HANGZHOU, CHINA — India has secured a significant environmental distinction, with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on September 27, 2025, designating the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve as part of its World Network of Biosphere Reserves. This announcement, made during the fifth World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in Hangzhou, China, brings India’s total number of UNESCO-recognised reserves to 13.
The Cold Desert is India first high-altitude cold desert biosphere reserve and is now one of the coldest and driest ecosystems in UNESCO global network, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Man and the Biosphere programme. Globally, 26 new sites were added.
A High-Altitude Haven for Biodiversity
Spanning a massive 7,770 square kilometres at altitudes ranging from 3,300 to 6,600 metres, the new reserve encompasses the Pin Valley National Park and surrounding areas, including Chandratal, Sarchu and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. It is characterised by windswept plateaus, glacial valleys, alpine lakes, and rugged high-altitude deserts.
The reserve is a critical habitat for unique Himalayan flora and fauna. It harbours 732 species of vascular plants, including 30 endemic and 157 near-endemic to the Indian Himalayas. Critically, it shelters iconic and elusive wildlife such as the snow leopard, Himalayan ibex, blue sheep, Himalayan wolf, golden eagle, and Himalayan snowcock.
Conservation and Community in Harmony
The trans-Himalayan region supports approximately 12,000 residents in scattered villages. These communities practice traditional livelihoods, relying on pastoralism, yak and goat herding, small-scale farming, and traditional Tibetan medicine. Fragile alpine resources are managed through a blend of Buddhist monastic traditions and strong local councils.
Tim Curtis Director of UNESCO’s Regional Office for South Asia, praised the designation, stating, “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.”
The UNESCO World Network now promotes conservation, sustainable development, and research across 785 sites worldwide.