Which of the following Biosphere Reserves was the first to be established by the Government of India?
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
Identifying India's First Biosphere Reserve
The question asks us to identify the first Biosphere Reserve established by the Government of India from the given options. Biosphere Reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal/marine ecosystems or a combination thereof, recognized internationally within the framework of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.
India has a network of Biosphere Reserves that protect large areas of natural habitat and often include one or more national parks and reserves, along with buffer zones that are open to some economic uses.
Analyzing the Options
Let's look at the establishment dates of the Biosphere Reserves listed in the options:
- Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve: Located in West Bengal, known for its mangrove forests. It was established as a Biosphere Reserve in 1989.
- Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve: This reserve spans across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. It is known for its diverse ecosystems. It was established in 1986.
- Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve: Situated in Tamil Nadu, covering a marine ecosystem. It was established in 1989.
- Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve: Located in Uttarakhand, known for its high-altitude ecosystems and the Valley of Flowers. It was established in 1988.
Determining the First Biosphere Reserve
Comparing the establishment years:
- Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve: 1986
- Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve: 1988
- Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve: 1989
- Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve: 1989
Based on these dates, the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was established earliest among the given options, making it the first Biosphere Reserve in India.
| Biosphere Reserve | State(s) | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|---|
| Nilgiri | Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka | 1986 |
| Nanda Devi | Uttarakhand | 1988 |
| Sundarbans | West Bengal | 1989 |
| Gulf of Mannar | Tamil Nadu | 1989 |
Therefore, the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve holds the distinction of being the first Biosphere Reserve established in India.
Revision Table: Key Biosphere Reserves in India
| Biosphere Reserve | Est. Year | State(s) | Key Ecosystem |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nilgiri | 1986 | TN, KL, KN | Tropical forest, Mountain |
| Nanda Devi | 1988 | UK | High altitude mountain |
| Sundarbans | 1989 | WB | Mangrove |
| Gulf of Mannar | 1989 | TN | Marine |
| Great Nicobar | 1989 | A & N Islands | Island, Marine |
| Manas | 1989 | Assam | Tropical & sub-tropical |
Additional Information about Biosphere Reserves
Biosphere Reserves serve three main functions:
- Conservation Function: Protecting genetic resources, species, ecosystems, and landscapes.
- Development Function: Fostering economic and human development that is socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable.
- Logistic Function: Supporting demonstration projects, environmental education and training, research, and monitoring related to local, national, and global issues of conservation and sustainable development.
These reserves are demarcated into three zones: Core Area (strictly protected), Buffer Zone (some activities permitted), and Transition Zone (sustainable development promoted).
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Important Questions from Biodiversity
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