Context:
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has rated Khangchendzonga National Park (Sikkim) as “Good” in its 2025 global review of natural World Heritage Sites.
It is India’s only site to receive a positive conservation status this year.
About the IUCN Rating
A part of the IUCN World Heritage Outlook 2025, which assesses how well natural World Heritage Sites are conserved.
It checks:
- Biodiversity health
- Management quality
- Threats and climate resilience
About the IUCN Outlook Programme
- Tracks the condition of 252 natural heritage sites worldwide.
- Sites are rated as:
- Good
- Good with Some Concerns
- Significant Concern
- Critical
Khangchendzonga National Park is the only Indian site in 2025 to receive a “Good” rating, reflecting strong conservation and cultural management.
About Khangchendzonga National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site (2016) and India’s first “mixed” heritage site, honoured for:
- Its natural beauty, and
- Its cultural and spiritual significance, especially the traditions of the Lepcha community.
Location
- Located in North and West Sikkim.
- Covers 1,784 sq km, almost 40% of Sikkim’s land area.
- Lies along the India–Nepal border.
- Home to 280 glaciers and 70+ glacial lakes.
- Important ones include Zemu Glacier and Tso Lhamo Lake.
