The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve encompasses a large part of the island of Great Nicobar, the largest of the Nicobar Islands in the Indian Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Why is it in the news?
In August 2020, Andaman and Nicobar Islands were announced to be developed as the “Maritime and Startup Hub” for the country. However, there were concerns over the environmental impact of NITI Aayog’s ambitious project for the Great Nicobar Islands.
The project has qualified its first stage, wherein, the Environment Appraisal Committee (EAC) has “recommended” it “for grant of terms of reference (TOR)” for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies.
Candidates can get a detailed list of Biosphere Reserves in India at the linked article.
In this article, we shall discuss at length the geographical aspects of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, along with its ecological and socio-economic characteristics. These aspects of the biosphere reserve are important from the perspective of the upcoming IAS Exam prelims.
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve [UPSC Notes]:-Download PDF Here
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Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve – Key Features
Great Nicobar is the southernmost island of the Nicobar Islands Archipelago. Given below are the key aspects of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve in India:
| Designation date | 2013 |
| Surface Area | 103,870 ha
Core area(s): 53,623 ha Buffer zone(s): 34,877 ha Transition zone(s): 10,070 ha (terrestrial); 5,300 ha (marine) |
| Administrative Authorities | Andaman and Nicobar Administration |
- The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve incorporates two National parks of India, which were gazetted in 1992. The two parks include:
- Campbell Bay National Park on the northern part of the island
- Galathea National Park in the southern interior
- In the year 2013, it was included in the list of Man and Biosphere Program of UNESCO to promote sustainable development based on local community effort and sound science
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve – Ecological Characteristics
- It harbours a wide spectrum of ecosystems comprising tropical wet evergreen forests, mountain ranges reaching a height of 642 m (Mt. Thullier) above sea level, and coastal plains
- The region is known for its rich biodiversity and wide plant diversity:
- 650 species of angiosperms, ferns, gymnosperms, bryophytes and lichens among others
- 14 species of mammals
- 71 species of birds
- 26 species of reptiles
- 10 species of amphibians
- 113 species of fish
- Also is home to a large number of endemic and endangered species of fauna:
- 11 species of mammals, 32 species of birds, 7 species of reptiles and 4 species of amphibians have been found to be endemic
- The well-known Crab-eating Macaque, Nicobar Tree Shrew, Dugong, Nicobar Megapode, Serpent Eagle, saltwater crocodile, marine turtles and Reticulated Python are endemic and/or endangered, may also be found
UPSC aspirants must also refer to the Species in News at the linked article as questions based on the same may be asked in the upcoming prelims examination.
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve – Socio-Economic Characteristics
- The Mongoloid Shompen Tribe, about 200 in number, live in the forests of the biosphere reserve, particularly along the rivers and streams. The Shompens move between the Core and Buffer Zones, while the settlers and Nicobarese live in settlements spread along the coast in the Transition zone
- The Mongoloid Tribe, Nicobarese, about 300 in number, used to live in settlements along the west coast. After the tsunami in 2004, which devastated their settlement on the western coast, they were relocated to Afra Bay in the North Coast and Campbell Bay
Know about the Scheduled and Tribal Areas of India for UPSC 2023 preparation at the linked article.
| About the Mongoloid Shompen Tribe
The Shompen or Shom Pen are the indigenous people of the interior of Great Nicobar Island, part of the Indian union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is a designated Scheduled Tribe. Shompen are hunter-gatherers who have some, limited, contact with outsiders. The ‘Mongoloid’ tribes probably came to the islands from the Malay-Burma coast several thousand years ago. According to Article 366(25) of the Constitution, Scheduled Tribes are those communities that are scheduled in accordance with Article 342 of the Constitution. To know more about Scheduled Tribes and state-wise list of tribes in India, candidates can visit the linked article. |
NITI Aayog’s Project for Great Nicobar Island
- More than 150 sq. km. (18%) of land is being made available for Phase I of a NITI Aayog-piloted ‘holistic’ and ‘sustainable’ vision for Great Nicobar Island
- The project proposed by NITI Aayog aims to develop the Great Nicobar Islands into a “maritime and startup hub.” It is estimated to cost Rs. 75,000 crore
- The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO) is the nodal agency for managing the project along with NITI Aayog
- The proposal includes an international container trans-shipment terminal, a greenfield international airport, a power plant and a township complex spread over 166 sq. km. (mainly pristine coastal systems and tropical forests)
- One of the biggest concerns with the approval of the project is cutting off trees as the projected area is 130 sq. km. which comprises some of the finest tropical forests in India
- Another concern is that the site selection for the port had been done mainly on technical and financial criteria. Its environmental aspects are yet to be analysed
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve [UPSC Notes]:-Download PDF Here
FAQ about Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve
How many biosphere reserves are there in India?
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