New Delhi: India’s Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve, located in the trans-Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh, has been officially designated as a UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) site, the world body announced on Saturday.
With this addition, India now has 13 biosphere reserves listed in UNESCO’s WNBR, joining 26 new reserves designated across 21 countries this year. The global network now includes 785 sites in 142 countries, protecting an additional one million sq km of natural areas since 2018—roughly the size of Bolivia.
We're happy to welcome 26 new #BiosphereReserves to @UNESCO's global network! 👏
— UNESCO 🏛️ #Education #Sciences #Culture 🇺🇳 (@UNESCO) September 27, 2025
These unique sites bring together people & nature to find local solutions to global problems.
Learn more about the newest additions: https://t.co/wwmea2P92i pic.twitter.com/n00GfTOy2W
The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve spans approximately 7,770 sq km in Lahaul-Spiti district, encompassing windswept plateaus, glacial valleys, alpine lakes, and high-altitude deserts, making it one of the coldest and driest ecosystems recognized by UNESCO.
Happy to share that during the 37th Session of the UNESCO’s International Coordinating Council – Man and the Biosphere – held today, India’s Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve, Himachal Pradesh, has been included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) September 27, 2025
With this addition, India… pic.twitter.com/wtPOwRyOoM
“This reflects India’s commitment towards biodiversity conservation and community-led sustainable development,” said Union Minister for Environment and Forests Bhupender Yadav. He added that the recognition would boost tourism, research, and ecosystem protection efforts in the fragile region.
The reserve is home to 732 species of vascular plants, including 30 endemics and 157 near-endemics of the Indian Himalayas. Fauna includes the snow leopard, Himalayan ibex, blue sheep, Himalayan wolf, and rich birdlife such as the Himalayan snowcock and golden eagle.
Around 12,000 inhabitants live in scattered villages across the reserve, practicing traditional pastoralism, yak and goat herding, barley and pea farming, and Tibetan herbal medicine, guided by Buddhist monastic traditions and community councils that regulate alpine resource use.
Altitudes range from 3,300 to 6,600 meters, covering Pin Valley National Park and Kibber and Chandratal Wildlife Sanctuaries. UNESCO highlighted the designation as a step to safeguard mountain ecosystems under pressure from tourism and climate change.
This recognition comes shortly after India added two more Ramsar sites to UNESCO’s List of Wetlands of International Importance, taking the total to 93.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay emphasized that the new designations bring the network to protect 5% of the planet, encouraging sustainable livelihoods alongside conservation. She also urged every member state to establish at least one biosphere reserve by 2035.