World Network of Biosphere Reserves

• Recently in 2025, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) added 11 new biosphere reserves to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) under its Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. 
• These include sites from countries like Colombia, among others.
• With these additions, the total number of biosphere reserves in the WNBR has increased to 759 sites across 136 countries, covering terrestrial, coastal, and marine ecosystems.

What is the MAB Programme?

• The Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme was launched in 1971 by UNESCO as an intergovernmental scientific initiative.
• Objectives:
  • To develop a scientific basis for improving the relationship between people and their environment.
  • To promote sustainable development based on local community involvement, interdisciplinary research, and environmental stewardship.
• It bridges the gap between natural sciences, social sciences, and policy-making, enabling sustainable development solutions that are ecologically sound and socially acceptable.

What is a Biosphere Reserve?

• A Biosphere Reserve is an area recognized internationally for its rich biodiversity, ecological significance, and efforts to harmonize conservation and human development.
• These areas represent diverse natural and cultural landscapes and serve as living laboratories to:
  • Conserve biological and cultural diversity,
  • Foster sustainable economic development, and
  • Support research, monitoring, education, and training.

Zonation in a Biosphere Reserve

• Each biosphere reserve consists of three interrelated zones:

Core Zone:

• The innermost part.
• Strictly protected with no human activity allowed.
• Focuses solely on the conservation of ecosystems and species.

Buffer Zone:

• Surrounds the core area.
• Permits research, environmental education, eco-tourism, and other activities that help protect the core.
• Activities must be ecologically sustainable.

Transition Zone:

• The outermost zone.
• Human settlements and activities are allowed, with emphasis on sustainable agriculture, resource management, and community development.

India and the WNBR

Overview

• Total Biosphere Reserves in India: 18
• UNESCO-Recognized under WNBR: 12
• India actively participates in the MAB Programme and plays a critical role in global conservation efforts. 
• The first Indian biosphere reserve to be recognized by UNESCO was the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in 2000.

Total Biosphere Reserves in India:

12 Biosphere Reserves Recognized by UNESCO (WNBR)