Home / Environment / India's Cold Desert Biosphere Joins UNESCO's Global Network
India's Cold Desert Biosphere Joins UNESCO's Global Network
27 Sep, 2025
Summary
- India now has 13 biosphere reserves listed by UNESCO
- Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve covers 7,770 sq km in Himachal Pradesh
- Designation aims to promote tourism and research in the region
As of September 27th, 2025, India has proudly added its 13th biosphere reserve to UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). The latest addition is the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve, situated in the dramatic landscapes of Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul-Spiti district.
Encompassing windswept plateaus, glacial valleys, alpine lakes, and rugged high-altitude deserts, this fragile cold desert ecosystem covers an area of approximately 7,770 sq km. The reserve harbors 732 species of vascular plants, including 30 endemics and 157 near-endemics of the Indian Himalayas. Its iconic fauna includes the snow leopard, Himalayan ibex, blue sheep, Himalayan wolf, and rich bird life such as the Himalayan snowcock and golden eagle.
The decision to include India's Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in the WNBR was taken at the 37th session of UNESCO's International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) held in Paris on September 23rd, 2025. This recognition is expected to promote tourism and research in the region, which is facing challenges from climate change and tourism pressures.
India continues to make dedicated efforts towards preserving, protecting, and restoring its ecosystems under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The addition of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve to the UNESCO network reflects India's commitment to biodiversity conservation and community-led sustainable development.
