5th WCBR Designates Cold Desert as India’s 13th UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve is a powerful example of how fragile ecosystems can be protected while supporting the communities that depend on them. This designation reflects India's commitment to balancing conservation with sustainable development, especially in ecologically sensitive and culturally rich regions. UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves, under the Man and the Biosphere Programme, is a cornerstone of our efforts to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable development. These sites are not just protected areas, they are places where we actively learn to reconcile with nature, fostering harmony between people and planet through science, culture, and community-led stewardship.

Tim Curtis Director & Representative, UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia