No. Students can participate free of cost. Only USO Member Schools are required to pay a registration fee of ₹500 per school.
Biosphere Reserve Champions 2026
Exploring UNESCO-Designated Sites Through Artificial Intelligence
(A USO Students 360° National Initiative in collaboration with UNESCO)
Biosphere Reserve Champions 2026, a national initiative by USO in collaboration with UNESCO, offers students an opportunity to explore UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserves and World Heritage Sites through AI-enabled learning, research, and innovation. The programme encourages participants to investigate India’s rich natural heritage, think critically about environmental challenges, and present creative solutions for a sustainable future.
As part of USO’s 75-year commitment to educational excellence, this initiative brings together technology, environmental awareness, and experiential learning to inspire the next generation of informed and responsible global citizens.
A collaboration between
Empowering Schools for sustainability - environmental Education
UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences and Culture. UNESCO’s programmes contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in Agenda 2030, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015.
BRC 2026: Program Journey
Where Nature Meets Innovation
Phase I: DISCOVER
(Aug 11 - Aug 13, 2026)
- National Webinar Series
- UNESCO experts
- AI for research
Phase II: INVESTIGATE
(Aug 14 - Oct 30, 2026)
- Future Solutions Camp
- School Innovation Camp
- Awareness Activity
Phase III: PRESENT
- National Finale at USO House, New Delhi
- Expert Jury
- Felicitation at UNESCO House, New Delhi
BRC 2026: Phase II Results
USO and UNESCO have completed the evaluation of student presentations submitted under Phase II of the BRC 2026 Programme. The Top 10 entries have been shortlisted for the National-Level Final Competition and Felicitation, with five entries each from the UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserves and World Heritage Sites categories. The selected students, accompanied by their mentor teacher or Principal, will be invited to Delhi for the final competition. Explore the results below to view the shortlisted entries.
The shortlisted schools will be notified via email next week with details of the next steps in the competition.
PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
- Open to students of Std. 6 – 12
- Explore 13 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves
- Discover 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Use AI for research and innovation
- School-wide awareness activities
- Finalists present in New Delhi
- Felicitation at UNESCO House
KEY OBJECTIVES
- Promote awareness of UNESCO-designated sites
- Inspire student-led sustainability and heritage initiatives
- Encourage innovative thinking through AI-assisted research
- Foster environmental stewardship and global citizenship
- Strengthen school engagement with UNESCO programmes
“Empowering young minds to protect India’s natural and cultural heritage through innovation, inquiry, and technology.”
Register your school by 31 July 2026
Registration fee is ₹500
Biosphere Reserve Champions: Frequently Asked Questions
Students from Std. 6–12 and teachers from USO Member Schools are eligible to participate.
Schools can register online by completing the official registration form. Online registration for this competition has now closed.
The Discovery Series is a set of expert-led webinars on UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, World Heritage Sites, and the use of AI for research and innovation.
The Future Solutions Camp is a school-based activity where students develop AI-enabled solutions to real-world challenges related to UNESCO Biosphere Reserves or World Heritage Sites, under the guidance of their teachers.
GENS (Global Engagement Network for Science) is a UNESCO initiative that connects school science clubs worldwide to promote collaboration, STEM learning, scientific inquiry, and sustainable development through global engagement.
No. Schools are encouraged to join UNESCO’s Global Engagement Network for Science (GENS), but participation is optional.
Register Your School For 'Biosphere Reserve Champions 2026, And Become A Member School Today!
Become A USO Member School Today
Our membership period spans from April 1 to March 31 each year at a nominal annual fee of Rs. 250.
With USO Membership, schools unlock the door to a spectrum of engaging activities, all conducted on a national level. While some events are accessible at a nominal charge, others may involve a nominal student participation fee. Registration is compulsory for participation in all our activities.
Join our vibrant community of schools and embark on a journey of exploration, learning, and camaraderie with USO – where each school is not just a member but an integral part of our shared educational journey.
With USO Membership, schools unlock the door to a spectrum of engaging activities, all conducted on a national level. While some events are accessible at a nominal charge, others may involve a nominal student participation fee. Registration is compulsory for participation in all our activities.
Join our vibrant community of schools and embark on a journey of exploration, learning, and camaraderie with USO – where each school is not just a member but an integral part of our shared educational journey.