

3.      Logistic Support – Facilitating research, education, and information exchange on local, national, and global issues of conservation.

UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme: 

Launched in 1971, the MAB Programme brings together natural and social sciences to promote harmony between humans and nature. It aims to identify, study, and manage the impact of human activities on ecosystems and develop strategies for sustainable living.

The World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) under UNESCO includes more than 700 sites across 124 countries, representing different ecological regions of the planet. Over 260 million people live within these reserves worldwide, covering a combined area roughly the size of Australia.

The programme focuses on:

• • Understanding how climate change, urbanization, and energy use affect the environment.
  • Studying the interrelationship between ecosystems and human societies.
  • Promoting environmental education, research, and knowledge-sharing.
  • Strengthening international cooperation for sustainable resource management.

India’s participation in this global framework demonstrates its deep commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable growth.

Biosphere Reserves in India:

• • India has 18 notified Biosphere Reserves, covering nearly 91,425 sq. km. Out of these, 13 are recognized by UNESCO as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. These reserves spread across a variety of landscapes, from the Nilgiri Mountains and the Sundarbans to the Cold Desert of Himachal Pradesh, which was the latest addition to UNESCO’s list in 2025.
  • This diversity reflects India’s ecological wealth, ranging from high-altitude cold deserts and tropical forests to coastal and island ecosystems.

Administration and Funding:

The Biosphere Reserve Programme in India is managed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) through its Biosphere Reserve Division.

It functions under a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for Biodiversity Conservation, which is part of the larger Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems (CNRE) programme.

The funding pattern follows a cost-sharing model:

• • 60:40 between Centre and State governments for most states.
  • 90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan states.

In the Union Budget 2025-26, the allocation for biodiversity conservation doubled from ₹5 crore to ₹10 crore, showing a renewed national focus on ecological protection and sustainable livelihoods.

Structure of a Biosphere Reserve

Each biosphere reserve is divided into three interlinked zones that serve distinct functions:

1.       Core Zone

o    The most protected part, where no human activity is allowed.

o    It includes national parks or sanctuaries and acts as a biodiversity hotspot containing endemic species and genetic resources.

2.      Buffer Zone

o    Surrounds the core and allows limited activities like restoration, tourism, or research.

o    Human use is regulated to ensure minimal disturbance to the core area.

3.      Transition Zone

o    The outermost area where communities live and engage in sustainable economic activities like agriculture, forestry, and tourism.

o    This is the zone of cooperation, promoting harmony between people and nature.

Criteria for Designation:

For an area to be declared a biosphere reserve, it must:

• • Contain a protected core area of high ecological value.
  • Represent a biogeographic region and be large enough to sustain entire ecosystems.
  • Involve local communities and incorporate their traditional knowledge.
  • Preserve traditional tribal or rural lifestyles that reflect a harmonious relationship with the environment.

Role in Conservation and Sustainable Development:

Biosphere Reserves serve as crucial models for demonstrating that conservation and human progress are not mutually exclusive. They play a central role in:

• • Conserving biodiversity through ecosystem protection and restoration.
  • Supporting livelihoods of local and forest-dependent communities by promoting eco-development, organic farming, and sustainable tourism.
  • Enhancing climate resilience by maintaining ecosystem balance in fragile areas.
  • Encouraging education and scientific research on environment-friendly practices and natural resource management.

These efforts align with India’s broader environmental policies and commitments under global conventions such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Complementary National Initiatives:

India’s biosphere reserve network operates in close synergy with other conservation programmes:

• • Project Tiger (1973): The flagship programme for tiger conservation has helped revive tiger populations through strict protection and habitat management.
  • Project Elephant: Focuses on habitat conservation, reducing human-elephant conflict, and improving welfare of captive elephants.
  • Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH): Provides financial and technical support to states for wildlife conservation.
  • National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP): Implements the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, ensuring sustainable use of biological resources.
  • Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs): Create protective buffers around national parks and sanctuaries to reduce anthropogenic pressure.
  • Green India Mission (GIM): Aims to enhance forest cover, restore ecosystems, and strengthen climate adaptation.

Together, these initiatives form a holistic framework where biosphere reserves act as demonstration sites integrating ecological, social, and economic priorities.

Recent Achievements and Impact:

India’s success in the biosphere reserve programme is evident in measurable ecological outcomes:

• • The FAO Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025 ranked India 9th globally in total forest area and 3rd in annual forest gain.
  • Enhanced community participation in conservation and livelihood programmes has reduced pressure on core biodiversity zones.
  • Expansion of biosphere reserves in sensitive regions like the Cold Desert has strengthened India’s global conservation leadership.

These achievements underline India’s shift from purely protectionist conservation to inclusive, community-based ecosystem management.

The Way Forward:

Biosphere Reserves symbolize the spirit of coexistence — of people living as part of nature, not apart from it. Strengthening their management requires:

• • Greater investment in research and capacity building.
  • Integration of traditional knowledge with modern science.
  • Expanding eco-development programmes that reduce dependence on fragile resources.
  • Promoting education and awareness among youth to foster a deeper ecological consciousness.

As India continues to expand its conservation efforts, its biosphere reserves will remain at the heart of the country’s environmental vision, nurturing biodiversity while empowering people.

Conclusion:

 India’s network of biosphere reserves stands as a testament to the idea that sustainability is not just about protecting nature, but about reshaping the way humans live with it. These reserves represent a living balance between ecology and economy, conservation and culture, ensuring that both the natural world and human communities thrive together.

In celebrating the International Day for Biosphere Reserves, India reaffirms its commitment to sustaining life and celebrating nature, not just for today, but for generations to come.