Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve

Environment & Ecology

CDBR included in World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) by UNESCO, along with 25 new reserves worldwide.

São Tomé and Príncipe (island country of Central Africa) became first country with entire territory as a biosphere reserve.

Declared: 2009; India’s 16^th BR & first high-altitude cold desert BR.
Location: Trans-Himalaya, covers Spiti Wildlife Division + parts of Lahaul Forest Division (Baralacha Pass, Bharatpur, Sarchu). Altitude: 3,300–6,600 m.
Landscape: Pin Valley NP, Kibber WLS, Chandratal Wetland; high-altitude desert, glacial valleys, alpine lakes.

Launched Biosphere Reserve Scheme in 1986 (Guided by the UNESCO MAB).
Funding:
- 90:10 – NE & 3 Himalayan states.
- 60:40 – Other states.
Approval: State Govt. prepares management action plan, monitored by Central MAB Committee.
Numbers: 18 BRs in India; 13 included in WNBR (now including Cold Desert).

About: UNESCO designation for natural & cultural landscapes; in situ conservation balancing development & preservation.
Structure:
- Core Areas: Strict protection (e.g., NP/WLS).
- Buffer Zones: Eco-friendly activities, research, training.
- Transition Area: Sustainable community activities.
Criteria:
- Protected core area with conservation value, large (across all trophic levels) & viable.
- Represent bio-geographical unit.
- Involve local communities & preserve traditional lifestyles.