From Chandratal to Snow Leopards: UNESCO Declares India’s Cold Desert a Biosphere Reserve

India’s Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve Joins UNESCO List

India has added another feather to its conservation cap, with UNESCO declaring the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve as part of its prestigious World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The announcement was made on September 27, 2025, during the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in Hangzhou, China, where 26 new sites across the globe were recognized. With this, India now has 13 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.

This marks India’s first high-altitude cold desert biosphere reserve, among the coldest and driest ecosystems in UNESCO’s global network. Spread over 7,770 sq. km at elevations between 3,300 and 6,600 metres, the reserve encompasses Pin Valley National Park, alpine lakes like Chandratal, high-altitude plateaus around Sarchu, and the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. Its dramatic landscapes include glacial valleys, windswept plateaus, and rugged deserts.

The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve is rich in biodiversity, housing 732 vascular plant species, of which 30 are endemic and 157 are near-endemic to the Indian Himalayas. It is also home to iconic fauna such as the snow leopard, Himalayan ibex, blue sheep, Himalayan wolf, golden eagle, and Himalayan snowcock.

Around 12,000 people live in the trans-Himalayan region, relying on pastoralism, yak and goat herding, small-scale farming, and traditional Tibetan medicine. Local Buddhist monasteries and community councils play a vital role in sustainably managing fragile alpine resources.

Commenting on the achievement, Tim Curtis, Director of UNESCO’s Regional Office for South Asia, said:

“The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve is a powerful example of how fragile ecosystems can be protected while supporting the communities that depend on them. This designation reflects India’s commitment to balancing conservation with sustainable development.”

The recognition also comes at a symbolic moment, aligning with the 50th anniversary of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, which today includes 785 sites worldwide dedicated to conservation, research, and sustainable development.