Biosphere Reserves in India

Biosphere reserves are large protected areas that conserve biodiversity, support local communities, and promote sustainable development. They are established to preserve the natural habitat of various plant and animal species, including endemic species (species that exist only in a particular region). If you are wondering what is biosphere reserve, it is simply an area set aside to protect the balance of nature while also allowing the local people to continue their traditional way of life.

Zones of a Biosphere Reserve

A biosphere reserve is usually divided into three main zones to ensure proper management and conservation:

1. Core Zone

• The innermost region where human activity is strictly prohibited.

• This area preserves wildlife and undisturbed ecosystems.

• Valuable for scientific research and monitoring the overall health of the environment.

2. Buffer Zone

• Surrounds the core zone.

• Permits limited activities like research, education, and tourism.

• Focuses on environmental management such as controlled fishing, agriculture, and forest management without harming the core zone’s objectives.

3. Manipulation (Transition) Zone

• The outermost region of the biosphere reserve is where local communities live and carry out sustainable activities such as farming, recreation, forestry, and small-scale industries.

• Aimed at balancing conservation with responsible human development.

Importance of Biosphere Reserves

1. Conservation

• Protects species diversity, especially endemic species, ecosystems, and genetic resources.

• Maintains ecological balance and prevents the loss of natural habitats.

2. Development

• Encourages sustainable livelihoods that help local communities thrive culturally, socially, and economically.

3. Restoration

• Supports the revival of degraded ecosystems, ensuring that damaged areas recover to their natural state.

4. Education and Research

• Serves as an open laboratory for students and researchers to explore environmental science, wildlife, and community-driven initiatives.

• Provides insights into methods of restoring and conserving biodiversity.

5. Land Use Planning

• Brings together landowners, farmers, scientists, conservation agencies, and local communities to plan the best use of resources.

• Ensures a balance between development and nature.

6. Healthy Ecosystems

• Helps maintain soil quality, prevents erosion, and secures water sources through the protection of forests and water bodies.

List of Biosphere Reserves in India

Below is an overview of some important biosphere reserves of India, including the states they cover (the year mentioned in parentheses indicates their inclusion in UNESCO’s list):

1. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (2000) – Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka

2. Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve (2001) – West Bengal

3. Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve (2001) – Tamil Nadu

4. Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (2004) – Uttarakhand

5. Simlipal Biosphere Reserve (2009) – Odisha

6. Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (2009) – Madhya Pradesh

7. Nokrek Biosphere Reserve (2009) – Meghalaya

8. Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve (2012) – Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh

9. Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve (2013) – Great Nicobar (Andaman and Nicobar Islands)

10. Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve (2016) – Kerala, Tamil Nadu

11. Khangchendzonga National Park (2018) – Sikkim

(Note: India has identified 18 biosphere reserves in total, and many of them have received international recognition by UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme.)

How is a Biosphere Reserve Different from a Wildlife Sanctuary or National Park?

A wildlife sanctuary is a protected area mainly focused on safeguarding animals and birds in their natural habitat, where certain human activities may be allowed. A national park is usually more strictly protected, with activities like hunting, grazing, or forestry not allowed at all. A biosphere reserve, on the other hand, is broader in scope, with zones specifically designed to combine conservation with sustainable use by humans.

Unique Extras to Improve Your Learning

Mnemonic to Remember Major Biosphere Reserves

Try using this simple phrase to recall some of the most prominent biosphere reserves:

“Good Students Never Panic And Always Sit Preparing Neat Notes”

Where each initial stands for:

• G – Gulf of Mannar

• S – Sundarbans

• N – Nilgiri

• P – Pachmarhi

• A – Achanakmar-Amarkantak

• A – Agasthyamalai

• S – Simlipal

• P – Panna (part of the larger zone around Pachmarhi)

• N – Nanda Devi

• N – Nokrek

Quick Quiz (with Answers)

1. Which zone of a biosphere reserve is fully protected, with no human interference?
   A. Buffer Zone
   B. Core Zone
   C. Manipulation Zone
   Answer: B. Core Zone

2. Which biosphere reserve in India is known for its mangrove forests?
   A. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
   B. Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve
   C. Nokrek Biosphere Reserve
   Answer: B. Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve

3. Which of the following best describes a biosphere reserve?
   A. Only wildlife protection
   B. Protection of animals, no human involvement
   C. Conservation of biodiversity with sustainable use by local communities
   Answer: C. Conservation of biodiversity with sustainable use by local communities

4. Which zone allows scientific research and limited tourism?
   A. Core Zone
   B. Buffer Zone
   C. Manipulation Zone
   Answer: B. Buffer Zone

5. Which state does the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve belong to?
   A. Karnataka
   B. Uttarakhand
   C. Odisha
   Answer: B. Uttarakhand

By carefully managing these zones and promoting research, education, and responsible usage of resources, biosphere reserves help us maintain the delicate balance between nature and human needs.

Related Topics:

• National Parks and Sanctuaries

• Difference between a Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park