UNESCO Recognition for Spiti Valley: India’s First Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve
Image: AI-Skymet
The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh has officially joined the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, a major global recognition of India’s fragile Himalayan ecosystems. The announcement was made during the World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in Hangzhou, China, held from September 26–28, 2025. With this inclusion, India now boasts 13 Biosphere Reserves in UNESCO’s prestigious Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme.
A Unique High-Altitude Cold Desert Ecosystem
Spanning 7,770 sq. km in the Western Himalayas, the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve includes Spiti Valley, Pin Valley National Park, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandratal Wetland, and the Sarchu Plains. Situated at altitudes between 3,300 and 6,600 meters, the region represents a Trans-Himalayan cold desert ecosystem shaped by extreme climatic conditions and fragile soils.
The reserve harbours remarkable biodiversity, including 655 herbs, 41 shrubs, and 17 tree species, with 14 endemic and 47 medicinal plants tied to traditional Sowa Rigpa healing practices. It’s also home to 17 mammal species and 119 bird species, with the snow leopard as the flagship predator. Tibetan wolves, ibex, blue sheep, Himalayan snow cocks, golden eagles, and bearded vultures thrive here, making it a critical ecological hotspot.
Recognition with Far-Reaching Impact
Officials highlighted that this recognition will elevate Himachal’s cold deserts on the global conservation map, opening doors for international research collaborations, responsible eco-tourism, and climate resilience building in vulnerable Himalayan zones. Chief Minister’s office emphasized the state’s commitment to balancing development with ecological preservation, especially in an era of accelerating climate change.
The biosphere reserve is structured into three zones—core (2,665 sq. km), buffer (3,977 sq. km), and transition (1,128 sq. km)—ensuring layered protection for ecosystems while supporting the 12,000 people who live in harmony with nature in this region.
A Step Forward for India’s Climate and Conservation Goals
The addition of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve to UNESCO’s network reflects India’s expanding role in global biodiversity protection and climate action. High-altitude ecosystems like Spiti are extremely sensitive to temperature shifts and erratic weather, making conservation efforts here crucial not only for local communities but also for regional climate stability.
This milestone blends ecological richness, cultural heritage, and global responsibility, ensuring that Spiti’s stark yet vibrant cold desert remains a living laboratory for sustainable development well into the future.
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