Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul-Spiti district has been included in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves, becoming India’s first Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve under the prestigious Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.
The recognition was conferred during the 37th International Coordinating Council (MAB-ICC) meeting held in Hangzhou, China, from 26 to 28 September 2025. With this, India now has 13 Biosphere Reserves in the global MAB Network.
The state government consistently highlighted the region’s unique ecology, climate, culture, and the role of local communities in preserving their fragile environment.
Congratulating the Forest Department and its Wildlife Wing, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said, “The state government is committed to protecting and conserving Himachal Pradesh’s rich natural and cultural heritage and fragile ecology in the era of climate change, while ensuring harmony between developmental activities and nature.”
The Spiti Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve spans 7,770 sq. km, covering the entire Spiti Wildlife Division (7,591 sq. km) and adjoining areas of the Lahaul Forest Division, including Baralacha Pass, Bharatpur, and Sarchu (179 sq. km). Located at altitudes of 3,300 to 6,600 metres, it falls within the Trans-Himalaya biogeographic province.
The reserve is structured into three zones: a 2,665 sq. km core zone, a 3,977 sq. km buffer zone, and a 1,128 sq. km transition zone.
The reserve integrates Pin Valley National Park, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandratal Wetland, and the Sarchu Plains, representing a rare cold desert ecosystem shaped by extreme climate and fragile soils. It harbours 655 herb species, 41 shrubs, and 17 tree species, including 14 endemic and 47 medicinal plants central to the traditional Sowa Rigpa (Amchi) healing system. Its wildlife includes 17 mammal species and 119 bird species, with the snow leopard as a flagship species.
Other notable fauna are the Tibetan wolf, red fox, ibex, blue sheep, Himalayan snow cock, golden eagle, and bearded vulture. With more than 800 blue sheep, Spiti Valley provides a strong prey base for large carnivores.
PCCF (Wildlife), Amitabh Gautam, said the recognition places Himachal’s cold deserts firmly on the global conservation map. “It will enhance international research collaboration, promote responsible eco-tourism to support local livelihoods, and strengthen India’s efforts to build climate resilience in fragile Himalayan ecosystems,” he added.