Khangchendzonga National Park rated ‘Good’ by IUCN, recognized as India’s top World Heritage Site

Amid growing global environmental challenges such as deforestation, melting glaciers, and biodiversity loss, Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim has emerged as a global model for successful ecological conservation. Recently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) rated the park as “Good” in its World Heritage Outlook 4 report, making it the only Indian natural World Heritage Site to achieve this distinction. Other major Indian sites like the Western Ghats and the Sundarbans continue to face significant conservation issues.

Recognized by UNESCO in 2016 as India’s first “mixed” World Heritage Site—for both its natural and cultural significance—Khangchendzonga National Park spans an area of 1,784 square kilometres. Its landscape ranges from subtropical forests to the icy peak of Mount Khangchendzonga, the world’s third-highest mountain at 8,586 metres. The park hosts 280 glaciers, over 70 glacial lakes, and a rich variety of flora and fauna, including snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan tahrs, and more than 550 bird species, making it one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the Eastern Himalayas.

The park holds deep spiritual and cultural significance. For the Lepcha community, the area is known as Mayel Lyang—a hidden paradise—while Tibetan Buddhists revere it as a sacred valley, or beyul. Ancient monasteries such as Tholung Monastery stand as guardians of centuries-old traditions, symbolizing the harmonious coexistence of culture and nature.

A major factor in the park’s conservation success is its community-based management approach. The introduction of an expanded biosphere reserve model in 2018 linked core protected zones with surrounding buffer areas, enabling sustainable livelihoods for nearby villagers through eco-friendly practices. This strategy ensures that conservation and human welfare progress hand in hand.

The park’s remote location also acts as a natural shield, reducing human interference. Forest rangers work in close coordination with local residents to monitor wildlife and prevent illegal activities. Moreover, cross-border collaboration with Nepal’s Kanchenjunga Conservation Area has strengthened anti-poaching efforts and improved wildlife migration corridors.

Khangchendzonga has also shown strong resilience to natural disasters. When a glacial lake outburst flood occurred last year, authorities effectively minimized damage using hazard mapping, early warning systems, and rapid response mechanisms, showcasing how preparedness and scientific management can mitigate climate risks.

According to the IUCN’s report, Asia hosts 63 natural and mixed heritage sites across 19 countries, covering over 27 million hectares. However, only 17% of these are rated “Good.” The majority are classified as “some concern” or “significant concern,” with climate change cited as the most critical threat, followed by unregulated tourism, invasive species, and habitat degradation.

Despite these widespread issues, Khangchendzonga National Park stands as a beacon of hope—an inspiring example of how traditional wisdom, modern science, and community stewardship can work together to protect nature. The park’s emphasis on sustainable tourism, local participation, and cultural reverence highlights that conservation rooted in indigenous values can deliver long-term ecological stability.

In an era marked by rapid environmental decline, the story of Khangchendzonga National Park reminds the world that when nature and humanity coexist in balance, both can not only survive but truly thrive.