UNESCO Recognizes Spiti Valley as India's First Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve: A Milestone for Himalayan Conservation

Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul-Spiti district has achieved a historic milestone by becoming India's first Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO's esteemed Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program.

The prestigious designation was officially announced during the 37th International Coordinating Council (MAB-ICC) meeting in Hangzhou, China, which took place from September 26 to 28.

This recognition increases India's representation in the MAB Network to 13 Biosphere Reserves. The achievement stems from collaborative efforts between the state government, which has consistently emphasized the region's distinctive ecology, climate, cultural heritage, and the dedicated commitment of local communities who have maintained harmony with nature across generations.

According to an official statement released Sunday quoting the Chief Minister, "The state government remains dedicated to protecting and preserving Himachal Pradesh's abundant natural and cultural heritage and delicate ecology in this era of climate change, while ensuring balance between development activities and nature conservation."

The Spiti Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve encompasses 7,770 square kilometers, comprising the entire Spiti Wildlife Division (7,591 sq. km) and portions of the Lahaul Forest Division, including Baralacha Pass, Bharatpur, and Sarchu (179 sq. km).

Located at elevations between 3,300 and 6,600 meters, the Reserve is situated within the Trans-Himalaya biogeographic province of the Indian Himalayan region.

The reserve is organized into three distinct zones: a 2,665 sq. km core zone, a 3,977 sq. km buffer zone, and a 1,128 sq. km transition zone. It incorporates Pin Valley National Park, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandratal Wetland, and the Sarchu Plains, representing a unique cold desert ecosystem characterized by extreme climate conditions, varied topography and fragile soil structures.

The area boasts remarkable biodiversity, supporting 655 herb species, 41 shrub varieties, and 17 tree species, including 14 endemic plants and 47 medicinal species central to the traditional Sowa Rigpa and Amchi healing systems. The reserve's fauna includes 17 mammal species and 119 bird species, with the snow leopard serving as its flagship species.

Other notable wildlife includes the Tibetan wolf, red fox, ibex, blue sheep, Himalayan snow cock, golden eagle, and bearded vulture.

With a population exceeding 800 blue sheep, Spiti Valley provides substantial prey resources for large carnivores. Amitabh Gautam, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), stated, "This recognition firmly establishes Himachal's cold deserts on the global conservation map. It will enhance international research collaboration, promote responsible eco-tourism to support local livelihoods, and strengthen India's efforts to build climate resilience in the fragile Himalayan ecosystems."