Cold Desert Designated 13th UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Why focus: New UNESCO WNBR tag for Cold Desert — sets up map-based 'How-Many-Correct' pairing Pin Valley & Kibber with state/biosphere boundaries.
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
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Recognition: BEFORE, the Cold Desert was recognized only at the national level by the Indian government. NOW, it is globally recognized as India's 13th site in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
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Conservation Framework: BEFORE, wildlife protection followed domestic policies centered strictly on protected areas. NOW, management integrates UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere guidelines, focusing heavily on harmonizing human-nature interactions.
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Research and Funding: BEFORE, scientific studies and funding were largely limited to national institutes and state budgets. NOW, the reserve is part of a global network, facilitating international ecological research, data sharing, and external funding.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
With Reference ToWith reference to the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve, consider the following statements: 1. It is located primarily in the Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. 2. It encompasses the Pin Valley National Park and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?