28
Sep
Shimla, September 28, 2025: Himachal Pradesh’s Spiti Valley in Lahaul-Spiti district has been recognised globally as India’s first Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. The announcement came during the 37th International Coordinating Council (MAB-ICC) meeting held in Hangzhou, China, from September 26 to 28. With this addition, India now has 13 biosphere reserves listed in UNESCO’s global MAB network.Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu lauded the recognition, attributing it to the state government’s efforts and the commitment of local communities toward protecting Spiti’s delicate ecosystem. He emphasised that Himachal Pradesh would continue balancing developmental needs…