Biosphere Reserve (BR) as a concept has its origin in the UNESCO’s ‘Man and the Biosphere Programme’. BRs are area comprising terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems. They are the sites established by the counties and recognized by UNESCO. It deals with questions of reconciling the conservation of biodiversity, quest for economic and social development and maintenance of associated cultural values. BRs are thus special environments for both people and nature and are living examples of how man and nature can co-exist while respecting each other’s needs.
Recognizing the importance of the cultural diversity existing in the BRs and its role in the conservation of biotic resources, the Anthropological Survey India has initiated the study of all the Biosphere Reserves in India. Through this study, the Anthropological Survey of India intends to understand the societal perception of natural resources as cultural resources, conservation ethos embedded in the socio-economic practices as pursued by the people and the role of tourism as an alternative means of livelihood for the people. In 2017-18, the studies of all 18 BRs have has been completed. Till date 8 reports have been published.
Biosphere Reserves of India
|
S.N. |
Name of Biosphere Reserve |
Location |
|
1. |
Nilgiri |
Karnataka, Kerala & Tamil Nadu |
|
2. |
Nanda Devi |
Uttaranchal |
|
3. |
Nokrek |
Meghalaya |
|
4. |
Great Nicobar Islands |
Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
|
5. |
Gulf of Mannar |
Tamil Nadu |
|
6. |
Manas |
Assam |
|
7. |
Sunderbans |
West Bengal |
|
8. |
Simlipal |
Odisha |
|
9. |
Dibru-Saikhowa |
Assam |
|
10. |
Pachmarhi |
Madhya Pradesh |
|
11. |
Dehang-Debang |
Arunachal Pradesh |
|
12. |
Khangchendzonga |
Sikkim |
|
13. |
Agasthamalai |
Kerala & Tamil Nadu |
|
14. |
Achanakmar-Amarkantak |
M.P. &Chhatisgarh |
|
15. |
Cold Desert |
Himachal |
|
16. |
Seshachalam |
Andhra Pradesh |
|
17. |
Rann of Kuchchh |
Gujarat |
|
18. |
Panna |
Madhya Pradesh |
