There are 18 Biosphere Reserves in the country. List of Biosphere Reserves is given in the Annexure. The Biosphere Reserve Programme is guided by UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) programme as India is a signatory to the landscape approach supported by MAB programme. Protection is granted not only to the flora and fauna of the protected region, but also to the human communities who inhabit these regions, and their ways of life. In total there are 18 biosphere reserves in India. What is the International Status of Biosphere Reserve? UNESCO has introduced the designation ‘Biosphere Reserve’ for natural areas to minimise conflict between development and conservation. Biosphere Reserves are nominated by the national government which meets a minimal set of criteria under the Man and Biosphere (MAB) Reserve Program of UNESCO. Total number of World Network of Biosphere Reserves is 759 located in 136 countries and covers a total of 7,442,000 square kilometers. There ... As of 2025, India has 18 Biosphere Reserves, of which 12 have received international recognition by UNESCO. This article provides a complete state-wise list of all biosphere reserves in India, along with key facts about the first, smallest, and UNESCO-recognized reserves.
