Conference

About the Conference

The Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) will be hosting the White-bellied Heron International Conference in Bhutan on 25–26 March 2026. This platform will bring together researchers, policy-makers, conservationists, and academicians to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and explore solutions for advancing the conservation of the Critically Endangered White-bellied Heron (WBH).

As part of RSPN’s ongoing five-year project “Developing Ecosystem-based Solutions for Managing Biodiversity Landscapes in Bhutan”, supported by BMUV-IKI, Germany, the conference aims to strengthen collaborative efforts in saving this rare species and its fragile habitats.

Why White-bellied Heron? Why Protect Them?

The White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis) is one of the rarest bird species in the world, with fewer than 60 individuals left in the world. Found only in parts of Bhutan, Northeast India, and Myanmar, this species has become a key ecosystem indicator and ecosystem health. By protecting the White-bellied Heron, we are protecting freshwater ecosystems and securing resilient future for both people and wildlife.

Protecting the White-bellied Heron matters because:

Biodiversity Indicator

Its survival reflects the health of riverine and wetland ecosystems that support countless other species.

Ecosystem Services

Conserving WBH habitats safeguards freshwater resources vital for both wildlife and people.

Global Responsibility

With Bhutan hosting one of the last viable populations, the country plays a critical role in preventing global extinction.

Cultural & Natural Heritage

The WBH is part of Bhutan’s natural heritage, aligned with the national philosophy of living in harmony with nature.

Conference’s Objectives

Share Project Results

Present key findings, outcomes, and lessons from the ongoing project “Developing Ecosystem-based Solutions for Managing Biodiversity Landscapes in Bhutan” supported by BMUV-IKI, Germany.

Advance WBH Conservation Knowledge

Exchange the latest research, monitoring data, and innovative practices in conserving the Critically Endangered White-bellied Heron.

Promote Knowledge Sharing

Create a platform for researchers, policy-makers, and practitioners to share experiences, challenges, and solutions from across the WBH range countries and beyond.

Strengthen Collaboration

Foster stronger regional and international partnerships to scale up collective action for WBH conservation and freshwater ecosystem protection.

Day One – 25 March 2026

Time	Session	Speaker / Remarks
08:30-09:00 AM	Registration	-
09:00-09:15 AM	Opening Ceremony with Marchang	Mr. Namgyal Wangchuk, Chief, Administration & Finance Division
09:15-09:30 AM	Welcome Address	Dr. Kinley Tenzin, Executive Director
09:30-09:45 AM	Key note address by Chief Guest	Hon'ble Minister Gem Tshering, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources Bhutan
09:45-09:55 AM	Remarks from BMUKN representative	Ms. Taina Dyckhoff, Head of Division for Climate and Environment, German Embassy, New Delhi
09:55-10:10 AM	Remarks from Dasho Paljor Jigme Dorji	Dasho Paljor Jigme Dorji (Benji), Special Advisor to National Environment Commission of Bhutan
10:10-10:30 AM	Launch of White-bellied Heron Annual Population Survey 2026 Report	Brief on the report by MC
10:30-10:45 AM	Memoirs of the White-bellied Heron in Bhutan	Mr.Hishey Tshering, a former RSPN official
10:45-11:00 AM	Memoirs of the White-bellied Heron in Bhutan	Mr. Yeshey Dorji, a professional Photographer and Blogger in Bhutan
Tea / Coffee Break (11:00 – 11:30 AM)
Technical Session (11:30 - 04:15 PM)
Session I: Status & Project Updates
11:30-11:45 AM	Updates from the first international White-bellied Heron Conference held in 2015	Mr. Jigme Tshering, Chief, Species Conservation Division, RSPN
11:45-12:00 noon	Overview of BMUKN-IKI project and its results	Ms. Sonam Peldon, Project Coordinator, RSPN
12:00-12:15 PM	White-bellied Heron conservation in Bhutan	Mr. Tshering Tobgay, Research Officer, RSPN
12:15-12:30 PM	Ex-situ conservation of White-bellied Heron	Ms. Samten Leki, Center In-charge, White-bellied Heron Conservation Center, RSPN
12:30-12:45 PM	Livelihood programs within White-bellied Heron landscape in Bhutan	Mr. Tsheten Dorji, Chief, Sustainable Livelihood Division, RSPN
12:45-01:00 PM	Question and Answer session	-
Lunch (01:00 - 02:00 PM)
Session II: White-bellied Heron (WBH) status, conservation efforts and challenges by the Range Countries
02:00-02:30 PM	White-bellied Heron status, conservation efforts and challenges in India	Mr Yumlam Benjamin Bida, Representatives from India, 30 Minutes (20 minutes session / 10 minutes Q & A)
02:30-03:00 PM	White-bellied Heron status, conservation efforts and challenges in Myanmar	Mr Thiri Da Wei Aung, Representatives from Myanmar, 30 Minutes (20 minutes session / 10 minutes Q & A)
Tea/Coffee Break (03:00-03:30 PM)
03:30-04:00 PM	White-bellied Heron status, conservation efforts and challenges in China	Professor Wu Heqi, Representatives from China, 30 Minutes (20 minutes session / 10 minutes Q & A)
04:00-04:15 PM	Vote of Thanks and summary of Day One	Mr. Wangchuk Namgay, Director, RSPN

Day Two – 26 March 2026

Time	Session	Speaker / Remarks
09:30-09:40 AM	Program Introduction	-
09:40-09:50 AM	Session I Presentation: White-bellied Heron conservation and way forward plan of Bhutan	Mr. Jigme Tshering, Chief, Species Conservation Division, RSPN
Tea/Coffee Break (09:50-10:20 AM)
10:20-01:00 PM	Session II: Group work 1. Ideation on joint partnership on White-bellied Heron Conservation 2. Discussion on Long-term White-bellied Heron conservation plan 2026–2036	Group Work / Moderator
Lunch (01:00-02:00 PM)
02:00-03:30 PM	Group presentation	Group Work / Moderator
Tea/Coffee Break (03:30-04:00 PM)
04:00-05:00 PM	Consolidation of Group work and presentation	Species Conservation Division, RSPN
05:00-05:15 PM	Summary of Day Two and Closing Remarks	Mr. Wangchuk Namgay, Director, RSPN

Royal Society For Protection of Nature

WHITE-BELLIED HERON INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2026, BHUTAN