Biosphere Reserves in India: Here is the list of Biosphere Reserves in India are mentioned. The Biosphere Reserves, their functions, and the zones of Biosphere Reserves in India are detailed in this PDF. The Biosphere Reserves of India with the international standard are also noted here. It will be beneficial for the students preparing for the government exams. The importance of the biosphere reserves of India and their conservation are explained here. Here, the criteria for developing the Biosphere Reserves in India and their history are mentioned. Finally, the list of top 10 Biosphere Reserves in India and some of the basic FAQs are listed here for further reference.

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About Biosphere Reserves 

Biosphere Reserves are the areas that are used to protect the animals and plants which restores and conserves the biodiversity and the tribal life in that area. This was recognized and designated by UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB Programme) in 1971. These programs are made to promote sustainable development based on sound science and local community efforts. They provide solutions to global challenges. They include the coastal, marine, and terrestrial which promote solutions reconciling biodiversity conservation. The UNESCO-recognized Biosphere Reserves must fall into three main features. I.e.,

• The most typical land and sea ecosystems of the world.
• Living and working in a way of harmony with nature.
• By preserving and conserving natural ecosystems and biodiversity, sustainable equilibrium is maintained.

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Biosphere Reserves in India - The List

• The recognition as a Biosphere Reserves in India is officially issued by the notification of the government under UNESCO’s MAB Programme.
• There are 18 Biosphere Reserves in India and 12 Biosphere Reserves are recognized by UNESCO’s MAB Programme. 
• Following is the list of Biosphere Reserves of India. 

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Biosphere Reserves in India (By UNESCO Recognition)

Out of 18 Biosphere Reserves in India, 12 were recognized by UNESCO’s MAB Programme which are listed below.

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Biosphere Reserves - Zones

They are generally divided into three zones which are interconnected and also utilized to meet local requirements. I.e., 

1. Core Zone
2. Buffer Zone
3. Transition Zone

Biosphere Reserves - Core Zone

Humans are strictly not allowed to enter because it is a legally protected area under the Wildlife Protection Act, of 1972. Data from these places determines the maintenance of environmental quality and also to sustain the nearby activities. It conserves the ecosystems, species, landscapes and genetic variations.

Biosphere Reserves - Buffer Zone

In this zone, Human interference is allowed but it should not affect the ecological diversity. It surrounds the main region which is the core zone. It also protects the core zone in its natural condition. The activities in this area help to manage the natural vegetation in agricultural lands, fishing, and also enhance the production quality. Research and educational activities in this zone are encouraged. 

Biosphere Reserves - Transition Zone

This is the outer part of the biosphere reserve. People around this zone will utilize the natural resources of the area. This is also known as “Area of Collaboration”. Here all the human and economic activities are carried out. It also consists of all agricultural practices and settlements 

farms and woods that have been managed for economic purposes.

Top 10 Biosphere Reserves of India (By Area in Sq.km)

Here are the Top 10 Biosphere Reserves in India:

Biosphere Reserves in India - Functions and Importance

• Biosphere Reserves of India protects the plants and animal species and also the beautiful landscapes to stay for a long time and healthy.
• Without hurting the environment, it develops people's lives by earning money.
• Biosphere Reserves in India sustainably help the people and also the scientists by giving the sources for research projects. 
• It restores the damages caused by ecosystems and also by natural habitats.
• Biosphere Reserves of India helps in the land management for all the land owners, farmers, scientists, and also for the conservation groups.
• They prevent soil erosion and all other ecosystem damage and also produce healthy ecosystems.
• Biosphere Reserves of India also creates awareness for the local commodity people about concerns of environmental damage.
• Biosphere Reserves in India will highlight the uniqueness of the desired location to attract tourists.

Biosphere Reserves in India - History and Criteria for Designation

• UNESCO published the list of biosphere reserves in 1971, two years after the launch of the MAB programme. 
• According to the law, these regions are associated with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
• The first biosphere reserve was created in 1979.
• Including 22  transboundary locations spread over 134 nations now there are 748 Biosphere reserves across the world.
• Biosphere reserves are part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR).
• The criteria are;

• The sites of the core area should be minimally distributed and protected.
• Representing all tropic levels, the Core area should sustain a viable population and it must be a bio-geographical unit.
• The usage of the local community's knowledge to link biodiversity conservation should be ensured.
• The Biosphere Reserve area should have the potential to preserve the traditional tribal or rural modes of living in a harmonious environment. 

Biosphere Conservation

The Biosphere Reserve in India is a scheme that was implemented by the Indian government in 1986. The financial assistance for the Biosphere Reserve is given in a 90:10 ratio for northeastern region states and Himalayan states. For other states, a 60:40 ratio of financial assistance was given for maintaining, developing, and improving certain items. The state government prepared the management action plan and it was approved and monitored by the central MAB committee.

Biosphere Reserves in India - FAQs

Q: How many biosphere reserves are in India?

There is a list of 18 biosphere reserves in India which are mentioned in this PDF.

Q: How many biosphere reserves in India which UNESCO recognize?

UNESCO recognizes 12 biosphere reserves in India.

Q: Which is the 1st Biosphere Reserve of India?

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is located in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, is India’s first biosphere reserve.

Q: Which is the largest Biosphere Reserves of India?

The Gulf of Kachchh, located in Gujarat, is the largest biosphere reserve in India.

Q: Which is the smallest Biosphere Reserves of India?

Dibru-Saikhowa, situated in Assam, is the smallest biosphere reserve in India.