India's Cold Desert Named UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
India's Cold Desert has been designated as the country's 13th UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This recognition celebrates the unique bond between humans and nature in the region, which spans 7,770 square kilometers and is home to a diverse range of species and communities.
The reserve, which includes notable sites like Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary and Pin Valley National Park, is a haven for remarkable fauna such as snow leopards and Himalayan ibex. It boasts an impressive 732 species of vascular plants, including 30 endemics and 157 near-endemics of the Indian Himalayas. Approximately 12,000 people live within the reserve, maintaining a harmonious relationship with nature through pastoralism, small-scale farming, and traditional Tibetan medicine.
The announcement coincides with the 50th anniversary of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme, further emphasizing the global significance of this recognition. The reserve's elevation ranges from 3,300 to 6,600 meters, making it India's first high-altitude cold desert biosphere reserve.
With this UNESCO categorization, the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve gains international recognition for its unique human-nature link. The reserve's remarkable biodiversity and the resilience of its communities offer a compelling model for sustainable development in high-altitude regions.
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