Biosphere Reserves in Northeast India: Complete List, Map, Features and Importance
Biosphere Reserves in Northeast India represent some of the most important natural landscapes of the Eastern Himalayas and the adjoining hill and valley systems. These protected landscapes conserve biodiversity while also recognizing the relationship between local communities, traditional knowledge and the natural environment.
A biosphere reserve is not simply a wildlife sanctuary or national park. It is a larger landscape designed to balance biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, research, education and the well-being of local communities.
India has established 18 Biosphere Reserves under its national biosphere-reserve programme. Five of these are located in the Northeast Indian states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Sikkim: Manas, Dibru-Saikhowa, Dihang-Dibang, Nokrek and Khangchendzonga.
These biosphere reserves contain a remarkable range of ecosystems, from the Brahmaputra floodplains and tropical rainforests of Assam to the high-altitude Himalayan landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.
What Is a Biosphere Reserve?
According to UNESCO, biosphere reserves are “learning places for sustainable development.” They are areas where conservation of biodiversity is combined with sustainable use of natural resources and the participation of local communities.
The biosphere-reserve concept recognizes that people are part of ecosystems and that conservation works best when ecological protection is combined with sustainable economic and social development.
Biosphere reserves therefore serve three broad purposes:
Conservation of biodiversity, landscapes, ecosystems and genetic resources.
Sustainable development that supports local communities and economies.
Logistic support through scientific research, monitoring, education and training.
Biosphere Reserves in Northeast India
The five biosphere reserves of Northeast India are:
| No. | Biosphere Reserve | State | Area* | Year of National Designation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nokrek | Meghalaya | 820 sq km | 1988 |
| 2 | Manas | Assam | 2,837 sq km | 1989 |
| 3 | Dibru-Saikhowa | Assam | 765 sq km | 1997 |
| 4 | Dihang-Dibang | Arunachal Pradesh | 5,111.5 sq km | 1998 |
| 5 | Khangchendzonga | Sikkim | 2,619.92 sq km** | 2000 |
*Areas and years should be understood in the context of the national biosphere-reserve designation; figures may differ from the areas of individual national parks, sanctuaries or later UNESCO descriptions.
The UNESCO profile currently gives Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve a total area of about 293,112 hectares (2,931.12 sq km), illustrating why the biosphere-reserve boundary should not be confused with the area of Khangchendzonga National Park.
Three Main Zones of a Biosphere Reserve
A biosphere reserve generally follows a three-zone framework.
1. Core Zone
The core area is the most strictly protected part of the biosphere reserve. Its main purpose is the long-term conservation of ecosystems, species, landscapes and genetic diversity.
Scientific research and ecological monitoring may be undertaken under appropriate regulations.
2. Buffer Zone
The buffer zone surrounds or adjoins the core area. Activities in this zone should be compatible with ecological conservation.
Examples include:
Environmental education
Scientific research
Ecological monitoring
Sustainable forestry
Appropriate tourism
Conservation activities
3. Transition Area
The transition area is where people live and undertake economic and social activities.
The objective is to encourage environmentally sustainable agriculture, tourism, forestry, livestock production and other livelihoods while maintaining ecological values.
Major Characteristics of Biosphere Reserves
Biosphere reserves differ from conventional protected areas because they combine conservation with sustainable human development.
Their important characteristics include:
Conservation of Biodiversity
They conserve ecosystems, habitats, species and genetic diversity.
Sustainable Development
Local communities can pursue economic activities compatible with environmental conservation.
Community Participation
Local people and stakeholders play an important role in sustainable management and conservation.
Research and Monitoring
Biosphere reserves provide field laboratories for ecological research, biodiversity monitoring and environmental studies.
Traditional Knowledge
Traditional practices and indigenous knowledge can contribute to sustainable resource management.
Environmental Education
They provide opportunities for education, awareness, training and demonstration of sustainable development practices.
1. Manas Biosphere Reserve, Assam
Manas Biosphere Reserve is one of the most important conservation landscapes of Assam. It lies along the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas and encompasses a landscape of forests, grasslands, rivers and wetlands.
The biosphere reserve was designated in 1989 and covers approximately 2,837 sq km under the national biosphere-reserve programme.
Manas is internationally important because of its exceptional biodiversity. The wider Manas landscape supports species such as:
Greater one-horned rhinoceros
Asian elephant
Tiger
Wild water buffalo
Golden langur
Hoolock gibbon
Pygmy hog
Hispid hare
Assam roofed turtle
The reserve is also closely associated with Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage property. However, the biosphere reserve and national park are different designations with different boundaries and purposes. UNESCO lists Manas Wildlife Sanctuary as a World Heritage site.
Why Manas Is Important
Manas forms part of an important ecological corridor along the Himalayan foothills. Its forests and grasslands provide habitat for numerous threatened species and help maintain ecological connectivity between protected areas in India and Bhutan.
Key attraction: Himalayan foothill forests, grasslands, riverine ecosystems and rare wildlife.
2. Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve, Assam
Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve is situated in the eastern part of Assam, primarily within the Dibrugarh and Tinsukia region.
It was designated a biosphere reserve in 1997 and covers approximately 765 sq km under the national biosphere-reserve programme.
The reserve is characterized by an unusual combination of wetlands, grasslands, riparian vegetation, forests and riverine ecosystems.
It is associated with the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary landscape and is particularly significant for wetland and forest biodiversity.
Important wildlife associated with the landscape includes:
White-winged wood duck
Hoolock gibbon
Wild water buffalo
Gangetic river dolphin
Golden mahseer
Several species of turtles
Numerous wetland and forest birds
The area is also well known for its feral horses, which have become one of the distinctive features of the Dibru-Saikhowa landscape.
Ecological Importance of Dibru-Saikhowa
The reserve contains ecological transition zones, or ecotones, where different plant communities meet. These include riparian and grassland habitats as well as deciduous and wet evergreen forest communities.
Key attraction: Wetlands, river islands, grasslands, rainforest vegetation and unusual wildlife.
3. Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh
Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve, also written as Dihang-Dibang, is located in Arunachal Pradesh and represents one of the largest and most ecologically diverse biosphere reserves in Northeast India.
It was designated in 1998 and has a national biosphere-reserve area of approximately 5,111.5 sq km.
The reserve covers landscapes associated with the Siang and Dibang Valley regions and contains an exceptional altitudinal range.
The terrain changes dramatically from lower-elevation forests to high mountain ecosystems. This produces a remarkable variety of vegetation.
Vegetation of Dihang-Dibang
The major vegetation types include:
Subtropical broad-leaved forests
Subtropical pine forests
Temperate broad-leaved forests
Temperate coniferous forests
Sub-alpine forests and shrubs
Alpine meadows
Bamboo forests
Grasslands
The combination of altitude, climate, rugged topography and river systems contributes to exceptionally high biodiversity.
Wildlife of Dihang-Dibang
The reserve supports numerous Himalayan and Eastern Himalayan species.
Important wildlife includes:
Mishmi takin
Himalayan black bear
Red panda
Clouded leopard
Wild cats
Himalayan pheasants
Blyth's tragopan
Monal
Numerous butterflies
Frogs and other amphibians
Several species of reptiles
The region is also inhabited by indigenous communities, whose traditional lifestyles and knowledge are closely linked to the surrounding forests and river valleys.
Why Dihang-Dibang Is Important
Dihang-Dibang demonstrates particularly well how mountain biodiversity, indigenous communities and difficult high-altitude environments can coexist within a large conservation landscape.
Key attraction: Eastern Himalayan forests, high mountains, alpine ecosystems and rare wildlife.
4. Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, Meghalaya
Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is located in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya and forms one of the most important biodiversity landscapes in the state.
The reserve covers approximately 820 sq km under the national programme. UNESCO identifies Nokrek as a biosphere reserve located on the Tura Range, part of the Meghalaya Plateau.
Nokrek is particularly significant because it contains rich plant diversity and important populations of wildlife.
The UNESCO profile identifies Nokrek Peak at about 1,412 metres as the highest point of the Garo Hills. The reserve also contains important river systems including the Ganol, Dareng and Simsang.
Biodiversity of Nokrek
The reserve is famous for wild citrus genetic resources, particularly Citrus indica, along with other plant species.
Wildlife associated with Nokrek includes:
Asian elephant
Hoolock gibbon
Clouded leopard
Himalayan black bear
Gaur
Slow loris
Numerous birds
Butterflies and other insects
The reserve demonstrates the close relationship between forest biodiversity and traditional community life in the Garo Hills.
UNESCO World Network
Nokrek was nominated to UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2009.
Key attraction: Garo Hills landscape, citrus genetic diversity, evergreen forests and wildlife.
5. Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, Sikkim
Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve represents the high-altitude Himalayan environment of Sikkim.
The reserve extends across a spectacular landscape containing mountains, glaciers, valleys, lakes, forests and alpine meadows.
UNESCO's current profile gives the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve an area of approximately 293,112 hectares (2,931.12 sq km) and records its nomination to the World Network in 2018.
The reserve has a remarkable vertical range, from approximately 1,220 metres to 8,586 metres above sea level.
Wildlife of Khangchendzonga
The Eastern Himalayan landscape supports many rare and threatened species, including:
Snow leopard
Red panda
Himalayan black bear
Blue sheep or bharal
Himalayan tahr
Serow
Musk deer
Tibetan wolf
Clouded leopard
Golden cat
Leopard cat
Several pheasant species
The reserve is also exceptionally rich in rhododendrons, orchids and other Himalayan plants.
Khangchendzonga National Park and Biosphere Reserve
Khangchendzonga National Park forms an important component of the biosphere-reserve landscape.
UNESCO describes Khangchendzonga National Park as an outstanding Himalayan protected area containing glaciers, lakes, forests, deep valleys and snow-covered mountains. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016.
The National Park and Biosphere Reserve should therefore be treated as related but different conservation designations.
