Biosphere Reserves of India — Set 1

Correct Answer: C. UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme

Biosphere Reserves are designated globally under UNESCO's Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme, which was launched in 1971. The MAB Programme promotes sustainable development through research and demonstration of conservation and development approaches. Biosphere Reserves serve as living laboratories for sustainable resource management.

Correct Answer: C. 1971

UNESCO's Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme was launched in 1971. It is an intergovernmental scientific programme that promotes balanced relationships between people and nature. The programme has designated over 700 biosphere reserves in more than 130 countries worldwide.

Correct Answer: C. 18

India currently has 18 Biosphere Reserves spread across different biogeographic zones. These cover a wide range of ecosystems from the cold deserts of Himachal Pradesh to the tropical forests of the Western Ghats and the mangroves of the Sundarbans. Biosphere Reserves in India are designated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

Correct Answer: C. Nilgiri

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, established in 1986, was India's first Biosphere Reserve. It spans the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka in the Western Ghats. With an area of about 5,520 sq km, it is one of the richest biodiversity zones in the world.

Correct Answer: B. Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve spans Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. It encompasses several protected areas including Mudumalai, Bandipur, Nagarhole, Wayanad, and Mukurthi National Park. The Nilgiri Hills support large populations of elephants, tigers, leopards, and the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.

Correct Answer: C. Nilgiri

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was the first Indian Biosphere Reserve to be included in UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2000. Being part of the UNESCO World Network provides international recognition and facilitates scientific exchange and cooperation. India currently has 12 Biosphere Reserves recognized by UNESCO.

Correct Answer: C. 12

Out of India's 18 Biosphere Reserves, 12 have been recognized by UNESCO and included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. UNESCO recognition is granted based on the quality of conservation, sustainable development, and scientific research within the reserve. The Panna Biosphere Reserve (2020) was the most recently recognized by UNESCO.

Correct Answer: C. Panna

Panna Biosphere Reserve in Madhya Pradesh was added to the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2020, making it the most recently recognized Indian Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Panna is known for its successful tiger reintroduction programme. It is located on the Vindhya plateau and is characterized by the Ken River flowing through it.

Correct Answer: C. Thar

The Thar Biosphere Reserve in Rajasthan was designated in 2023, making it India's newest Biosphere Reserve and bringing the total to 18. The Thar Desert is one of the world's most densely populated deserts and supports unique arid zone biodiversity. It is home to species like the Great Indian Bustard and the Chinkara.

Correct Answer: B. Three zones

A Biosphere Reserve is divided into three zones: Core Zone, Buffer Zone, and Transition/Cooperation Zone. The Core Zone is strictly protected and allows no human interference. The Buffer Zone permits limited research and education activities, while the Transition Zone allows sustainable human use and community livelihoods.