Biosphere Reserves: – The programme of Biosphere Reserve was initiated under the ‘Man and Biosphere’ (MAB) programme by UNESCO in 1970. The first biosphere reserve of the world was established in 1979, since then the network of biosphere reserves has increased to 669 in over 120 countries across the world (MAB, 2017) including 20 transboundary/ transcontinental sites.
Presently, there are 16 biosphere reserves in India. Out of these 16 biosphere reserves, 7 are recognised by UNESCO on World Network of Biosphere Reserves. These 7 biosphere reserves are:- Nilgiri (2000), Sunderbans (2001), Gulf of Mannar (2001), nanda devi (2004), Nokrek (2009) and Simlipal (2009).
List of Biosphere reserves of India:-
| S. No. | Biosphere Reserve | Year of establishment | State/UT |
| 1. | Nilgiri | 1986 | Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka |
| 2. | Nanda Devi | 1988 | Uttarakhand |
| 3. | Nokrek | 1988 | Meghalaya |
| 4. | Great Nicobar | 1989 | Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
| 5. | Gut of Mannar | 1989 | Tamil Nadu |
| 6. | Manas | 1989 | Assam |
| 7. | Sunderbans | 1989 | West Bengal |
| 8. | Simlipal | 1994 | Orissa |
| 9. | Dibru Sakhowa | 1997 | Assam |
| 10. | Dehang Dehang | 1998 | Arunachal Praesh |
| 11. | Pachmarhi | 1999 | Madhya Pradesh |
| 12. | Khangchen Ozonga | 2000 | Skkim |
| 13. | Agasthyamalai | 2001 | Kerala |
| 14. | Achanakmar-Amarkantak | 2005 | Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh |
| 15. | Kachchh | 2008 | Gujrat |
| 16. | Cold Desert | 2009 | J & K and Himachal Pradesh |
| 17. | Seshachalam Hilis | 2010 | Andhra Pradesh |
| 18. | Panna | 2011 | Madhya Pradesh |
Note:-
1st Biosphere Reserve of India: – Nilgiri
Largest Biosphere Reserve of India: – Cold Desert
2nd Largest Biosphere Reserve: – Kachchh
Smallest Biosphere Reserve:- Dibru Sakhowa
Attempt The Quiz Based On Above Topic
1. ‘Man and Biosphere’ (MAB) programme by UNESCO was initiated in ?
Ans.:- (c)
2. Total Biosphere Reserves in India:
Ans.:- (b)
3. Which one was the India’s 1st Biosphere Reserves recognised on World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO ?
Ans.:- (d)
4. Which one is India’s Largest Biosphere Reserves?
Ans.:- (c)
5. Which one is India’s Smallest Biosphere Reserves ?
Ans.:- (d)
