Biosphere Reserves in India

Celebrating the International Day for Biosphere Reserves

• The International Day for Biosphere Reserves is observed annually on 3 November, proclaimed by UNESCO.
• India has 18 notified Biosphere Reserves, of which 13 are recognised by UNESCO.
• They protect biodiversity while promoting sustainable development and community livelihoods.

Balancing Biodiversity Conservation with Sustainable Development

• Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms across terrestrial, marine and aquatic ecosystems.
• The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) recognises three levels:
  1. Genetic Diversity: Variations within a species, such as rice varieties.
  2. Species Diversity: Variety of species, including tigers, elephants and orchids.
  3. Ecosystem Diversity: Different habitats such as forests, wetlands and coral reefs.
• Biosphere reserves protect natural habitats, maintain ecological balance and promote sustainable resource utilisation.
• They support food security, water availability, climate resilience and community livelihoods.
• India accounts for 7–8% of recorded global species, despite occupying only 2.4% of Earth's land area.

Biosphere Reserves: Understanding the Concept

• Biosphere reserves are areas identified by national governments for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
• UNESCO launched the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme in 1971.
• They function as living laboratories for scientific research and sustainable development.
• They promote harmony between local communities and their natural environment.

Biosphere Reserves Vs. Other Protected Areas

• National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries primarily protect wildlife and their habitats under India's wildlife protection laws.
• Biosphere reserves adopt a broader approach by integrating ecosystem conservation with surrounding communities and sustainable livelihoods.

Functions of Biosphere Reserves

1. Conservation: Protect biodiversity, genetic resources, ecosystems and associated cultural diversity.
2. Sustainable Economic Development: Promote economic activities respecting ecological limits and local cultural values.
3. Scientific Support: Encourage research, environmental monitoring, education, training and knowledge exchange.

The Three Interconnected Zones

1. Core Area: Provides the highest protection to biodiversity and ecosystems. Human activities are strictly restricted, except compatible research and monitoring.
2. Buffer Zone: Surrounds or adjoins the core zone. Permits scientific research, environmental education and regulated ecotourism.
3. Transition Area: Supports settlements and sustainable livelihoods through responsible agriculture, forestry and ecotourism.

Global Average Distribution:

• Core Zone – 18%.
• Buffer Zone – 30%.
• Transition Zone – 52%.

India's Biosphere Reserves

India's Biosphere Reserve Network

• India has 18 notified Biosphere Reserves, of which 13 are included in UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR).
• India has the highest number of internationally recognised Biosphere Reserves in South Asia.

Government Initiatives for Conservation

• MoEFCC administers the Biodiversity Conservation Scheme under the umbrella scheme Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems.
• It provides financial assistance to States for conservation activities under approved management plans.
• Funding pattern:
  • Other States: 60:40 (Centre:State).
  • North-Eastern and Himalayan States: 90:10 (Centre:State).
• Since 2022–23, five-year Integrated Management Plans have been piloted in:
  1. Nanda Devi – Uttarakhand.
  2. Pachmarhi – Madhya Pradesh.
  3. Dehang-Dibang – Arunachal Pradesh.
  4. Agasthyamalai – Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• Priorities include habitat restoration, biodiversity monitoring, scientific research and sustainable livelihoods.

A Glimpse into India's Biosphere Reserves

1. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

• Located in the Western Ghats across Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.
• Supports endangered lion-tailed macaques and Nilgiri tahrs, besides elephants, tigers and over 550 bird species.

2. Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve

• Located in Himachal Pradesh, covering 7,770 sq. km at elevations of 3,300–6,600 metres.
• Supports snow leopards, Himalayan ibex and blue sheep.
• Local livelihoods include pastoralism, yak and goat herding and farming.

3. Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve

• Located along Tamil Nadu's southeastern coast, covering approximately 1.05 million hectares.
• Includes coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves.
• Supports 4,223 plant and animal species and around 25 lakh people.

Success Story: People at the Heart of Conservation

• Indigenous communities in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve convert invasive Lantana vines into elephant sculptures, furniture and handicrafts.
• In 2021, 125 life-sized Lantana elephants were displayed in London.
• The initiative generates livelihoods while raising awareness about invasive species.

Way Forward

• Strengthen scientific research, habitat restoration and biodiversity monitoring.
• Promote community-led conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
• Integrate traditional knowledge with modern monitoring technologies.
• Strengthen cooperation among governments, researchers and local communities.
• Biosphere reserves can reconcile biodiversity conservation with sustainable development and human well-being.

Reference

PIB