Question map
Which one of the following is included in the world list of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO ?
Explanation
The Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve in West Bengal is included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme [c2][c3]. It was designated as a UNESCO site in 2001 [t1]. Currently, India has 18 designated Biosphere Reserves, of which 13 are recognized under the UNESCO WNBR, including the recently added Cold Desert in 2025 [t1][t2][t3]. The other options—Kinnaur Region, Spiti Valley, and Nallamalai Hills—are not part of the UNESCO list. While the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve (which includes parts of Spiti) is now recognized, 'Spiti Valley' itself is a geographical region rather than the specific name of the UNESCO-listed reserve [c5][t3]. The Sundarbans remains a long-standing and prominent member of the international network [c2][c5].
Sources
- [1] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > zoning of Biosphere reserves > p. 37
- [2] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and National Parks > Table 5.8 > p. 51
- [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and National Parks > BIOSPHERE RESERVES > p. 49
- [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biosphere_reserves_of_India
- [5] https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2185715