The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh has been inducted into the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The announcement was made at the World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in Hangzhou, China, underscoring the region’s value as a model for sustainable development.

Spanning about 7,770 square kilometers in India’s Western Himalayas, the high-altitude reserve is known for its rugged terrain, alpine meadows, and rare wildlife including the snow leopard and Himalayan ibex.

First designated a national biosphere reserve in 2009, the Cold Desert has now become India’s 13th site in the global network. It includes protected areas like Pin Valley National Park and Kibbeh Wildlife Sanctuary, and is home to around 12,000 people.

Himachal Pradesh’s Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve has been officially inducted into the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. This makes it India’s 13th entry on the prestigious global list and its first high-altitude cold desert ecosystem to be recognized. The announcement was made in Hangzhou, China, during the 37th Session of UNESCO’s International Coordinating Council-Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program in September 2025. 

Key details about the reserve

• Location: The reserve spans 7,770 square kilometers across the Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh in the trans-Himalayan region.

Himachal Pradesh’s Spiti Valley has been India’s first Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, a move that puts the trans-Himalayan landscape on the global conservation map. The decision was taken at the 37th session of UNESCO’s International Coordinating Council of the MAB Programme, held in Hangzhou, China, from September 26-28. With this, India now has 13 sites in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Spread across 7,770 sq. km in Lahaul-Spiti district, the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve includes the Spiti Wildlife Division (7,591 sq. km) and adjoining parts of the Lahaul Forest Division, covering Baralacha Pass, Bharatpur and Sarchu. The reserve is organised into a 2,665 sq. km core zone, 3,977 sq. km buffer zone and 1,128 sq. km transition zone.

Congratulating the state forest department and its wildlife wing, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, India’s first Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, a move that puts the trans-Himalayan landscape on the global conservation map. The decision was taken at the 37th session of UNESCO’s International Coordinating Council of the MAB Programme, held in Hangzhou, China, from September 26-28. With this, India now has 13 sites in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Spread across 7,770 sq. km in Lahaul-Spiti district, the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve includes the Spiti Wildlife Division (7,591 sq. km) and adjoining parts of the Lahaul Forest Division, covering Baralacha Pass, Bharatpur and Sarchu. The reserve is organised into a 2,665 sq. km core zone, 3,977 sq. km buffer zone and 1,128 sq. km transition zone.UNESCO designates 26 new biosphere reserves across 21 countries – the highest number in 20 years. The World Network of Biosphere Reserves now includes 785 sites in 142 countries, with an additional one million km² of natural areas brought under protection since 2018 – equivalent to the size of Bolivia. This year, six countries welcome their first biosphere reserve, while São Tomé and Príncipe becomes the first State to have its entire territory designated as a biosphere reserve.

This week, UNESCO gathered more than 2,000 international experts, public decision-makers, civil society, Indigenous representatives and youth for the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in Hangzhou, China, to take stock of the achievements of this historic UNESCO programme, and chart its course for the coming decade. During the Congress, Audrey Azoulay invited every Member State to establish at least one biosphere reserve by 2035.

First designations in six countries and new reserves worldwide

Today, six countries are seeing the designation of their first biosphere reserve: Angola, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Iceland, Oman and Tajikistan.

In addition to these six, new reserves have also been designated in Albania, China, Ethiopia, France, Greece, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mongolia, Portugal, Saudi Arabia and Sweden. São Tomé and Príncipe becomes the first State to have its entire territory designated as a biosphere reserve.

These new sites were designated during the 37th session of the International Coordinating Council of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme, held from 26 to 28 September in the Lin’An district of Hangzhou, China.

A model of protection that’s gaining momentum

UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme has witnessed unprecedented growth in recent years: since 2018, 142 new biosphere reserves have brought an additional one million km² of additional natural areas under protection. Today, the 785 reserves cover over 8 million km² – equivalent to the size of Australia – and directly benefit the nearly 300 million people who live within these areas.

Since 1971, biosphere reserves have played a central role in UNESCO’s environmental mission. Alongside natural World Heritage sites and Global Geoparks, they contribute to protecting more than 13 million km² of terrestrial and marine ecosystems under UNESCO’s umbrella, advancing the global Kunming-Montreal target of conserving 30% of land and sea by 2030.

