The Indian Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve, located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, has been officially added to UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves. This recognition marks a significant step for mountain ecology and brings the total number of Indian reserves in the global biosphere network to 13. The reserve, which spans 7,770 square kilometers, is the first high-altitude cold desert biosphere reserve in India and is characterized by its unique and fragile ecosystem.
The reserve is divided into three zones: a core zone, buffer zone, and transition zone, covering 2,665 square kilometers, 3,977 square kilometers, and 1,128 square kilometers, respectively. The altitude of the reserve ranges from 3,300 meters to 6,600 meters, encompassing a variety of landscapes, including wind-swept plateaus and glacial valleys. The reserve is home to several notable features, including the Pin Valley National Park, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandratal Wetland, and Sarchu plains.
Despite the extreme cold conditions, the reserve supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, including 655 herb species, 41 shrubs, and 17 tree species. The wildlife in the reserve includes 17 mammal species and 119 bird species, with the snow leopard serving as the flagship species. The reserve is also home to a number of endangered species, including the Himalayan ibex, Tibetan wolf, and red fox.
The reserve is inhabited by approximately 12,000 residents, who live in scattered villages and depend on pastoralism, yak and goat herding, farming, and traditional herbal practices for their livelihood. The local community systems, including Buddhist monastic traditions, play a crucial role in managing the fragile alpine resources.
The UNESCO status brings several benefits to the reserve, including increased support for research, conservation, sustainable tourism, and climate resilience planning. It also enables greater international collaboration and raises awareness about the unique challenges faced by this cold desert ecosystem. The recognition of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve as a UNESCO site is a significant step towards safeguarding the diversity of sensitive landscapes in India and promoting sustainable development in the region.