Relevance: GS Paper III – Environment & Biodiversity
Source: NewsOnAir, IUCN World Heritage Outlook 2025

The News

Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP) in Sikkim has been rated “Good” in the IUCN World Heritage Outlook 2025, making it the only Indian natural heritage site with a positive conservation status.

This recognition reflects effective management, strong local participation, and relatively stable ecological conditions.

Khangchendzonga National Park

Parameter

Details

LocationSikkim, Eastern Himalayas
Area~1,784 sq km
Elevation Range1,220 m – 8,586 m (includes Mt. Khangchendzonga)
UNESCO StatusMixed World Heritage Site (Natural + Cultural), 2016
Key SpeciesSnow leopard, red panda, Himalayan tahr, over 550 bird species
EcosystemsSubtropical forests, alpine meadows, glaciers, and glacial lakes
Cultural ValueSacred to Lepcha and Buddhist communities; reflects traditional ecological knowledge

Challenges and Way Ahead

Challenges

Way Forward

Climate change and glacial retreatStrengthen climate-resilient conservation planning
Hydropower and tourism pressuresPromote eco-sensitive zone regulations
Limited monitoring in remote terrainsExpand scientific and community-based biodiversity monitoring
Need for transboundary coordinationEnhance cooperation with Nepal and Bhutan under regional biodiversity frameworks

About IUCN & Heritage Outlook

  • The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) assesses global biodiversity and natural heritage sites.
  • World Heritage Outlook rates sites as:

    • Good – values well managed and stable
    • Good with Some Concerns
    • Significant Concern
    • Critical
  • The IUCN also maintains the Red List of Threatened Species, a global index of conservation status.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question:

With reference to Khangchendzonga National Park, consider the following statements:

  1. It is India’s only mixed World Heritage Site under UNESCO.
  2. It has been rated “Good” in the IUCN World Heritage Outlook 2025.
  3. It lies in the Western Himalayas and includes India’s highest peak.

Which of the above statements are correct?
 (a) 1 and 2 only
 (b) 2 and 3 only
 (c) 1, 2 and 3
 (d) 1 and 3 only

Answer: (a)

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