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GS-3: Environment Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

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• The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced the development during the 37^th session of UNESCO’s International Coordinating Council – Man and the Biosphere (MAB) held in Hangzhou, China, on September 27, 2025.
• With the inclusion of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve, India now has 13 biosphere reserves listed in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR).
• India recently added two new Ramsar sites in Bihar, Gokul Jalashay (448 ha) in Buxar district and Udaipur Jheel (319 ha) in West Champaran district.
• With these additions, the total number of Ramsar sites in India has risen to 93.
• UNESCO designated 26 new biosphere reserves across 21 countries — the highest number in 20 years. 
• The World Network of Biosphere Reserves now includes 785 sites in 142 countries.

Key Features of Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve

• This biosphere reserve spans approximately 7,770 sq km across the Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh.
• This reserve is located in the trans-Himalayan region and is one of the coldest and driest ecosystems in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
• This ecosystem comprises windswept plateaus, glacial valleys, alpine lakes, and high-altitude deserts, and includes Pin Valley National Park, Kibber and Chandratal Wildlife Sanctuaries, and the Sarchu plains.
• This fragile ecosystem supports many vascular plant species, mammal species and bird species, with the snow leopard as the flagship species.

Significance of the Recognition

• This designation highlights the need to safeguard high-altitude mountain ecosystems facing tourism pressures and climate change.
• This recognition is expected to promote international research collaborations, responsible eco-tourism, and strengthen climate resilience efforts in the Himalayas.
• The UNESCO listing places India’s Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve on the global conservation map, emphasising biodiversity conservation and community-led sustainable development.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)

• UNESCO is a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN) dedicated to promoting peace and security through international cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication. 
• It was founded in 1945 after the devastation of World War II.
• Presently, it has 194 member states and 12 associate members. 
• The UNESCO headquarters is located in Paris, France. 

Source:
The Hindu
Indian Express
PIB