Biosphere Reserves
The programme of Biosphere Reserve was initiated under the 'Man & Biosphere' (MAB) programme by UNESCO in 1971. The purpose of the formation of the biosphere reserve is to conserve in situ all forms of life, along with its support system, in its totality, so that it could serve as a referral system for monitoring and evaluating changes in natural ecosystems. The first biosphere reserve of the world was established in 1979, since then the network of biosphere reserves has increased to 610 in 117 countries across the world. Presently, there are 18 existing biosphere reserves in India.
Biosphere Reserves in India (as on January 1, 2013)
| S. No. | Name | Date of Established |
Area (in km2) |
| 1 | Achanakamar-Amarkantak | 30.03.2005 | 3835.51 |
| 2 | Agasthyamalai | 12.11.2001 | 3500.36 |
| 3 | Cold Desert | 28.8.2009 | 7770.00 |
| 4 | Dehang-Dibang | 2.09.1998 | 5111.50 |
| 5 | Dibru-Saikhowa | 28.07.1997 | 765.00 |
| 6 | Great Nicobar | 6.01.1989 | 885.00 |
| 7 | Gulf of Mannar | 18.02.1989 | 10500.00 |
| 8 | Kachchh | 29.01.2008 | 12454.00 |
| 9 | Khangchendzonga | 7.02.2000 | 2931.12 |
| 10 | Manas | 14.03.1989 | 2837.00 |
| 11 | Nanda Devi | 18.01.1988 | 6407.03 |
| 12 | Nilgiri | 1.08.1986 | 5520.00 |
| 13 | Nokrek | 1.09.1988 | 820.00 |
| 14 | Pachmarhi | 03.03.1999 | 4981.72 |
| 15 | Panna | 25.08.2011 | 2998.98 |
| 16 | Seshachalam | 20.09.2010 | 4755.997 |
| 17 | Simlipal | 21.06.1994 | 5569.00 |
| 18 | Sunderbans | 29.03.1989 | 9630.00 |
|
91272.22 |
Last Updated: October 8, 2015
