India’s Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve joins UNESCO’s World Network, two New Ramsar sites added in Bihar

IN NEWS: 

India’s Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve joins UNESCO’s World Network, two New Ramsar sites added in Bihar

Analysis:

1. Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh has been included in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves, as announced by the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
2. The recognition was granted during the 37th Session of UNESCO’s International Coordinating Council (Man and the Biosphere Programme) held on 27 September 2025.
3. With this inclusion, India now has 13 biosphere reserves listed in UNESCO’s World Network, reflecting its commitment to biodiversity conservation and community-driven sustainable development.
4. The announcement coincided with India’s addition of two new Ramsar sites in Bihar—Gokul Jalashay (448 ha) in Buxar district and Udaipur Jheel (319 ha) in West Champaran district.
5. Following the Bihar additions, India’s Ramsar sites increased to 93, covering a total area of 13,60,719 hectares.
6. The government highlighted the importance of wetlands and biosphere reserves in biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods, aligning conservation goals with development priorities.

Static Background:

• Biosphere Reserves are designated under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme to promote conservation of biodiversity along with sustainable use of natural resources.
• UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves facilitates international cooperation, research, and knowledge sharing on sustainable development.
• Ramsar Sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention (1971), aimed at conservation and wise use of wetlands.
• India is a signatory to both the Ramsar Convention and the UNESCO MAB Programme.

Updated - 28 September 2025; 06:48 PM | News Source: DD News