Published on : 28 Sep 2025, 5:26 am Summary

Cold Desert becomes India’s 13th UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

First high-altitude cold desert reserve in the country

Covers Pin Valley National Park, Chandratal, Sarchu and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary

Home to snow leopards, Himalayan ibex, blue sheep and golden eagles

Around 12,000 residents sustain livelihoods through herding, farming and traditional medicine

India now has 13 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Biosphere Reserves, with the UN body on September 27, 2025 designating the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve as part of its global network. The announcement came during the fifth World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in Hangzhou, China, where 26 new sites were added worldwide.

This is India’s firs

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