𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 – 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐣𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐡𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥

The Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN) staff of White-bellied Heron Conservation team organized an advocacy program to Bjimithangkha primary school sector staff on 6th October 2024 as part of a conservation initiative focused on the White-bellied Heron (WBH). The conservation of White- bellied Heron is a matter of urgent global concern. Educating the importance of conservation efforts plays a crucial role in safeguarding our biodiversity. Only less than 60 individuals of WBH remain in the world. Bhutan is fortunate to be one of the last refuges for this majestic bird, particularly within the habitat along the Punatsangchhu river in Wangdue district.The WBH -CC team member made a guided tour for the participants and presented on the ecology and some of the conservation approaches RSPN applies in reviving and sustaining the low population of WBH.

The day program began with a presentation on RSPN roles and the White- bellied Heron ecology, the benefits of conserving WBH (ecological, socioeconomic) and means to mitigate the threats to WBH. Participants were divided into two groups, they were introduced to captive breeding facilities of WBH and explained about the standard protocol involved in breeding, rearing and feeding of WBH. The program also highlighted the significant role schools can play in conservation efforts and furthermore the school leader shared about their environmental education program such as cleaning campaign and advocacy program on WBH to be held in their district. In between the session participants were encouraged strongly to raise questions and doubts, allowing them to voice their thoughts and curiosity about the WBH conservation.

The advocacy program successfully met its objectives of raising awareness and fostering a sense of responsibility towards environmental conservation. Feedback from the participants indicated that the program was both educational and inspiring. The knowledge and inspiration gained from this visit will have a lasting impact, not only on the teacher themselves but also on the students and communities they serve.

The advocacy program successfully met its objectives of raising awareness and fostering a sense of responsibility towards environmental conservation.The participants represented both genders, but there was a higher number of male participants, leading to a male-dominated group. However, all participants contributed equally and actively to the session, regardless of gender.In total there were 6 numbers of female participants and 15 numbers of male participants.

Opening the curtains of young minds can later do wonders for the conservation of critically endangered bird White – bellied Heron. Therefore in an effort to raise awareness and promote conservation efforts among the youth, RSPN staff of White- bellied Heron Conservation team organized an advocacy program to Dasidhing Higher Secondary on 5 th October 2024 upon their request for the visit to the center as part of advocacy program on protection of White- bellied Heron and waste management program.

The day-long program began with a presentation on RSPN role and programs and the White- bellied Heron ecology, the benefits of conserving WBH (ecological, socioeconomic), and means to mitigate the threats to WBH. Students were divided into two groups, they were introduced to captive breeding facilities of WBH and explained about the standard protocol involved in breeding, rearing and feeding WBH. In between the session students and teachers were encouraged strongly to raise questions and doubts, allowing them to voice their thoughts and curiosity about the WBH conservation. Staff members provided explanations and answers enhancing their understanding of the complexities of conservation work.

Later a cleaning program was conducted on a campus as part of waste management advocacy efforts. Both students and teachers actively participated in cleaning the campus premises and segregating waste, promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices.

The advocacy program successfully met its objectives of raising awareness and fostering a sense of responsibility among students towards environmental conservation.Feedback from the students and teachers indicated that the program was both educational and inspiring. Participation included nature club members of Class IX to XII, forming a well-balanced group. In total there were 13 numbers of female participants and 20 numbers of male participants including the teachers.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN) hosted an advocacy program for Tsirangtoe central school staff and community on September 29th as part of a conservation initiative focused on the White-bellied Heron (WBH). People often question whether there is benefit of conserving wildlife such as WBH. In order to advocate on the importance of conserving the WBH and to discuss the means to collaboratively enhance the conservation effort. The White-bellied Heron Conservation Center team member made a guided tour for the participants and presented on the ecology and some of the conservation approaches RSPN applies in reviving and sustaining the low population of WBH.

