About Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve
- Location: Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve is Western Himalayan region in Himachal Pradesh
- The desert also covers Leh and Kargil districts of Ladakh, Spiti region of the Lahaul and Spiti district and a part of Kinnaur District in Himachal Pradesh
- Declared a biosphere reserve in 2009, it comprises the
- Pin Valley National Park and its surroundings
- Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary
- Sarchu and
- Chandratal.
- Fauna: Snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan blue sheep, Himalayan ibex, snow pigeon, Tibetan gazelle, woolly hare, red fox Brown and black bears, etc. can be spotted here
- Flora: Herbs, and Shrub species
- Climatic condition: It has cold, harsh climate with low mean annual rainfall leading to desertlike conditions
Cold Desert Cultural Landscape of India: UNESCO
Cold desert is listed under the UNESCO’s tentative Lists of States Parties which are published by the World Heritage Centre
Justification of Outstanding Universal Value
- The Cold Desert Cultural Landscape of India comprises a stunning bare landscape in the north-western part of the country beyond the Greater Himalayas that is dotted with lofty mountains kissing the azure blue sky, clear streams in deep gorges and little vegetation that provides uninterrupted breathtaking views; a setting that receives abundant sunlight and snow but little rainfall.
- This region, spread across parts of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh (H.P.) has been documented to have a unique Cold Desert ecosystem with rare and endangered varieties of flora and fauna, so much so that many national parks and wildlife reserves have been declared here for their protection.
- The human settlements are small, isolated, sparsely populated and their planning a testament to the harsh terrain and environment.
Source: UNESCO
