List Of Biosphere Reserves In India UPSC

The article discusses the 18 Biosphere Reserves in India. A Biosphere Reserve is an area of land and/or sea designated by UNESCO as being of outstanding universal value because of its ecological features. The article explains that these reserves are essential for conserving biological diversity and the sustainable use of natural resources.

Biosphere Reserves
Before we list the biosphere reserves along with their location candidates must know the criteria for setting up of biosphere reserve. Criteria for Designation of Biosphere Reserve

A site must contain a protected and minimally disturbed core area of value of nature conservation.
The core area must be a bio-geographical unit and should be large enough to sustain viable populations representing all trophic levels.
The involvement of local communities and the use of their knowledge in biodiversity preservation.
Areas potential for preservation of traditional tribal or rural modes of living for harmonious use of the environment.

There are 727 biosphere reserves in 131 countries, including 22 transboundary sites. They are distributed as follows:

86 sites in 31 countries in Africa
35 sites in 14 countries in the Arab States
168 sites in 40 countries in Asia and the Pacific
306 sites in 24 countries in Europe and North America
132 sites in 22 countries Latin America and the Caribbean.
There are 18 biosphere reserves in India:

Biosphere Reserves in India Structure

Core Areas
A Biosphere Reserve’s Core Area is the most secure area and may contain indigenous species of flora and animals. It is the most suited place for a wide variety of plant and animal species, and it might also contain endemism centers. The wild cousins of the commercial species are frequently preserved in a biosphere reserve’s core sections. A core area is a national park or sanctuary that is governed by and protected by the Wildlife Act of 1972.

Buffer Zone
To put it simply, the buffer zone abuts or surrounds the core zone. The management of the activities and uses in this area contributes to the preservation of the core zones’ natural state. Here, certain uses and activities are permitted to lessen their influence on the core zone, such as demonstrations, restoration projects to raise the value of the resources, tourism, limited recreation, grazing, fishing, etc.

Transition Zone
The Biosphere Reserve’s most remote area is this region. The most permissive action to promote sustainable human and economic development is allowed in this area. This covers settlements, farms, and woods that have been managed for economic purposes.