The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh has been inducted into the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The announcement was made at the World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in Hangzhou, China, underscoring the region’s value as a model for sustainable development.

Spanning about 7,770 square kilometers in India’s Western Himalayas, the high-altitude reserve is known for its rugged terrain, alpine meadows, and rare wildlife including the snow leopard and Himalayan ibex.

First designated a national biosphere reserve in 2009, the Cold Desert has now become India’s 13th site in the global network. It includes protected areas like Pin Valley National Park and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, and is home to around 12,000 people.