Overview

• UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Council named the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve one of 26 new additions on September 27, taking India’s tally to 13 sites in the World Network.
• Covering about 7,770 sq km in Lahaul–Spiti at 3,300–6,600 m elevation, the reserve integrates Pin Valley National Park, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandratal and the Sarchu plains.
• The site is zoned into core (2,665 sq km), buffer (3,977 sq km) and transition (1,128 sq km) areas to balance strict protection with sustainable use and local livelihoods.
• Biodiversity highlights include roughly 732 vascular plant species with notable endemics, and flagship fauna such as the snow leopard, Himalayan ibex, blue sheep and Himalayan wolf.
• About 12,000 residents practice traditional agro-pastoralism and Tibetan herbal medicine, and the designation is expected to expand research, responsible tourism and climate-resilience initiatives as the global network reaches 785 sites in 142 countries.