How many Indian biosphere reserves are included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, as of October 2019?

How many Indian biosphere reserves are included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, as of October 2019? Correct Answer 11

The Correct Answer is 11.

 Key Points

• Total Biosphere Reserves in India: 18
• 11 biosphere reserves of India which have been recognized internationally under the Man and Biosphere Reserve program:

Additional Information

• Biosphere Reserve (BR) is an international designation by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
• Biosphere Reserves are special environments for both people and nature and are living examples of how human beings and nature can co-exist while respecting each others’ needs.
• Eighteen biosphere reserves have been set up in India to protect flora and fauna.
• 12 out of these, Sundarbans, Nanda Devi, Gulf of Mannar, Nilgiri, Nokrek, Great Nicobar, Manas, S​impala, Pachmarhi  Achanakmar-Amarkantak, Agasthyamala, Khangchendzonga National Park, and Panna have been included in the World network of biosphere reserves.
• The World network of biosphere reserves is part of the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Project.
• Recently, UNESCO has included the Panna National Park in its World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
• Panna National Park is a national park located in the Panna and Chhatarpur districts of Madhya Pradesh.
• It was established in 1981.
• It was declared as the 22nd Tiger reserve of India in 1993 and the 5th in Madhya Pradesh.