Overview
- The 7,770 sq km high‑altitude reserve in Lahaul‑Spiti becomes India’s 13th site in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
- Recognition was conferred at the 37th MAB International Coordinating Council during the World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in Hangzhou, China.
- Zoning includes a 2,665 sq km core, 3,977 sq km buffer and 1,128 sq km transition area that integrates Pin Valley National Park, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandratal Wetland and the Sarchu Plains.
- The cold‑desert ecosystem supports snow leopards, Himalayan ibex and wolves with a strong blue sheep prey base, and harbours hundreds of vascular plant species including medicinal and endemic taxa.
- Roughly 12,000 residents sustain agro‑pastoral and Sowa Rigpa traditions as officials highlight new scope for research collaboration, responsible eco‑tourism and climate‑resilience work.