Definition of Biosphere Reserves
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:
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.
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.
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
Conservation
Protects species diversity, especially endemic species, ecosystems, and genetic resources.
Maintains ecological balance and prevents the loss of natural habitats.
Development
Encourages sustainable livelihoods that help local communities thrive culturally, socially, and economically.
Restoration
Supports the revival of degraded ecosystems, ensuring that damaged areas recover to their natural state.
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.
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.
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):
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (2000) – Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka
Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve (2001) – West Bengal
Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve (2001) – Tamil Nadu
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (2004) – Uttarakhand
Simlipal Biosphere Reserve (2009) – Odisha
Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (2009) – Madhya Pradesh
Nokrek Biosphere Reserve (2009) – Meghalaya
Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve (2012) – Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve (2013) – Great Nicobar (Andaman and Nicobar Islands)
Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve (2016) – Kerala, Tamil Nadu
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)
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
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
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
Which zone allows scientific research and limited tourism?
A. Core Zone
B. Buffer Zone
C. Manipulation Zone
Answer: B. Buffer Zone
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:
FAQs on Biosphere Reserves in India
1. What is a biosphere reserve?
A biosphere reserve is a large, protected area designated by a country and often recognised by UNESCO. Its primary goal is to conserve biodiversity while also promoting sustainable development for the local communities living in and around the area. It serves as a living laboratory for studying and managing ecosystems.
2. What are the main objectives of establishing biosphere reserves in India?
The main objectives for establishing biosphere reserves in India are threefold, focusing on a balanced approach to nature and human activity. These include:
- Conservation: To protect ecosystems, native species, and genetic diversity within their natural habitats.
- Development: To foster economic and human development that is socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable.
- Logistic Support: To provide a framework for research, monitoring, education, and information exchange related to conservation and development.
3. How are biosphere reserves structured? Explain the different zones.
Biosphere reserves are structured into three interconnected zones to manage different levels of human activity effectively:
- Core Area: This is the innermost, legally protected zone where biodiversity is strictly conserved. Human interference is prohibited, except for non-destructive research and monitoring.
- Buffer Zone: This area surrounds the core zone. Activities like eco-tourism, research, and education are permitted here, provided they align with conservation goals.
- Transition Zone: This is the outermost area where local communities can engage in sustainable economic activities like farming, forestry, and settlements, integrating conservation with local livelihoods.
4. What is the difference between a biosphere reserve, a national park, and a wildlife sanctuary?
While all are protected areas, they differ in their primary focus and scope. A wildlife sanctuary mainly protects specific animal species. A national park protects an entire ecosystem, including flora, fauna, and historical objects, with stricter restrictions on human activity. A biosphere reserve is a much larger concept that often includes national parks or sanctuaries within its core area, but uniquely integrates human populations through sustainable development in its outer zones.
5. How do biosphere reserves support local communities?
Biosphere reserves support local communities by allowing and promoting sustainable practices in the transition zone. This includes traditional agriculture, forestry, fishing, and other resource-use activities that do not harm the ecosystem. This model helps preserve their traditional lifestyles and provides economic opportunities, making them active partners in conservation efforts.
6. How many biosphere reserves are there in India as of the 2025-26 session?
As of the 2025-26 academic session, there are 18 designated biosphere reserves in India. The Government of India established these under its National Biosphere Reserve Programme to protect large areas of representative natural habitats.
7. Which is the largest biosphere reserve in India?
The largest biosphere reserve in India is the Gulf of Kachchh in Gujarat. It covers a vast area that includes diverse ecosystems such as marine habitats, mangroves, coral reefs, and coastal regions, making it unique in its biodiversity.
8. Are all biosphere reserves in India recognised by UNESCO?
No, not all of them. While India has 18 designated biosphere reserves, only a specific number are included in UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). Inclusion in the WNBR signifies that a reserve meets international standards and facilitates global cooperation for research and conservation. Currently, 12 of India's 18 reserves are part of this global network.
9. Why is the 'core area' of a biosphere reserve strictly protected from human activity?
The core area is strictly protected because it contains the most critical, sensitive, and undisturbed ecosystems and endemic species of the region. By keeping it free from direct human interference, it serves as a benchmark for natural conditions and a safe sanctuary where wildlife can thrive without disturbance. This genetic reservoir is essential for the long-term ecological health of the entire biosphere reserve.
10. Can you give an example of how a biosphere reserve balances conservation and sustainable development?
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is a prime example. Its core areas, such as Mudumalai and Bandipur National Parks, are strictly protected for key species like tigers and elephants. In the surrounding buffer and transition zones, local communities, including indigenous groups, are engaged in sustainable agriculture (like coffee and spices) and regulated eco-tourism. This provides them with a livelihood while ensuring the core conservation area remains intact and protected.
