India, Oct. 3 -- The inclusion of Himachal Pradesh's Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) is a moment of pride for India and the people of the hill state. At the 37th session of UNESCO's Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB) in Paris, the decision raised India's tally of such sites to thirteen. Spread across 7,770 sq km of Lahaul-Spiti, this cold desert represents one of the most fragile ecosystems in the world.

Perched between 3,300 and 6,600 metres above sea level, the reserve encompasses Pin Valley National Park, Chandratal and Kibber sanctuaries, alpine lakes, and glacial valleys. It sustains 732 species of vascular plants, including 30 endemics, along with iconic fauna such as the snow leo...