Biosphere Reserves are large areas of natural habitat created by the government to conserve biodiversity (plants, animals, and microorganisms) while also allowing local communities to live sustainably within them.
Total in India: 18 Biosphere Reserves.
Recognized by UNESCO: 12 reserves.
First Reserve: Nilgiri (1986).
Largest: Gulf of Mannar.
Smallest: Dibru-Saikhowa.
As of current records, there are exactly 18 Biosphere Reserves in India established by the Government.
Out of the 18 reserves in India, 12 have been recognized internationally and are included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO (under the Man and the Biosphere - MAB programme).
There are a total of 18 officially designated Biosphere Reserves in India.
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, established in 1986, was the first biosphere reserve in India.
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