Himachal Cold Desert Added to UNESCO Network

On 27th September 2025, India’s Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh was included in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

With this inclusion, India now has 13 biosphere reserves listed in the UNESCO global network, reflecting the nation’s dedication to biodiversity conservation and community-led sustainable development.
The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve is recognised for its unique high-altitude ecosystems and fragile cold desert landscapes that support endemic flora and fauna.
The recognition was made during the 37th Session of UNESCO’s International Coordinating Council – Man and the Biosphere, held on September 27, 2025.
The announcement comes shortly after India added two new Ramsar sites in Bihar—Gokul Jalashay in Buxar district spanning 448 hectares and Udaipur Jheel in West Champaran district covering 319 hectares—bringing the country’s total to 93 wetlands of international importance.
India’s Ramsar sites now cover 13,60,719 hectares, highlighting the government’s focus on protecting wetlands as critical ecosystems for biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.