BIOSPHERE RESERVES OF INDIA — CONSERVATION, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND MAJOR EXAMPLES

PRERNA FOR IAS

         Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari

         Roz ki Prelims Practice — Experts ke Saath

BIOSPHERE RESERVES OF INDIA — CONSERVATION, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND MAJOR EXAMPLES

1. Meaning and Purpose

• A Biosphere Reserve is a large representative area created to conserve ecosystems, landscapes, species and genetic diversity, while also supporting sustainable livelihoods and research.
• India’s Biosphere Reserve Programme follows the broad framework of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.
• The programme in India began in 1986, and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has designated 18 Biosphere Reserves. (Ministry of Environment and Forests)

2. Three Functional Zones

• A Biosphere Reserve is generally organised into core, buffer and transition zones.
• The core zone receives the highest level of protection and is devoted primarily to conservation.
• The buffer zone permits research, education and compatible activities, while the transition zone accommodates settlements and sustainable economic activities.
• This zonation distinguishes biosphere reserves from many other protected-area categories.

3. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

• Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, designated in 1986, was India’s first Biosphere Reserve.
• It extends across Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka and includes landscapes around Wayanad, Bandipur, Mudumalai, Silent Valley and adjoining hills.
• It represents the exceptionally rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats and covers about 5,520 sq. km. (Ministry of Environment and Forests)

4. Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve

• Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve in Uttarakhand was designated in 1988.
• It protects high-altitude Himalayan ecosystems containing alpine meadows, glaciers and habitats of rare mountain fauna.
• The reserve covers approximately 5,860.69 sq. km and includes areas of Chamoli, Pithoragarh and adjoining districts. (Ministry of Environment and Forests)

5. Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve