Annual WBHCC Report 2024

Supported by India Bhutan Foundation (IBF), RSPN team made an exchange visit to Ladakh in India in August 2024 to foster partnership between Ladakh and RSPN in the area of Black-necked Crane (BNC) conservation. Ladakh is the only BNC summer breeding habitat in India with a population of around 100 birds. Findings from preliminary research indicate that there is a possibility of the cranes in Ladakh migrating to Bhutan. However, there is no detailed research done yet to establish this fact.  One of the key reasons of the RSPN team visiting Ladakh was to fill this knowledge gap in addition to exploring the possibility of initiating collaborative conservation programs that include both the migration study and the knowledge-sharing programs.  

Overall, the visit was insightful and useful and the RSPN would like to thank the India-Bhutan Foundation for their generous support in making this visit happen. The following are some of the key take-aways from the visit:

1. The RSPN is able to foster partnership with the various Government Organizations, including Chief Conservator of Ladakh and Non-Governmental Organizations in Ladakh. Such networks and partnership are useful to take this conservation program to the next level.
2. Identified key agencies in Ladakh for developing a regional BNC transboundary conservation action plan. On the request from the RSPN counterpart in Ladakh, RSPN had committed to support tagging of BNC in Ladakh in August-September 2025. This is useful to ascertain whether Ladakh cranes migrate to Bhutan. 
3. As part of conservation exchange program, officials from Ladakh have indicated to visit Phobjikha, Bhutan.
4. BNC festival in Bhutan has become an exemplary event providing visibility and publicity for crane conservation as well as increasing local communities’ income through international guest attending the festival.  The recent BNC festival held on 11th November, 2024 had around 800 international guest participants. RSPN and Government Agencies in Ladakh had agreed to explore possibility of replicating this BNC festival in Ladakh

The Himalayan Foundation for Conservation Leadership (HFCL) is the RSPN counterpart in India and we remain grateful for their support in facilitating this exchange visit.

The India-Bhutan Foundation was established on August 29, 2003, through a Memorandum of Understanding between the Royal Government of Bhutan and the Government of India. Its primary objective is to enhance people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, focusing on educational, cultural, scientific, and technical fields. For more information about the India-Bhutan Foundation, visit their website: https://www.indiabhutanfoundation.com/index.php.

With the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) earlier today, RSPN Bhutan and College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan have formally established their partnership, marking a significant step forward in environmental research and education.

This #MoU aims to foster cooperation between the two organizations in key areas such as scientific research, capacity building, and educational development. Through this partnership, both organizations will be able to leverage their respective strengths, leading to mutual benefits and the establishment of a comprehensive framework for future collaborations.

The MoU outlines several exciting initiatives, including:

Joint research initiatives

Collaborative research projects

Support for graduate and research degree students

Organization of seminars, conferences, and workshops

Capacity-building efforts

Collaborative publications

With this partnership, RSPN and CNR are ready to take bold steps in shaping the future of conservation and sustainable development.

Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting collaborations.

𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮 after spending nearly seven months in the wetlands of the Tibetan Autonomous Region, China, returned to Phobjikha Valley on November 26, 2024, covering an impressive 𝟭𝟴𝟬 𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟰 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀.
Anneguntera was first tagged with a GPRS/GSM transmitter in the winter of 2019 at Phobjikha by researchers from NABU, Crane Conservation Germany, and RSPN.
This year, Phobjikha has recorded about 380 Black-necked Cranes so far. Their arrival in Phobjikha, often synchronized with the onset of winter, heralds a season of celebration and conservation efforts, as the valley becomes a sanctuary for these globally threatened species. The valley transforms into a sanctuary for these globally threatened species, serving as one of their critical habitats. This migration is more than a natural spectacle-it’s a testament to the Black-necked Crane’s resilience and underscores the importance of preserving their habitats for the generations to come.

RSPN Bhutan and the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation (BTFEC) signed a Grant Agreement to support RSPN’s accreditation as the country’s second National Implementing Entity (NIE) of Adaptation Fund today. For RSPN’s accreditation, the Adaptation Fund (AF) has approved a Readiness Package Grant of US$ 150,000 and currently implements the Readiness Project-BTN-RS-006. This grant support will help RSPN in developing and updating policies, conducting stakeholders consultations, and addressing any accreditation comments from the AF. RSPN consider this collaboration with BTFEC and the Adaptation Fund as a pivotal milestone in its journey towards accreditation and enhancing country’s resilience to #ClimateChange.

Today, RSPN Bhutan hosted a delegation from France to discuss advancing Red Panda conservation in Bhutan. This visit follows previous high-level delegations received by RSPN.

During the joint meeting, RSPN presented the past and ongoing conservation works RSPN is implementing, and discussed on various mutual areas RSPN can work together with different organizations, including international partners.

To take forward the conservation of Red Panda, RSPN and Connaître et Protéger le Panda Roux (CPPR) will initiate further discussion.

The 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲-𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻 (𝗪𝗕𝗛), one of the world’s most critically endangered birds, is on the brink of extinction. With fewer than 𝟲𝟬 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹𝘀 left in the wild, their survival relies on our collective efforts. Without immediate action, we risk losing them forever.

To take a robust effort in conserving White-bellied Heron through both in-situ and ex-situ efforts in Bhutan, RSPN has launched a critical fundraising campaign. This is our moment to make a difference.

Conservation Allies, our incredible partners in the USA, are offering a matching donation challenge: Every amount you donate will be doubled! This means your generosity will have twice the impact in saving these incredible birds and securing their future.

Be a hero for wildlife and donate now to protect the White-bellied Heron from extinction.

The clock is ticking—let’s act now!

DONATE HERE by clicking the link here

RSPN Bhutan had a privilege to host a meeting with the officials from Green Climate Fund (GCF) secretariat. The team led by the Executive Director, Ms. Mafalda Duarte of GCF is currently on official visit to Bhutan.

During the meeting, RSPN shared its conservation strategies in saving globally threatened species through community-focused initiatives and building climate resilient societies. RSPN became Delivery Partner to GCF in 2023 for implementing the Readiness Project in Bhutan and currently implements the Readiness Project BTN-RS-006. The update was also made on the progress of project. The meeting also highlighted some of the areas to strengthen partnership between GCF and RSPN. RSPN aspires to become second accredited entities to GCF from Bhutan and the current Readiness Project have outlined scopes in preparation of RSPN for accreditation process.

RSPN, under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen of Bhutan and in partnership with government, international partners, foundations and communities is dedicated to preserving Bhutan’s environment. This meeting marks a significant step in strengthening our partnership with the GCF as we work together towards a greener and sustainable future for Bhutan.

The  Royal Society for Protection of Nature in Thimphu is pleased to invite quotations from eligible firms with valid trade licenses for annual office supplies for FY 2025.

The TOR and list of items can be obtained from the Adm/Finance Division OR can be downloaded from our website: www.rspn bhutan.org. For further details, please call 02-326130/322056 during office hours.

The last date for submission of the bid is before noon on 20th December  2024.

Click here to download terms of reference

Click here to download office supplies

The Royal Society for Protection of Nature invites eligible 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚l Consultant to provide consultancy services on “Strengthening RSPN’s strategic frameworks, associated documents and standards for Accreditation with climate finance”

Those qualified International consultants interested in taking this assignment need to submit a formal application to RSPN with a cover letter addressed to The Executive Director, RSPN, Thimphu.

The Subject should be “Strengthening of RSPN’s strategic frameworks, associated documents and standards for Accreditation with climate finance”. The deadline for submission of this application ends on 5th December, 2024 at 4 pm following the Bhutan Time Zone.

The mode of application submission will be accepted via email, syarphel@rspnbhutan.org and copy to dorji@rspnbhutan.org

TOR for International Consultant