Current Affairs August 2018 - Environment

1 - Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves

The Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve has become the 11^th Biosphere Reserve from India that has been included in the UNESCO designated World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). India has 18 Biosphere Reserves.

Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve in Sikkim is one of the highest ecosystems in the world, reaching elevations of 1,220 metres above sea-level. It includes a range of ecolines, varying from sub-tropic to Arctic, as well as natural forests in different biomes that support an immensely rich diversity of forest types and habitats. The core zone alone boosts to have over 150 glaciers and 73 glacial lakes. Comprising of 669 biosphere reserves in 120 countries, including 20 transboundary sites, the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) of the Man and Biosphere Programme consists of a dynamic and interactive network of sites of excellence.

2 - MP to revive cheetah reintroduction project

The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department has requested the National Tiger Conservation Authority to revive the plan to reintroduce cheetahs in the State’s Nauradehi sanctuary. The project was approved in 2009 but failed to materialise for lack of funds.

The last spotted cheetah died in 1947 and it was declared extinct in India in 1952. NTCA had committed ?50 crore to MP for the project in 2011. Around 20 cheetahs were to be translocated to Nauradehi from Namibia, Africa.