Published: 26 September 2025UNESCOEnvironment
Cold Desert in Himachal Pradesh Becomes India's 13th UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
UNESCO designated the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh's Spiti Valley as India's 13th UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on September 27, 2025, at the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in Hangzhou, China. The reserve spans 7,770 sq km at altitudes of 3,300 to 6,600 metres.
It is India's first high-altitude cold desert biosphere reserve and one of the coldest ecosystems in UNESCO's World Network. It harbors 732 vascular plant species (30 endemic), iconic fauna including Snow Leopard, and covers Pin Valley National Park, Chandratal, Sarchu, and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary.
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Q: Discuss the ecological significance of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh being designated as India's thirteenth UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in September 2025.
Answer (50 words):
UNESCO designated Himachal Pradesh's Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in the Spiti Valley as India's thirteenth Biosphere Reserve on September 27, 2025, at Hangzhou. Spanning 7,770 square kilometres at altitudes of 3,300 to 6,600 metres, it harbours 732 vascular plant species with 30 endemic varieties, alongside the iconic Snow Leopard habitat.
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CoverageNationalSubjectNationalExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · BothSourceUNESCO
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Linked questionEasy
The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh's Spiti Valley was designated as India's _____ UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Explanation · Correct answer CUNESCO designated the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve as India's 13th UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on September 27, 2025, at the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in Hangzhou, China.
Frequently asked questions
Which Himachal Pradesh region became India's 13th UNESCO Biosphere Reserve?
**UNESCO** designated the **Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve** in **Himachal Pradesh** (covering the Spiti Valley and Pin Valley region) as India's **13th UNESCO Biosphere Reserve** at the **MAB (Man and Biosphere) Programme** meeting in 2025.
What is the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh?
The **Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve** encompasses the **Spiti Valley, Pin Valley**, and adjacent Himalayan cold desert regions in **Himachal Pradesh**. It is home to rare species like the **Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf**, and **Red Fox**, and is India's **13th UNESCO Biosphere Reserve**.
Where is India's 13th UNESCO Biosphere Reserve located?
India's **13th UNESCO Biosphere Reserve** is the **Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve** located in **Himachal Pradesh's Spiti Valley**. It was designated under **UNESCO's Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme** in 2025.
What wildlife is found in Himachal Pradesh's Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve?
The **Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve** in Himachal Pradesh is home to iconic Himalayan wildlife including the **Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Red Fox, Himalayan Tahr**, and rare alpine flora. Its **UNESCO Biosphere Reserve** status ensures international conservation support.
What is UNESCO's Man and Biosphere MAB Programme?
**UNESCO's Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme** designates **Biosphere Reserves** worldwide to promote sustainable development balanced with biodiversity conservation. India's **Cold Desert in Himachal Pradesh** became the country's **13th Biosphere Reserve** under this programme in 2025.
