The Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve has recently gained global recognition as the 11th Biosphere Reserve from India to be included in the prestigious UNESCO designated World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). This decision was made at the 30th Session of the International Coordinating Council (ICC) of Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme of UNESCO, which took place in Palembang, Indonesia. With this new addition, India now boasts 11 internationally designated WNBR out of a total of 18 Biosphere Reserves, leaving 7 as domestic Biosphere Reserves.
Overview of Biosphere Reserves in India
India is home to several diverse Biosphere Reserves. These include the arid Great Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, the coastal Gulf of Mannar in Tamil Nadu, the Gangetic Delta of the Sundarbans in West Bengal, the Cold Desert in Himachal Pradesh, and the Western Himalayas of the Nanda Devi in Uttarakhand. Notable others are the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, the Western Ghats’ Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and the island located Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The Unique Ecosystem of Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve
Situated in Sikkim, the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve is among the highest ecosystems globally, with elevations reaching 1,220 meters above sea level. The reserve demonstrates a range of ecoclines, from subtropic to Arctic regions, and includes natural forests across different biomes, resulting in an impressive variety of forest types and habitats.
Inside the reserve, one can find the Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP), designated a World Heritage Site in 2016 due to its mix of both natural and cultural significance. The reserve is home to the world’s third-highest peak, Mt. Khangchendzonga, along with numerous lakes, glaciers, Stupas (shrines), hot springs, and the 26 km long Zemu Glacier.
Importance of Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve
Many of the mountains, peaks, lakes, caves, rocks, Stupas (shrines) and hot springs located within the reserve serve as pilgrimage sites. Over 118 species of a large number of medicinal plants found in the Dzongu Valley in north Sikkim are of ethno-medical utility.
The transition zone of the Biosphere Reserve is targeted for eco-development activities, afforestation, the plantation of medicinal herbs, and soil conservation measures. The core area of the Biosphere Reserve is a major transboundary Wildlife Protected Area, primarily situated in the Greater Himalayas.
Cultural Significance of Khangchendzonga National Park
Khangchendzonga National Park is not only a natural treasure but also an important cultural asset. The indigenous religious and cultural practices of the Lepcha with regard to the ecology and the specific properties of local plants stands as an example of traditional knowledge and environmental preservation.
Understanding Biosphere Reserves
Biosphere Reserves are representative parts of natural and cultural landscapes extending over large areas of terrestrial or coastal/marine ecosystems or a combination thereof, providing a representative depiction of bio-geographic zones/provinces.
The Structure of Biosphere Reserves: Core Area, Buffer Zone, and Transition Zone
Biosphere Reserves typically consist of a core area, a buffer zone, and a transition zone. The core area is kept free from human pressures external to the system and often conserves the wild relatives of economic species, making it an important genetic reservoir with great scientific interest.
UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme
Launched in 1971, UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) is an intergovernmental scientific initiative aiming to establish a scientific basis for improving relationships between people and their environments. The program combines natural and social sciences, economics, and education to enhance human livelihoods, safeguard natural and managed ecosystems, and promote innovative approaches to sustainable economic development.
