Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve - Equitable Tourism Options

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