Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve as a successful example of old traditions and new approaches in long-term research and their analyses

The concept of Biosphere Reserves (BRs) is to deal with one of the most important questions of reconciling the conservation of biological diversity and consequently promoting economic and social development and maintenance of associated cultural values. This study focuses on identification of the research strength and gaps in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR), Uttarakhand, India with a point of view of global Biosphere Reserve concept (Seville Strategy for 21st century) for how the BR could be reoriented to meets the requirement of a new generation BR. Out of 676 research publications chosen for the compilation, synthesis and review from Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), NDBR showed remarkable contribution (43%) as compared to other six HBRs. Moreover, analysis of 283 research publications on different aspects of biodiversity in NDBR, revealed its strength in terms of biodiversity and scope of research. The review of two decades (1990-2010) available literature showed that NDBR contributes to the needs of society as a whole, by showing a way to a more sustainable future. Outcomes of this study have proven NDBR as a successful candidate among old tradition BRs as it accomplishes major goals set for the new generation BRs (Seville Strategy for 21st century).