Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve - Equitable Tourism Options
Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve - Equitable Tourism Options
Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve - Equitable Tourism Options
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Chapter 1 ' " : '<br />
Nilgiri <strong>Biosphere</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong>, India<br />
.troduction<br />
Ta mil Nadu has the unique distinction of having a marine biosphere<br />
reserve viz., the Gulf of Mannar <strong>Biosphere</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> and also a hill<br />
biosphere reserve, the Nilgiri <strong>Biosphere</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong>. It is noteworthy that the<br />
Nilgiri <strong>Biosphere</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> is not only the first to be set up in India under the<br />
Man and <strong>Biosphere</strong> Programme, but also the only Indian biosphere<br />
reserve that has been included in UNESCO's global network of biosphere<br />
reserves.<br />
,<br />
General Description<br />
The programme of <strong>Biosphere</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> was initiated under the 'Man &<br />
<strong>Biosphere</strong>' (MAB) programme by UNESCO in 1971. The purpose of the<br />
formation of the biosphere reserve is to conserve in situ all forms of life,<br />
along with its support system, in its totality, so that it could serve as a<br />
referral system for monitoring and evaluating changes in natural<br />
ecosystems.<br />
The Nilgiri <strong>Biosphere</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> encompasses parts of Ta milnadu, Kerala<br />
and Karnataka. The annual rainfall of the reserve ranges from 500 mm to<br />
7000 mm with temperature ranging from O°C during winter to 41 °C during<br />
summer. The Nilgiri <strong>Biosphere</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> falls under the biogeographic<br />
region of the Malabar rain forest. The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary,<br />
Waynad Wildlife Sanctuary, Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National<br />
Park, Mukurthi National Park and Silent Valley are the protected areas<br />
present within this reserve. The Nilgiri <strong>Biosphere</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> comprises of<br />
substantial unspoilt areas of natural vegetation ranging from dry scrub to<br />
evergreen forests and swamps thus contributing to highest biodiversity.<br />
The altitude and climatic gradients support and nourish the different<br />
vegetational types.<br />
I<br />
1 NUagiris : Fading Glory