Lahaul-Spiti
UNESCO Recognizes Spiti Valley as India's First Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve: A Milestone for Himalayan Conservation
Sep 28, 2025 07:34 pm CST
Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh has been officially recognized as India's first Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere program. This 7,770 sq. km reserve showcases unique high-altitude biodiversity with over 700 plant species and rare wildlife including snow leopards. The designation acknowledges decades of successful community-based conservation while promoting sustainable development, ecological research, and climate resilience in this fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
UNESCO Recognizes India's Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve: 13th Site Added to World Network
Sep 28, 2025 01:04 am CST
India's Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in the trans-Himalayan region has been designated by UNESCO as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, becoming India's 13th such recognized site. Spanning 7,770 square kilometers across Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul-Spiti district, this unique ecosystem hosts rare flora and fauna including snow leopards and Himalayan ibex while supporting traditional sustainable practices among its 12,000 inhabitants.