Environment and Ecology — Protected Areas of India: Biosphere Reserves
1. Biosphere Reserves — Overview
Context: Biosphere Reserves are UNESCO-designated areas for conserving biodiversity while promoting sustainable development. They reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with the quest for economic and social development and maintenance of associated cultural values. (UPSC 2014)
- BRs are special environments for both people and nature — living examples of how human beings and nature can co-exist while respecting each other's needs. (UPSC 2014)
- Total BRs in India: 18
- Internationally recognized BRs (MAB, UNESCO): 12
12 Internationally Recognized Biosphere Reserves:
Nilgiri, Gulf of Mannar, Sunderban, Nanda Devi, Nokrek, Pachmarhi, Similipal, Achanakmar-Amarkantak, Great Nicobar, Agasthyamala, Khangchendzonga, and Panna.
Nilgiri, Gulf of Mannar, Sunderban, Nanda Devi, Nokrek, Pachmarhi, Similipal, Achanakmar-Amarkantak, Great Nicobar, Agasthyamala, Khangchendzonga, and Panna.
2. UNESCO MAB (Man and the Biosphere) Programme
- Launched by UNESCO: 1971
- Aims: Balance biodiversity conservation with sustainable human activities.
- Promotes scientific research, education, and international cooperation on ecosystems.
3. India's Position
- Signatory to the MAB-supported landscape approach.
- Scheme Start: Implemented since 1986 by the Government of India.
- Funding:
- 90:10 ratio for Northeast & Himalayan states
- 60:40 ratio for other states
- Management: State governments prepare Management Action Plans.
- Approval & Monitoring: By the Central MAB Committee.
4. Three Main Zones of Biosphere Reserves
Context: Core → Buffer → Transition (Strict → Limited → Human Activities).
Core Zone (Highly Protected)
- Strictly protected area with no human interference.
- Contains endemic species and serves as a genetic reservoir.
- Often includes National Parks or Wildlife Sanctuaries under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Buffer Zone (Limited Activities Allowed)
- Surrounds the core zone.
- Activities like restoration, controlled tourism, fishing, and grazing are permitted.
- Aims to minimize the impact on the core zone.
- Research and educational activities are encouraged.
Transition Zone (Human-Nature Coexistence)
- Outermost zone where human activities and conservation coexist.
- Includes settlements, croplands, managed forests, and areas for recreation and economic activities.
Three Zones Summary:
- Core Zone: Strictly protected, no human interference, genetic reservoir
- Buffer Zone: Limited activities (tourism, fishing, grazing), research permitted
- Transition Zone: Human-nature coexistence, settlements, croplands, recreation
5. Criteria for Biosphere Reserve Designation
- Core Protection: Effectively protected core area for nature conservation.
- Eco-Representation: Core typical of bio-geographical units, large enough for viable populations.
- Community Role: Local communities' involvement for biodiversity and socio-economic harmony.
- Cultural Value: Preserve tribal/rural lifestyles in sync with nature.
6. Additional Facts
Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve
- Includes Neyyar, Peppara, and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. (UPSC 2019)
Key Point: Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve includes Neyyar, Peppara, Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. (UPSC 2019)
7. Summary: Biosphere Reserves at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total BRs in India | 18 |
| Internationally Recognized BRs | 12 (MAB, UNESCO) |
| UNESCO MAB Programme | Launched in 1971 |
| Scheme Start in India | 1986 |
| Funding Ratio (NE & Himalayan) | 90:10 |
| Funding Ratio (Other States) | 60:40 |
| Zones of BR | Core → Buffer → Transition |
Key Takeaways for UPSC
- Biosphere Reserves: UNESCO-designated; reconcile conservation with development (UPSC 2014)
- Total BRs in India: 18; 12 internationally recognized by MAB, UNESCO
- UNESCO MAB Programme: Launched 1971; aims to balance biodiversity with sustainable human activities
- India's BR Scheme: Started 1986; 90:10 (NE/Himalayan), 60:40 (other states)
- Three Zones: Core (no interference, genetic reservoir) → Buffer (limited activities, research) → Transition (human-nature coexistence)
- Agasthyamala BR: Includes Neyyar, Peppara, Shendurney WLS and Kalakad Mundanthurai TR (UPSC 2019)
- 12 International BRs: Nilgiri, Gulf of Mannar, Sunderban, Nanda Devi, Nokrek, Pachmarhi, Similipal, Achanakmar-Amarkantak, Great Nicobar, Agasthyamala, Khangchendzonga, Panna
High-Yield Interactive UPSC Quiz (Biosphere Reserves)
Q1. Biosphere Reserves are designated by which organization?
Correct Answer: B. Biosphere Reserves are designated by UNESCO. They reconcile biodiversity conservation with economic and social development. (UPSC 2014)
Q2. The UNESCO MAB Programme was launched in which year?
Correct Answer: C. The UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme was launched in 1971 to balance biodiversity conservation with sustainable human activities.
Q3. How many biosphere reserves are there in India?
Correct Answer: C. India has 18 Biosphere Reserves, out of which 12 are internationally recognized by the UNESCO MAB Programme.
Q4. How many biosphere reserves in India are internationally recognized by MAB, UNESCO?
Correct Answer: C. India has 12 internationally recognized Biosphere Reserves under the UNESCO MAB Programme, including Nilgiri, Sunderban, Nanda Devi, and others.
Q5. The Biosphere Reserve scheme in India was implemented from which year?
Correct Answer: C. The Biosphere Reserve scheme was implemented by the Government of India from 1986, with funding ratios of 90:10 for Northeast & Himalayan states and 60:40 for other states.
Q6. Which zone of a Biosphere Reserve is strictly protected with no human interference?
Correct Answer: B. The Core Zone is strictly protected with no human interference. It contains endemic species and serves as a genetic reservoir, often including National Parks or Wildlife Sanctuaries.
Q7. In which zone of a Biosphere Reserve are settlements and croplands found?
Correct Answer: C. The Transition Zone is the outermost zone where human activities and conservation coexist. It includes settlements, croplands, managed forests, and areas for recreation and economic activities.
Q8. Which Biosphere Reserve includes Neyyar, Peppara, and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries?
Correct Answer: C. Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve includes Neyyar, Peppara, and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. (UPSC 2019)
Q9. What is the funding ratio for Biosphere Reserves in Northeast and Himalayan states?
Correct Answer: C. The funding ratio for Biosphere Reserves in Northeast & Himalayan states is 90:10, while for other states it is 60:40.
Q10. Which of the following is NOT a criterion for Biosphere Reserve designation?
Correct Answer: D. Commercial Mining Potential is NOT a criterion for Biosphere Reserve designation. The criteria include Core Protection, Eco-Representation, Community Role, and Cultural Value.