During the 37th Session of UNESCO's International Coordinating Council – Man and the Biosphere Programme held on September 27, 2025, in Hangzhou, China, India's Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh was included in UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). This is India's 13th biosphere reserve in the WNBR. Spanning 7,770 sq km in the Western Himalayas at altitudes of 3,300–6,600 m, it includes Pin Valley National Park and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary and is home to the snow leopard, Himalayan wolf, and Tibetan antelope.
Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve (Himachal Pradesh) Joins UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves
AQuick answer
During the 37th Session of UNESCO's International Coordinating Council – Man and the Biosphere Programme held on September 27, 2025, in Hangzhou, China, India's Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh was included in UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). This is India's 13th biosphere reserve in the WNBR. Spanning 7,770 sq km in the Western Himalayas at altitudes of 3,300–6,600 m, it includes Pin Valley National Park and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary and is home to the snow leopard, Himalayan wolf, and Tibetan antelope.
Key facts
- Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve (Himachal Pradesh) was included in UNESCO's WNBR on September 27, 2025.
- It was recognised at the 37th Session of UNESCO's MAB Programme in Hangzhou, China.
- This is India's 13th Biosphere Reserve in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
- The Cold Desert spans Spiti and Pin valleys in Lahaul-Spiti district.
- It is home to the endangered Snow Leopard and Himalayan Ibex.
- The inclusion recognises the region's unique high-altitude arid ecosystem.
6-axis classification
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 · BothSourcePIB / UNESCO
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Practice MCQ from this story
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Linked questionEasy
What is the total area of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh, as mentioned in the article?
Explanation · Correct answer C
The article states that the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve spans 7,770 sq km in the Western Himalayas at altitudes of 3,300 to 6,600 metres.
Source: PIB / UNESCO
Frequently asked questions
Which biosphere reserve of India was added to UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) in 2025?
Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh was added to UNESCO's WNBR on September 27, 2025. It was recognised at the 37th Session of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme held in Hangzhou, China.
What is the total count of Indian biosphere reserves now in the UNESCO World Network?
With the inclusion of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve, India now has 13 biosphere reserves in UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). This makes India one of the countries with the highest number of reserves in the global network.
Where is the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve located and what is its geographical extent?
The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve is located in the Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, spanning the Spiti and Pin valleys of the Western Himalayas. It covers 7,770 sq km at altitudes ranging from 3,300 to 6,600 metres above sea level.
Which protected areas are included within the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve?
The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve includes Pin Valley National Park and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary within its boundaries. These protected areas collectively safeguard the high-altitude arid ecosystem of the Western Himalayas.
What endangered species are found in the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve?
The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve is home to the endangered Snow Leopard and the Himalayan Ibex, among other high-altitude fauna. The UNESCO recognition highlights the significance of conserving this unique cold arid ecosystem and its rare biodiversity.
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