Himachal's Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve joins UNESCO network, India's 13th
UNESCO added India's Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul–Spiti district to its World Network of Biosphere Reserves on 27 September 2025, making it India's 13th listed biosphere reserve.
Summary
UNESCO included the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh in its World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) on 27 September 2025, at the 37th session of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) International Coordinating Council in Hangzhou, China. The Cold Desert is one of 26 new sites added that day, and India now has 13 biosphere reserves in the network. Spread over 7,770 sq km of Lahaul–Spiti district at altitudes of 3,300 to 6,600 metres, the reserve is India's first high-altitude cold desert biosphere reserve. The Cold Desert covers Pin Valley National Park, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary and Chandratal, and the snow leopard is its flagship species.
Key facts
- Listed
- 27 Sep 2025, 37th MAB International Coordinating Council, Hangzhou, China
- India's tally
- 13 biosphere reserves in WNBR
- Location / area
- Lahaul–Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh; 7,770 sq km
- Altitude
- 3,300–6,600 m; India's first high-altitude cold desert BR
- Covers
- Pin Valley NP, Kibber WLS, Chandratal
- Flagship species
- Snow leopard
- Same day
- 26 new sites added worldwide
Practice MCQs 4 questions
With the inclusion of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve on 27 September 2025, how many Indian biosphere reserves are in UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves?
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Correct answer: C — 13
The Cold Desert addition took India's tally in the WNBR to 13.
In which district of Himachal Pradesh is the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve, added to UNESCO's network in September 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Lahaul–Spiti
The 7,770 sq km reserve lies in Lahaul–Spiti district.
Which protected area is part of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve listed by UNESCO in 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Pin Valley National Park
The reserve covers Pin Valley National Park, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary and Chandratal.
Consider the following statements about the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve: 1. It was added to the WNBR at a UNESCO MAB meeting held in Paris. 2. It covers about 7,770 sq km at altitudes of 3,300 to 6,600 metres. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the designation was made in Hangzhou, China. Statement 2 is correct.