On September 27, 2025, UNESCO designated Himachal Pradesh's Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves at the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in Hangzhou, China. Spanning 7,770 sq km at altitudes of 3,300 to 6,600 meters, it encompasses the Pin Valley National Park, Chandratal, and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. It harbors 732 species of vascular plants including 30 endemics and iconic fauna such as the Snow Leopard. This is India's first high-altitude cold desert biosphere reserve.
Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve Becomes India's 13th UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
AQuick answer
Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh became India's 13th UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in September 2025, spanning 7,770 sq km.
Key facts
- UNESCO designated Himachal Pradesh's Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve as part of World Network of Biosphere Reserves on September 27, 2025
- Designation made at 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in Hangzhou, China
- Spans 7,770 sq km at altitudes of 3,300 to 6,600 meters, encompassing Pin Valley National Park, Chandratal, and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary
- Harbors 732 species of vascular plants including 30 endemics, and iconic fauna such as Snow Leopard
- India's first high-altitude cold desert biosphere reserve
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Switzerland lost what percentage of its total glacier ice mass in 2024-25?
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Switzerland lost 3% of total glacier mass in 2024-25, the 4th-largest reduction on record.
Source: UNESCO
Frequently asked questions
When did Himachal Pradesh's Cold Desert become India's 13th UNESCO Biosphere Reserve?
UNESCO designated **Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh** as India's **13th UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on September 27, 2025** at the **5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in Hangzhou, China**.
Where is the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve and what area does it cover?
The **Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve** is in **Himachal Pradesh's Spiti Valley**, spanning **7,770 sq km** at altitudes of **3,300–6,600 m**, encompassing **Pin Valley National Park**. Designated India's 13th UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in September 2025.
What was the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves?
The **5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves** was held in **Hangzhou, China**, where UNESCO designated **26 new sites** including India's **Cold Desert** as UNESCO Biosphere Reserves on **September 27, 2025**.
Which national park is in Himachal Pradesh's Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve?
**Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve** encompasses the **Pin Valley National Park**, spanning 7,770 sq km. It was designated India's **13th UNESCO Biosphere Reserve** on September 27, 2025.
How many UNESCO Biosphere Reserves does India have after the Cold Desert designation?
India has **13 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves** after the **Cold Desert in Himachal Pradesh** was designated on September 27, 2025, as one of 26 new sites added at the Hangzhou congress.
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