The idea of ‘Biosphere Reserves’ was initiated by UNESCO in 1973-74 under its Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme. The MAB, launched in 1970 by UNESCO, is a broad-based ecological programme aimed to develop within the natural and social sciences a basis for the rational use and conservation of the
resources of the biosphere and for the improvement of the relationship between man and the environment, to predict the consequences of today’s actions on tomorrows world and thereby to increase man’s ability to manage efficiently the natural resources of the biosphere. India_2020_DPD: E published on DPD mobile app
The Indian National Man and Biosphere (MAB) Committee identifies and recommends potential sites for designation as Biosphere Reserves, following the UNESCO’s guidelines and criteria. There are 18 designated Biosphere Reserves (BRs). Out of 18 Biosphere Reserves, 10 Biosphere Reserves have been
included in the world Network of Biosphere Reserves of UNESCO.
Implementing organizations are the concerned states/UT government, environment and forest departments/line departments. Lead institutes identified for the Biosphere Reserves conduct research activities on the sanctioned research projects and periodic review and progress reports are evaluated by experts and the evaluation of the completed report is done by the designated committee.
