UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) ( UPSC Prelims)

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News Context

UNESCO included the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in India in its World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR).

About WNBR

Launched in 1976, the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) is overseen by the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme of UNESCO. The MAB Programme, initiated in 1971, is an intergovernmental scientific programme designed to create a scientific foundation for improving the interaction between people and their environments. This network comprises 785 sites globally, which includes 13 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves located in India. Notably, São Tomé and Príncipe, a Central African island nation, has become the first State to have its entire territory recognized as a biosphere reserve.

How are Biosphere reserves (BRs) designated under MAB?

Designated by: Director-General of UNESCO following decisions of the MAB International Coordinating Council (MAB ICC).
 Methodology used: Seville Strategy for BRs and the Statutory Framework of the World Network of BRs.
 Sites can be proposed by all Member States and Associate Members of UNESCO.
      ○ After designation, sites remain under the sovereign jurisdiction of states.
      ○ States can also remove a BR from the network by notifying the MAB Secretariat.
 Each BR undergoes a periodic review every 10 years to assess its functioning and management effectiveness.
  ● UNESCO can withdraw designation if a reserve fails to meet the required standards.  

About Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve, Himachal Pradesh

     ○ India’s first high-altitude cold desert Biosphere Reserve and one of the coldest and driest ecosystems in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR).
  ● Protected Areas: Encompasses Pin Valley National Park, Chandratal, Sarchu, and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary.  
  ● Biome: Characterized as a Cold Desert biome with severe climatic conditions, due to its location on the leeward side of the Himalayas (creating a rain-shadow zone) and its very high elevation.  
        ○ In the Himalayas, it extends from Ladakh (including Leh and Kargil Districts) in the north to Kinnaur (covering Spiti Valley and Kinnaur district in Himachal Pradesh) in the south.
  ● Culture: The region is dominated by a unique Buddhist culture, featuring:  
    ● Gompas (Buddhist monasteries), Chorten (a notable type of stupas), and Mani Walls (long and thick platform-like rows of stones).  
    ● Buddhist Chanting of Ladakh, listed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.  
  ● Fauna: Includes species such as the Snow Leopard, Himalayan Ibex, Blue Sheep, Himalayan Wolf, and Golden Eagle.