Biosphere Reserves in India

Biospheres are sites where protection is granted not only to the flora and fauna of the protected region, but also to the human communities who inhabit these regions, and their ways of life.

Biosphere reserves are sites established by countries and recognized under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program to promote sustainable development based on local community efforts and sound science. Currently there are 580 sites across 114 countries.

The Indian government has established 18 Biosphere Reserves of India. Seven of the 18 biosphere reserves are a part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, based on the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program list.

• Great Runn of Kutch in Gujarat is the largest Biosphere reserve in India while Dibru-Saikhowa is the smallest.

• Seshachalam Hills is the latest (2010) entry into the list of Biosphere reserve, while Nilgiri Biosphere reserve is the first entry (1986) in the list

Seven of the seventeen biosphere reserves are a part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, based on the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program list Seven of the seventeen biosphere reserves are a part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, based on the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program list.

1. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, 2000
2. Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, 2001
3. Sundarbans national park, 2001
4. Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, 2004
5. Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, 2009
6. Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve, 2009
7. Simlipal Biosphere Reserve, 2009