With the entry into force of the BBNJ Treaty in January 2026, countries will be able to designate and manage protected areas in the high seas, backed by science and robust management plans. Through its marine World Heritage sites, biosphere reserves and marine geoparks, UNESCO already safeguards more than 4.1 million km² – an area equivalent to the Mediterranean Sea.

“Living laboratories” as a solution to climate challenges

Biosphere reserves safeguard some of the planet’s richest and most fragile ecosystems. They harbour a significant share of global biodiversity – including more than 60% of terrestrial vertebrate species, 12% of mapped mangroves, 10% of salt marshes and 8% of the world’s seagrass meadows.

They foster local and community initiatives and serve as learning grounds for younger generations, through educational programmes tailored to schools as well as to local and Indigenous communities.

Partnerships with the private sector further strengthen these efforts. For example, the Amazonia Project, deployed across eight biosphere reserves with support from LVMH, combines Indigenous knowledge with modern science. It has already supported more than 40 local initiatives, creating sustainable green jobs in agroforestry and regenerative agriculture, while strengthening forest and biodiversity protection against wildfires.

Newly Designated Biosphere Reserves

• Albania – Vjosa Valley Biosphere Reserve
• Angola – Quiçama Biosphere Reserve
• China
  • Daqingshan Biosphere Reserve
  • Zhouzhi Biosphere Reserve
• Djibouti – Archipel des Sept Frères – Ras Siyyan – Khor Angar – Godoria Biosphere Reserve
• Equatorial Guinea – Isla de Bioko Biosphere Reserve
• Ethiopia – Anywaa Forest Biosphere Reserve
• France
  • Lac du Bourget, between the Rhône and the Alps Biosphere Reserve
  • Marshes and Tides between the Loire and the Vilaine Biosphere Reserve
• Greece – Mount Parnon – Cape Maleas Biosphere Reserve
• Iceland – Snæfellsnes Biosphere Reserve
• India – Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve
• Indonesia – Raja Ampat Biosphere Reserve
• Jordan
  • Ajloun Biosphere Reserve
  • Yarmouk Biosphere Reserve
• Madagascar
  • Mantadia Biosphere Reserve
  • Tsimembo Biosphere Reserve
• Malaysia – Kinabatangan Biosphere Reserve
• Mongolia – Khomyn Tal Biosphere Reserve
• Oman
  • Al Jabal Al Akhdar Biosphere Reserve
  • Sirrin Biosphere Reserve
• Portugal – Arrábida Biosphere Reserve
• Saudi Arabia – Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Biosphere Reserve
• São Tomé and Príncipe – Ilha de São Tomé Biosphere Reserve
• Sweden – Storkriket Biosphere Reserve
• Tajikistan – Romit Biosphere Reserve

About UNESCO

With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.

“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed” – UNESCO Constitution, 1945.

“The state government is committed to protect and conserve Himachal Pradesh’s rich natural and cultural heritage and fragile ecology in the era of climate change, while ensuring harmony between developmental activities and nature.”

The reserve incorporates some of the region’s most important protected areas, including Pin Valley National Park, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandratal Wetland and the Sarchu Plains. Situated at altitudes ranging from 3,300 to 6,600 metres, the cold desert ecosystem is shaped by extreme climate, rugged terrain and fragile soils.

Despite these harsh conditions, the landscape supports remarkable biodiversity. According to the state government’s release, the reserve harbours 655 herbs, 41 shrubs and 17 tree species, including 14 endemic and 47 medicinal plants central to the traditional Sowa Rigpa or Amchi healing system. Its wildlife includes 17 mammal species and 119 bird species. The snow leopard is the flagship species, supported by more than 800 blue sheep that provide a strong prey base. Other species found here are the Tibetan wolf, red fox, Himalayan ibex, golden eagle, Himalayan snowcock and bearded vulture.

Amitabh Gautam, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), said the UNESCO listing would bring global attention to Himachal’s cold deserts. “This recognition firmly places Himachal’s cold deserts on the global conservation map. It will enhance international research collaboration, promote responsible eco-tourism to support local livelihoods, and strengthen India’s efforts to build climate resilience in fragile Himalayan ecosystems,” he said.

The recognition also highlights the role of local communities, who have maintained traditional agro-pastoral practices and lived in close harmony with their environment for generations.