Consider the following statements:

(1) Valley of Flowers is a part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.

(2) The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is one of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

UKPSC Lower PCS Preliminary Exam Official Paper (Held On: 11 May, 2025)

Answer 1

The correct answer is Both (1) and (2).

Key Points

Valley of Flowers, located in Uttarakhand, is a part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve was declared a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1988.
The Valley of Flowers is known for its diverse and endemic flora, including over 500 species of flowering plants.
The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve includes two core zones: Nanda Devi National Park and Valley of Flowers National Park, both of which are UNESCO-recognized.
Located in the Western Himalayas, it is part of the Indian Himalayan biodiversity hotspot.

Additional Information

Valley of Flowers National Park:
- It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and renowned for its alpine meadows and biodiversity.
- The park was officially established in 1982 and is part of the larger Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
- It is home to endangered species like the snow leopard, Asiatic black bear, and blue sheep.
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve:
- Located in Uttarakhand, it covers an area of over 7,800 square kilometers.
- It is divided into core, buffer, and transition zones, with the Valley of Flowers and Nanda Devi National Park as core zones.
- The reserve protects a wide range of flora and fauna, including medicinal plants and rare animal species.
UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites:
- These are sites recognized by UNESCO for their outstanding natural significance and biodiversity.
- India has several UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites, including Sundarbans National Park, Kaziranga National Park, and the Western Ghats.
Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot:
- The Western Himalayas, including the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, form part of one of the world's 36 biodiversity hotspots.
- These areas are rich in endemic species and are crucial for conservation efforts globally.