Rewilding the Nature

Over the years, the deserted land is expected to be transformed into a thriving forest, with tall trees covering the landscape. This revitalized area will once again resonate with the sounds of buzzing insects and chirping birds, while butterflies flit from plant to plant. Of all, we are inviting the most critically endangered bird, the White-bellied Heron to be in the area. Furthermore, the reestablished forest will play a significant role in sequestering greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change mitigation.

RSPN Bhutan with technical support from the Department of Forests and Park Services and in collaboration with the Punatshangchhu I Hydro Power Authority (#PHPAI) and Green Bhutan Corporation Limited, is undertaking a significant restoration project. This year, 12.5 hectares of degraded land along the Punatshangchhu river basin are being restored through plantation efforts. The primary species planted is the native Chir pine, a tree favoured by the White-bellied Heron for perching, roosting, and nesting. To ensure biodiversity, 5-10% of the planted trees are wild fruiting species, creating an inviting habitat for a variety of wildlife.

This comprehensive approach not only aims to restore the land but also to foster an ecosystem where endangered species and other wildlife can flourish, while simultaneously addressing environmental challenges such as greenhouse gas sequestration.

This project is funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), Germany through International Climate Initiative (IKI) with co-funding from MAVA Foundation, Switzerland and the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN).