List of Biosphere Reserves in India 2026: Year, Location, Area, UNESCO Status

Biosphere Reserves in India 2026 is an international designation by UNESCO ( United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) for representative parts of natural and cultural landscapes extending over a large area of terrestrial or coastal/marine ecosystems or a combination of both. 

• Objectives of Biosphere Reserves: Biosphere Reserves are designated to conserve biodiversity and to preserve the economic and social development and maintenance of associated cultural values. 
• Balancing Human and Natural Needs: Biosphere Reserves are thus special environments for both people and nature and are living examples of how human beings and nature can co-exist while respecting each others’ needs.

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Biosphere Reserves in India 2026 Overview

India’s biosphere reserves stand as testament to the nation’s commitment to conserving its ecological heritage while fostering sustainable development. These areas provide a platform for research, education, and the coexistence of humans and nature. By recognizing the delicate balance between ecological conservation and human needs, these reserves showcase the potential for harmonious interaction between people and the environment.

• There are a total 18 Biosphere Reserves in India. 
• The Biosphere Reserve Programme is guided by UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) programme.
• India is a signatory to the landscape approach supported by MAB programme.

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• Implementation of Biosphere Reserve Scheme: A scheme called Biosphere Reserve has been implemented by the Government of India since 1986 in which financial assistance is given in 90:10 ratio to the North Eastern Region States and three Himalayan states and in the ratio of 60:40 to other states for maintenance, improvement and development of certain items. 
• The State Government prepares the Management Action Plan which is approved and monitored by the Central MAB Committee.

How Many Biosphere Reserves Are There in India 2026?

As of 2026, India has 18 Biosphere Reserves. Out of these, 12 are recognized under UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). These reserves cover diverse ecological zones, from the Himalayas to coastal and desert regions.

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List of Biosphere Reserves in India 2026 State Wise

India takes pride in its rich and diverse natural heritage, comprising unique ecosystems and abundant biodiversity. To safeguard these precious treasures and promote sustainable coexistence, the country has established 18 Biosphere Reserves. 

• Designated under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme, these reserves serve as sanctuaries for endangered species and protect various ecosystems. 
• From the majestic Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in the southern region to the pristine Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve in the north, each reserve contributes significantly to biodiversity conservation. Below mentioned is the list of the Biosphere Reserves in India.

Here is the list of all Biosphere Reserves in India 2026, including their year of establishment, location, states covered, and key species protected.

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Know about all Biosphere Reserves in India

Presently, there are 18 notified biosphere reserves in India, 12 of which are recognized by UNESCO’s MAB.

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

• Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve includes Nilgiri Sub-Cluster (UNESCO World Heritage Site) which further includes the Mudumalai, Mukurthi, Nagarhole, Bandipur and Silent Valley national parks, as well as the Aralam, Wayanad and Sathyamangalam wildlife sanctuaries.
• Vegetation of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve: Montane sholas and grasslands (at high altitudes), semi-evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests,  tropical evergreen forests (western side of Western Ghats) and thorn forests.
• Major Fauna: Lion Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Nilgiri Langur, etc.
• Tribes: Various tribes associated with Nilgiri reserve such as Badagas, Toda, Kotas, Irulla, Kurumba, Paniya, Adiyan, Edanadan Chettis, Allar, and Malayan.

Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve

• This biosphere reserve covers the areas of Nanda Devi National Park and Valley of Flowers NP.
• Major Fauna: Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, Bharal Or Blue Sheep, etc.
• Tribes: The buffer zone includes 45 villages and the local communities living here mainly belong to two ethnic groups, the Indo-Mongoloid (Bhotia) and Indo-Aryan

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Nokrek Biosphere Reserve

• Vegetation of Nokrek are Evergreen, semi-evergreen & deciduous.
• Key Fauna: Red Panda, Hoolock Gibbons, Red Giant Flying Squirrel, etc.
• Tribes: Garo tribes dominate the area

Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve

• This Biosphere reserve lies between the west coast of Sri Lanka and the south-eastern tip of India, in the Coromandel Coast region.
• Major Fauna: Dugong, Olive Ridley turtles, etc.
• Tribes: Mainly Marakeyars.

Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve

• It is located in the south of Kolkata, bordering Bangladesh in the eastern side and lies on the delta of the Ganges.
• Sunderbans Biosphere provides habitat for the threatened Royal Bengal Tiger.
• This biosphere reserve covers the area of Sundarbans National Park, Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary, Lothian Wildlife Sanctuary and Halliday WLS.
• Spans across parts of India and Bangladesh and is the largest mangrove forest in the world.
• Tribes: Munda, Santhal, Bhumij and Oraon tribes

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Manas Biosphere Reserve

• Rare and endemic wildlife in Manas Biosphere Reserve are Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langur and Pygmy Hog.
• The grassland biomes of Manas BR are Pygmy Hog, Rhinoceros (re-introduced in 2007), elephants, Bengal florican etc.
• Tribes: Bodo, Rabha Tribe, Garo Tribe, Koch-Rajbongshi Tribe

Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve

• It covers the area of Campbell Bay National Park and Galathea NP.
• Vegetation grows in this BR are tropical wet evergreen forests.
• Major Fauna: Dugong, Saltwater Crocodile, Nicobar megapode etc.
• Tribes: Mongoloid Shompen Tribe

Similipal Biosphere Reserve

• It includes the area of Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve which further includes the area of Similipal tiger reserve, Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and Kuldiha wildlife sanctuary. .
• Major Fauna: Royal Bengal Tigers, Wild Elephants, Gaurs (Indian Bison), Chausingha.
• Tribes: Kolha, Santal, Bhumija, Gond & Ho 

Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve

• Pachmarhi BR encompasses the area of Satpura National Park, Bori Wildlife Sanctuary and Pachmarhi WLS which lies in the centre of the Satpura Range. The highest peak is the Dhoopgarh (1,352 m). Gonds are the major tribes.
• Major Fauna: Tiger, Gaur, Indian Giant Flying Squirrels, etc.
• Tribes: Gond and Korku

Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve

• It includes the third highest mountain peak in the world, Kanchenjunga (8,586 m). It is one of the highest ecosystems in the world, reaching elevations of 1,220 m to 8,586 m above sea level.
• The Khangchendzonga NP, which comprises the core area of the KBR, was inscribed as India’s first “Mixed World Heritage Site”.
• Major Fauna: Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, Great Tibetan Sheep, etc.
• Tribes: Lepcha, Bhutia, and Limbu

Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve

• Dibru-Saikhowa BR also included Dibru-Saikhowa National Park.
• Major Fauna: Bengal Tiger, Clouded Leopard, Gangetic Dolphin, etc.
• Tribes: Mottocks, the Morans, the Sonowal Kacharis and the Nepalese 

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Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve

• The Mouling NP and the Dibang WLS are located fully or partly within this biosphere reserve. The terrain is rugged, with an altitudinal range of 750 to 3000 m at the highest point, the Mouling Peak.
• Major Fauna: Takin, Red Panda.
• Tribes:  Adi, Buddhist and Mishmi tribes with ten sub tribes including the Paris, Padams, Karkos, Pangis, Simongs, Ashings, Tangams, Komkars, Millangs, Dalbings, Membas, Khambas and Idu Mishmis.

Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve

• Agasthyamala BR which covers the area of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Kalakad Mundanthurai TR. 
• Major Fauna: Nilgiri Tahr (EN)
• Tribe: The reserve is home to Kani tribes from both Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

First Biosphere Reserve in India

India’s first biosphere reserve, established in 1986, is the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR), established in 1986. Spread across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, it forms part of the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was established in September 1986 and is India’s first biosphere reserve under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme. This reserve shelters a wide range of unique flora and fauna, including the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, the Lion-tailed Macaque, and the Malabar Giant Squirrel. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve diverse landscapes, from montane forests to grasslands, make it a vital ecological region, balancing conservation with the livelihood needs of local peoples

Smallest Biosphere Reserve in India

The smallest Biosphere Reserve in India is the Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve in Assam covering only 820 km². The location provides shelter to Red Panda, Hoolock Gibbon and unique citrus plant species. It is home to the Red Panda, Hoolock Gibbon, and unique citrus plant species.

List of International Status of Biosphere Reserves in India

In a recent development, the Panna Biosphere Reserve achieved the esteemed international status of a UNESCO Protected Biosphere Reserve. This recognition was bestowed in the year 2020. 

• Preceding this, India’s Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve had already earned a spot on this prestigious roster in 2018.
• With the inclusion of these two Biosphere Reserves, a total of 12 out of the country’s 18 biosphere reserves have now joined the esteemed World Network of Biosphere Reserves. 
• This network aligns with the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme guidelines.
• Globally, there are 686 biosphere reserves in 122 countries, including 20 transboundary sites. India has 12 internationally recognised BRs.
• Below is the list of the UNESCO-Designated Reserves in India:

Criteria For Designating a Biosphere Reserve in India

• A Site with a Safeguarded Core Area: A site must contain a protected and minimally disturbed core area of value of nature conservation.
• Ecological Viability: The core area must be a bio-geographical unit and should be large enough to sustain a viable population representing all trophic levels.
• Community Involvement: The involvement of local communities and use of their knowledge in biodiversity preservation.
• Preserving Cultural Practices and Environmental Harmony: Recognizing the potential for preserving traditional tribal or rural modes of living, the area seeks to foster a harmonious coexistence with the environment.

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Structure of Biosphere Reserves in India: What Are the Three Zones of Biosphere Reserves?

