Sun Sep 28 02:06:56 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and rewrite of the provided text as a news article:
**Summary:**
UNESCO has added India’s Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve, located in the trans-Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh, to its World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). This addition brings India’s total number of UNESCO-listed biospheres to 13. The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve, a unique and fragile high-altitude ecosystem, is one of 26 new reserves designated globally. The recognition is expected to boost tourism and research in the area. UNESCO is emphasizing the importance of biosphere reserves in balancing conservation and sustainable livelihoods, and encourages all member states to establish at least one by 2035.
**News Article:**
**India’s Cold Desert Biosphere Earns UNESCO Recognition**
*New Delhi/Shimla – September 28, 2025* – India’s Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in the Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh has been officially designated as part of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). The announcement, made by UNESCO on Saturday, brings India’s total number of WNBR-listed sites to 13.
Spanning 7,770 sq. km, the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve encompasses a dramatic landscape of plateaus, glacial valleys, alpine lakes, and high-altitude deserts, making it one of the world’s coldest and driest ecosystems. The reserve is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including iconic species like the snow leopard, Himalayan ibex, and numerous rare plant species. Approximately 12,000 people reside within the reserve, practicing traditional pastoralism and sustainable agriculture.
“With this addition, India now proudly has 13 biospheres listed in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves, which reflects India’s commitment towards biodiversity conservation and community-led sustainable development,” stated Union Minister for Environment and Forests Bhupender Yadav.
The designation is expected to promote both tourism and scientific research in the region. It comes shortly after two Indian sites were added to the list of UNESCO’s Ramsar sites, bringing the total number of Ramsar sites in India to 93.
The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve is among 26 new sites added to the WNBR this year, bringing the global total to 785 sites across 142 countries. This year also marks the first time that six countries – Angola, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Iceland, Oman and Tajikistan – have a biosphere reserve designated on their land. Sao Tome and Principe becomes the first state to have its entire territory designated as a biosphere reserve.
“Within these reserves, new ways of balancing nature conservation with sustainable livelihoods are being forged every day,” said UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. UNESCO is urging all member states to establish at least one biosphere reserve by 2035, emphasizing their crucial role in safeguarding the planet’s most fragile ecosystems.
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