With reference to the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve (ABR), consider the following statements: 1. It lies in the states of Kerala and Karnataka. 2. It is a part of UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme. 3. Agasthyarkoodam (Agasthya Peak) is a prominent peak within the ABR and holds cultural as well as ecological significance. Which of the statements given above are correct? |ForumIAS

Q. With reference to the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve (ABR), consider the following statements:
1.It lies in the states of Kerala and Karnataka.
2.It is a part of UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme.
3.Agasthyarkoodam (Agasthya Peak) is a prominent peak within the ABR and holds cultural as well as ecological significance.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

[A] 1 and 2 only

[B] 2 and 3 only

[C] 1 and 3 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Notes:

Explanations –

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve (ABR) is located in the southern Western Ghats and spans the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Statements 2 and 3 are correct. The ABR was added to UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves under the Man and the Biosphere Programme in 2016. Agasthyarkoodam, also known as Agasthya Peak, is the highest peak within the ABR, standing at 1,868 meters. It holds both cultural significance due to its association with Sage Agastya and ecological importance as part of the rich biodiversity of the region.

Source: The Hindu

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