Key attraction: High Himalayas, glaciers, alpine meadows, rhododendron forests and snow leopard habitat.
Biosphere Reserves in Northeast India at a Glance
| Biosphere Reserve | State | Main Ecosystem | Famous For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manas | Assam | Himalayan foothill forests and grasslands | Rhino, tiger, wild buffalo and golden langur |
| Dibru-Saikhowa | Assam | Wetlands, grasslands and riverine forests | White-winged wood duck and feral horses |
| Dihang-Dibang | Arunachal Pradesh | Eastern Himalayan mountain ecosystems | Red panda, Mishmi takin and pheasants |
| Nokrek | Meghalaya | Garo Hills forests | Citrus genetic diversity and wildlife |
| Khangchendzonga | Sikkim | High Himalayan ecosystems | Snow leopard, red panda, glaciers and alpine landscapes |
Importance of Biosphere Reserves in Northeast India
The five biosphere reserves of Northeast India are important for several reasons.
1. Conservation of Rare Species
They protect habitats of threatened animals such as the snow leopard, red panda, golden langur, hoolock gibbon, pygmy hog and wild water buffalo.
2. Protection of Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity
Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya and Sikkim contain ecosystems ranging from tropical forests to alpine environments.
3. Protection of Genetic Resources
Nokrek is especially important for the conservation of wild citrus genetic resources.
4. Water and River-System Protection
Mountain forests, wetlands and river valleys play major roles in maintaining watersheds and freshwater ecosystems.
5. Support for Indigenous Communities
Many communities have traditionally depended on forests, agriculture, livestock, horticulture and other natural resources.
6. Scientific Research
The reserves provide important sites for research into ecology, climate, biodiversity and sustainable resource management.
7. Sustainable Tourism
Carefully managed ecotourism can create economic opportunities while encouraging conservation awareness.
Biosphere Reserves vs National Parks vs Wildlife Sanctuaries
These three terms are often confused.
| Feature | Biosphere Reserve | National Park | Wildlife Sanctuary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main objective | Conservation + sustainable development | Strict ecosystem and wildlife conservation | Protection of wildlife and habitat |
| Human presence | Communities may live in transition areas | Generally more restricted | Certain regulated human activities may be permitted |
| Zoning | Core, buffer and transition | No equivalent three-zone model | No equivalent biosphere zoning |
| Research & education | Major objective | Important objective | Important objective |
| Scale | Usually large landscapes | Protected ecosystems | Protected wildlife habitats |
A national park or wildlife sanctuary may therefore form part of a larger biosphere-reserve landscape.
Why Are Biosphere Reserves Important for Northeast India?
Northeast India is one of India's most ecologically diverse regions. Its mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers and valleys create a wide variety of habitats.
The five biosphere reserves provide a broad conservation network covering landscapes from the Brahmaputra floodplains and Assam rainforests to the Meghalaya Plateau and the high mountains of the Eastern Himalayas.
They are also important examples of the principle that conservation and human development do not necessarily have to be separate goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many biosphere reserves are there in Northeast India?
There are five biosphere reserves associated with the Northeast Indian states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Sikkim: Manas, Dibru-Saikhowa, Dihang-Dibang, Nokrek and Khangchendzonga.
Which is the first biosphere reserve of Northeast India?
Among the five, Nokrek Biosphere Reserve was nationally designated in 1988. UNESCO records its nomination to the World Network in 2009.
Which biosphere reserves are located in Assam?
Assam has two biosphere reserves:
Manas Biosphere Reserve and Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve.
Which biosphere reserve is located in Arunachal Pradesh?
Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve is located in Arunachal Pradesh.
Which biosphere reserve is located in Meghalaya?
Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is located in Meghalaya's Garo Hills.
Which biosphere reserve is located in Sikkim?
Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve is located in Sikkim. UNESCO currently lists its nomination to the World Network as 2018.
Which Northeast Indian biosphere reserves are part of UNESCO's World Network?
Nokrek and Khangchendzonga are included in UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves. UNESCO's current profiles record Nokrek's nomination in 2009 and Khangchendzonga's in 2018.
What are the three zones of a biosphere reserve?
The three principal zones are the core zone, buffer zone and transition area.
What is the main purpose of a biosphere reserve?
The central purpose is to combine biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, research, monitoring and environmental education within a large landscape.
Conclusion
The Biosphere Reserves of Northeast India are among the region's most valuable natural and cultural landscapes. Manas and Dibru-Saikhowa represent the remarkable biodiversity of Assam; Dihang-Dibang protects the rugged Eastern Himalayas of Arunachal Pradesh; Nokrek safeguards the unique forests and genetic resources of Meghalaya; and Khangchendzonga protects one of the most spectacular high-mountain environments of Sikkim.
Together, these five reserves demonstrate the importance of protecting biodiversity while recognizing the needs, knowledge and livelihoods of local communities.
For students, researchers, nature lovers and travellers, the biosphere reserves of Northeast India provide an excellent way to understand the geography, biodiversity, ecology and cultural landscape of the region.