The area which has been designated as Biosphere reserves are demarcated into following 3 interrelated zones:

• A Core Zone of Biosphere Reserve
  • It is the most protected area similar to a National Park or Sanctuary. 
  • It shelters unique plants and animals, including endemic species, and acts as a vital genetic bank with significant scientific value. 
  • It operates under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, ensuring it remains untouched by human activities.
• A Buffer Zone of Biosphere Reserve
  • The buffer zone surrounds the core zone within a biosphere reserve. 
  • Permissible Activities: Activities such as scientific research, monitoring, education, and training are carried out in this zone. 
  • Regulation of Human Activities: Human activities like controlled tourism, fishing, and grazing are allowed but regulated to minimize their impact on the core zone are permitted in this region.
• A Transition Zone of Biosphere Reserve
• • It is the outermost part of the biosphere reserve which serves as a collaborative zone where human activities and conservation efforts coexist harmoniously.
  • It includes settlements, croplands, managed forests, and designated spaces for intensive recreation and various economic activities typical of the region. 
  • This area creates a balance between human endeavors and environmental preservation.

Function of Biosphere Reserves: Conservation of BIodiversity & Support Ecosystem

• Conservation of BIodiversity: Biosphere reserves safeguard species, ecosystems, genetic diversity, and landscapes, prioritizing conservation without disrupting local inhabitants.
• Sustainable Development: Biosphere reserves actively promote sustainable developments, encompassing economic, cultural, and social aspects for a balanced and enduring impact.
• Preserving the Ecosystem: Biosphere reserves play a pivotal role in restoring ecosystems and habitats, addressing and rectifying any harm caused.
• For Education and Research: These areas serve as valuable sources of information on ecosystem restoration, conservation, and development. Research conducted within these reserves provides insights into recreating landscapes impacted by human activities. 

Significance and Contributions of Biosphere Reserves in India

The Biosphere Reserves in India play a crucial role in various aspects of conservation and development:

• Biodiversity Conservation: India’s remarkable biodiversity is sheltered within these reserves. 
  • Many endangered and endemic species find refuge here, shielded from threats posed by human activities and habitat destruction. 
  • The core zones act as vital breeding grounds, ensuring the continuity of numerous plant and animal species.
• Ecosystem Preservation: The diverse landscapes found within India’s Biosphere Reserves are emblematic of the nation’s ecological richness. 
  • These areas encompass a wide range of ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, grasslands, and coastal regions. 
  • The preservation of such diverse environments is vital for maintaining ecological balance and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
• Sustainable Development: The concept of sustainable development is at the core of Biosphere Reserves. 
  • By promoting the sustainable use of natural resources in the buffer and transition zones, these reserves demonstrate that human progress can be achieved without compromising the integrity of the environment. 
  • Eco-friendly tourism and community-based initiatives provide local communities with opportunities for economic growth while ensuring the preservation of their natural heritage. 
• Research and Education: Biosphere Reserves in India serve as living laboratories for scientific research. 
  • Experts study various ecological processes, monitor changes in biodiversity, and develop innovative conservation strategies. 
  • Moreover, these reserves act as educational centers, raising awareness about environmental conservation among visitors and local communities alike.

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Challenges to Biosphere Reserves

• Conservation vs. Livelihood Conflicts: Biosphere reserves encounter challenges in reconciling conservation objectives with the livelihoods of local communities, often leading to conflicts that need careful resolution.
• Habitat Degradation: The integrity of habitats within biosphere reserves is under threat, experiencing degradation that jeopardizes the overall health of ecosystems and biodiversity.
• Climate Change Impacts: Biosphere reserves are not immune to the impacts of climate change, posing additional threats to the delicate balance of ecosystems and the species within them.

Suggestive Measures

• Securing Tribal Land Rights: Ensuring the land rights of tribal communities which rely on forest resources. 
  • Creating an ecosystem of coexistence between indigenous populations and the preservation of natural habitats.
• Biosphere Reserve Tag for Marketed Resources: To enhance the value of resources like spices sourced from Kerala’s reserves, a strategic initiative involving “Biosphere Reserve Tags” for marketing should be implemented, creating a distinct identity and market appeal.
• Implementing Munnar Declaration: Taking cues from the Munnar Declaration, which proposes the creation of biosphere reserves in the desert and Gangetic plain bio-geographic zones, practical steps should be taken to translate this vision into tangible conservation efforts.
• Combatting Alien Species Invasion: Governments should enforce stringent measures against the invasion of alien species into various biosphere reserves, as exemplified by the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. 
  • Proactive steps are essential to preserve the native biodiversity and ecological balance within these protected areas.

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Conclusion

Biosphere Reserves in India exemplify the nation’s dedication to conserving its ecological heritage and fostering sustainable development. By protecting biodiversity, preserving ecosystems, and promoting responsible practices, these reserves provide a blueprint for harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. As India continues to expand its conservation efforts, the network of Biosphere Reserves in India will remain a beacon of hope, ensuring a bright and sustainable future for generations to come.

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