Biosphere Reserves in India

The “Biosphere Reserves in India” are found to consist of a diverse range of plants, as well as animals in order to maintain the biodiversity across the country. These species are considered to be an eternal part, as well as a representative of the past regarding Indian culture. The biospheres are being run in order to decrease the rate of extinction in the country. However, in some parts, it is seen that the hunters kill the conserved species for their own benefit. In this regard, the government is now taking action to prevent such situations. The biosphere reserves provide the conserved species with the required food, as well as environmental habitat.   

Indian Biosphere Reserves

“Biosphere Reserves in India” consist of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, buffer zones, and so many. The Indian Biosphere Reserves are found to focus on the conservation of wildlife with the execution of proper maintenance. In other words, it is stated that the factors including Wildlife Conservation, Wildlife Development, as well as the Logistic Support are taken into consideration by the Indian Biospheres. It is found to provide shelter to a large variety of wildlife species with the authorization of the Indian government. The feeding and caring of the wildlife species are helpful in maintaining the authenticity of the natural ecosystem. In order to carry out the biosphere processes, the government is found to set certain limitations in terms of the safety of the wildlife species. 

The rules and regulations set by the Indian government are based on the crimes that occurred in the past regarding the misuse of the plant, as well as animal products. The main motive of the Indian Biosphere Reserves is the maintenance of the balance between social, as well as economic development in order to enhance the cultural values of the country. The locations of the biosphere reserves are selected on the basis of the protective nature of the geographical structure. In this regard, it is often observed that the local communities of the reserve play a vital role in applying their knowledge in the preservation of biodiversity.

Quantification of the “Biosphere Reserves in India”

There is an existence of 18 biosphere reserves in India. These biosphere reserves are found to be notified, as well as recognized by UNESCO. On the other hand, the rest of the reserves are not included in the UNESCO list of biosphere reserves. From the global perspective, it is observed that there are 701 biospheres within 124 countries. The nomination of the biosphere reserves is executed by the government of the respective country. The Indian Biosphere Reserves are handled hand in hand with scientific monitoring, as well as research related to nature, habitat, food habits, and so many of the wildlife species. In this manner, the reserves are able to prompt the process of sustainable development in the country. 

Out of the 18 mentioned biosphere reserves, 11 are found to be part of the WNBR (World Network of Biosphere reserves). The largest Indian Biosphere Reserve is identified to be the “Gulf of Mannar”. On the contrary, the smallest Indian Biosphere found in India is Panna. In the course of conserving the wildlife species, the Indian government is found to conduct the “National Biosphere reserve Programme”. In this manner, the assurance of the “sustainable use of natural resources” in order to improve the “economic well-being of Local inhabitants on the basis of economic development” is provided. Moreover, the network of the Indian Biosphere Reserves is maintained with a balance with the global bodies. 

First Indian Biosphere Reserve

On the basis of the study so far, it is found that the first-ever Indian Biosphere Reserve is found to be the “Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve”. This is a biosphere reserve “located in the Western Ghats” in India and was established in 1986. This Biosphere reserve is found to include two out of the ten biogeographical regions of India. There is found a wide variety of species, as well as ecosystems in this reserve. The conservation of the “in situ genetic diversity of species” is one of the main objectives of this biosphere reserve. Moreover, the restoration of “degraded ecosystems to their natural conditions” in order to provide ecological, educational, as well as environmental data regarding the wildlife species. Along with these, this biosphere reserve is also identified as an alternative prototype of sustainable development. “Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve” is found to fall under the region of “Malabar Rain Forests”. The protected areas existing within this reserve include the “Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Bandipur National Park, Mukurthi National Park, Nagarhole National Park, as well as the Salient Valley”. Furthermore, substantial unspoilt regions of natural vegetation are also included in this reserve.

Conclusion   

It is often seen that the wildlife, as well as natural vegetation, are interconnected, as well as depend on each other for survival. Hence, it can be concluded that the Biosphere Reserves are a better place to keep balance in the ecosystem. Moreover, wildlife and vegetation are regarded as significant resources contributing to society. Biosphere Reserves are divided into three categories namely, Cradle Zone, Central Zone, as well as Progress Zone. Hence, it can be concluded that all the steps involved in taking care of the plants, and animals are being followed well in the biosphere reserves in India.