Current Affairs - Environment - Discussion

The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh has been included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves during the World Congress of Biosphere Reserves held in Hangzhou, China. Covering an area of 7,770 sq. km in the Western Himalayas, this reserve was originally designated a national biosphere reserve in 2009. Its recognition by UNESCO now makes it India’s 13th site in the global network. The inclusion highlights the ecological significance of the fragile cold desert ecosystem, which supports unique biodiversity, cultural heritage, and sustainable development initiatives, marking a step forward in international conservation efforts.