Published: 28 September 2025UNESCOEnvironment
Himachal Pradesh's Cold Desert Becomes India's 13th UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
UNESCO designated the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh as India's 13th UNESCO Biosphere Reserve at the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in Hangzhou, China, on September 27, 2025. It was one of 26 new sites added to UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR).
Spanning 7,770 sq km at altitudes of 3,300 to 6,600 metres, the Cold Desert encompasses the Pin Valley National Park, Chandratal, Sarchu, and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. It harbors 732 species of vascular plants including 30 endemics and 157 near-endemics of the Indian Himalayas, and iconic fauna including the Snow Leopard. This is India's first high-altitude cold desert biosphere reserve and one of the coldest and driest ecosystems in UNESCO's WNBR. India's total now stands at 13 out of a global 785 biosphere reserves.
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What is Rajasthan's forest area as a percentage of its geographic area?
Explanation · Correct answer DRajasthan has 32,737 sq km of forest area, which is 9.57% of its geographic area.
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.
