Spiti Valley In Himachal Recognised As India’s First Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve By UNESCO

UNESCO has designated Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul-Spiti district as India’s first Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve under its global Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, The New Indian Express reported.

The valley is one of 26 new biosphere reserves announced worldwide, raising India’s tally in UNESCO’s MAB network to 13.

The recognition was officially conferred at the 37th International Coordinating Council (MAB-ICC) meeting in Hangzhou, China, held between 26 and 28 September.

Known for its glacial valleys, alpine lakes, and barren high-altitude deserts, Spiti Valley is one of the coldest and driest ecosystems in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR).

“UNESCO designates 26 new biosphere reserves across 21 countries – the highest number in 20 years. The World Network of Biosphere Reserves now includes 785 sites in 142 countries, with an additional one million sq km of natural areas brought under protection since 2018 – equivalent to the size of Bolivia,” the world body said in a statement.

Spread over 7,770 sq km, the Spiti Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve covers the Spiti Wildlife Division and adjoining stretches of the Lahaul Forest Division, including Baralacha Pass, Bharatpur and Sarchu.

Ranging between 3,300 and 6,600 metres in elevation, the reserve lies within the Trans-Himalayan biogeographic province of the Indian Himalaya.

It is divided into three zones: a 2,665 sq km core, a 3,977 sq km buffer, and a 1,128 sq km transition zone.

It integrates Pin Valley National Park, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandratal Wetland and the Sarchu Plains, representing a unique cold desert ecosystem shaped by extreme climate, topography and fragile soils.

Ecologically diverse, the valley hosts 655 herb species, 41 shrubs and 17 tree varieties, including 14 endemics and 47 medicinal plants central to the Sowa Rigpa/Amchi healing tradition.

Wildlife in the valley includes 17 mammals and 119 bird species, with the Snow Leopard as the flagship predator. The Tibetan wolf, red fox, ibex, blue sheep, Himalayan snow cock, golden eagle and bearded vulture also thrive here.

Over 800 blue sheep in Spiti form a vital prey base for carnivores.

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