Biosphere Reserves of India

Introduction

The ideology and creation of bio reserves arose when the loss of species began and endangered species began to get extinct. To maintain a healthy ecosystem, a balance between all the existing organisms has to be maintained. To do this, various countries have established biosphere reserves recognised under UNESCO to promote sustainable development. The Indian government set up the first bio reserve in 1986, the Nilgiri Bio reserve located in the Western ghats.

Unlike the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries which are protected areas meant for the protection of species, the main objective of a biosphere reserve is to provide development along with a balanced approach towards the different organisms and humans within the ecosystem. This is based on local community efforts and sound science. In these areas along with the flora and fauna, the residing human community is also provided with protection. They are usually the tribal groups having their cultural lifestyle, which is not disturbed by any means. The concept of biosphere reserve was launched in 1971 as a part of UNESCO’S “Man and biosphere programme”. All the countries around the world can make their bio reserves which can be nominated in the list of bio reserves provided by UNESCO. In 1986, India initiated the National Bioreserve program to provide major conservation of natural resources.

Aim of Biosphere Reserves

• The main aim of bio reserves is to maintain a balanced relationship between the natural environment and mankind in the ecosystem
• It includes all the terrestrial, aquatic, coastal/marine ecosystems
• Provides safe space for the tribal communities residing in these particular areas with the least interference in their lives

The Function of Biosphere Reserves

• The chief function is the conservation of biodiversity along with the cultural diversity in the area
• The government bodies make sure that the settlements in these areas are properly done and provided with resources for agricultural activities,  which will eventually lead to economic development without affecting the environment
• Through the help of scientific research and technology, multiple ways have been introduced for sustainable development. Logistics are maintained by monitoring, education, and training. Vast research is done to look after all the possible ways for balancing the diverse ecosystem

Zones of Biosphere Reserves

Core zone

• It is the innermost area of the bio reserve that remains undisturbed
• These are often public lands with legal protection, where human hindrance is not allowed

Buffer zone

• The areas surrounded by the core zone are known as buffer zones
• This area is meant for study and research by humans. The conservation objectives of the core area mustn’t be disturbed in any way
• Humans can visit these areas, as it allows limited tourism, grazing, fishing, development of a wasteland, etc
• Human settlements are prohibited in buffer zones

Transition zone

•  Peripheral zone of the biosphere reserve 
• This zone includes cooperation where human ventures are done with harmony to conservation
• Cropping, recreation, forestry, and human settlements are a part of it

Bio Reserves of India

There are a total of 18 bio reserves in India in different regions. Out of these, 12 are a part of the World Network of Bio reserves.

Reserves in Southern Areas

• Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is the first bio reserve established in 1986. It covers part of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. It is included in the World’s natural heritage site. Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiri langur, and lion-tailed macaque are some special fauna of this area
• Gulf of Mannar 1989 was the first marine biosphere reserve in India located in Tamil Nadu. It was designated in the UNESCO bio reserve in 2001. Sea anemones, sea cows, and sea cucumbers are specialties of this area
• The Great Nicobar Biosphere reserve 1989 is located on the Southernmost Island of Nicobar. Included in the list of UNESCO in 2013
• Agasthyamala Biosphere reserve 2001. Located in the Southern ends of Western ghats to Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Became a part of the UNESCO list in 2016. Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephants are found in this area

• Seshachalam hills Biosphere reserve 2010. Located in districts of Andhra Pradesh

Reserves in Eastern Areas

• Sunderban 1989. Part of deltas of Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers in West Bengal. It is known for the Bengal Tigers. It has the largest continuous mangrove areas
• Similipal Biosphere reserve 1994. Located in Mayurbhanj district, Orissa. Became a part of UNESCO’S network in 2009
• Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve 1977. Located in Sikkim. Due to its mixed and rich heritage culture, it became UNESCO’S World Heritage site in 2016, hence becoming the First Mixed Heritage Site
• Manas Biosphere Reserve 1989. Located in Assam. It is a Tiger reserve as well as an elephant reserve
• The smallest of all bio reserves is the Dibru- Saikhowa 1997. Located in Assam. Has the largest willow tree swamp forest

Reserves in Central Areas

• Achanakmar-Amarkantak Bio reserve. Located in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh Bilaspur district. It was included in the UNESCO list in 2012
• Pachmarhi Bioreserve 1999. Located in Madhya Pradesh in the Satpura mountain ranges. In 2009 it was added to the UNESCO list
• Panna Bioreserve 1981. It is mainly situated in the Vindhya ranges of Madhya Pradesh. In 2020 it was considered on the UNESCO list

Reserves in the Western Area

• Great Rann of Kutch 2008. Part of Kutch, Gujarat. It is the largest bio reserve in India

Reserves in Northern/Northeastern Areas

• Cold Desert Biosphere reserve 2009. Located in the Western Himalayan regions of Himachal Pradesh. The snow leopard is it’s a specialty
• Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve 1988. Located in Uttarakhand. UNESCO designated it as a bio reserve in 2004
• Nokrek Biosphere Reserve 1988. Located in Meghalaya districts. 90% is covered by evergreen forests. In 2009 it was designated on the UNESCO list
• Dihang-DIhang 1989. It is located in the district of Arunachal Pradesh

Conclusion

The concept of biosphere reserve was introduced to bring the exclusive idea of maintaining a balance between mankind and natural resources. Due to the massive depletion of natural resources, scientists and researchers have discovered that nonrenewable resources can be preserved only through sustainable development. Bio reserves have been divided into zones to make them more flexible and used in a variety of ways to address the different sections. All the members including cultural communities, government agencies, researchers, scientists, shareholders work in collaboration with each other to achieve the objectives of bio reserves and motivate others to be involved in the conservation of the ecosystem.