The program began with a presentation on RSPN roles and the White- bellied Heron ecology, the benefits of conserving WBH (ecological, socioeconomic), and means to mitigate the threats to WBH. Participants were divided into two groups, they were introduced to captive breeding facilities of WBH and explained about the standard protocol involved in breeding, rearing and feeding WBH. In between the session participants were encouraged strongly to raise questions and doubts, allowing them to voice their thoughts and curiosity about the WBH conservation.

The advocacy program successfully met its objectives of raising awareness and fostering a sense of responsibility towards environmental conservation. The participants saw mixed groups of audience with presence of both the gender. In total there were 13 numbers of female participants and 19 numbers of male participants from the community.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN) hosted an advocacy program for the Tsholingkhar community, including primary school students, teachers, and community members, on September 8th as part of a conservation initiative focused on the White-bellied Heron (WBH). This community engagement program aims to raise awareness about the critically endangered status of the species and underscore the importance of its conservation.

More than 20 participants, including members of the Tsholingkhar community, primary school students, and teachers, attended the day-long event to learn about White-bellied Heron conservation. The event took place at the White-bellied Heron Conservation Center (WBHCC) in Tsirang. It began with a presentation on WBH ecology and RSPN’s ongoing efforts to prevent the species’ extinction. Participants were then divided into two groups and introduced to the WBH captive breeding facilities, where they learned about the standard protocols involved in breeding, rearing, and feeding the birds.

Environmental education is one of RSPN’s core programs, through which young minds are engaged in understanding the importance of nature. Since the 1990s, RSPN has supported the establishment and functioning of Nature Clubs in schools. In the coming months, RSPN plans to involve more school students, local communities, and other key stakeholders in similar WBH advocacy programs.

We extend our gratitude to the Tsholingkhar community and the students and teachers from Tsholingkhar Primary School for attending this enriching program.

The Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) hosted teachers and students from Mendrelgang Central School on September 7th as part of a conservation program focused on the White-bellied Heron (WBH). This community engagement program aims to raise awareness about the critically endangered status of the species and highlight the importance of its conservation.

The day-long event took place at the White-bellied Heron Conservation Center (WBHCC) in Tsirang. It began with a presentation on WBH ecology and RSPN’s ongoing efforts to save the species from extinction. Later, students participated in a poetry competition on the theme “Voice of the Vanishing: A Plea for Help,” where they emotionally and eloquently expressed their understanding of the WBH’s plight. Each poem reflected the students’ deep comprehension of the issue. The peom were evaluated, and prizes were awarded accordingly.

Environmental education is one of RSPN’s core programs, through which young minds are engaged in understanding the importance of nature. Since the 1990s, RSPN has been supporting the establishment and functioning of Nature Clubs in schools. In the coming months, RSPN plans to involve more school students, local communities, and other key stakeholders in similar WBH advocacy programs.

We extend our gratitude to the Mendrelgang Central School management for allowing teachers and students to attend this enriching program.

School leaders play a critical role in shaping the overall education system in the school. The conservation education program conducted yesterday by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) offered these leaders a broader perspective on integrating environmental conservation as an important component of holistic education. As a leader of the school, they are the key influencers and have great opportunities to strengthen and inspire the conservation momentum much higher level than any other stakeholders with their direct access to youths, communities and various stakeholders.

More than 30 Education officials from Wangdue Phodrang District, the District Education Officer, Principals, Vice Principals, Officiating Principals and teachers attended the day-long event to understand the conservation education on White-bellied Heron. The program conducted at the White-bellied Heron Conservation Center highlighted the significant role schools can play in conservation efforts to save the critically endangered White-bellied Heron bird in Bhutan. School leaders also shared about the series of programs they would conduct in their respective schools to impart knowledge on White-bellied Heron.

This outdoor education program for education leaders coordinated by Wangdue District is the first of its kind after the COVID-19 outbreak and is aimed at broadening the professional knowledge of school leaders. RSPN is grateful to Wangdue Dzongkhag and the Education Sector for their kind effort in attending the advocacy program, ‘Together we can save the White-bellied Heron’.

Today, the employees of Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project(PHPA-I) attended an advocacy program on White-bellied Heron. A total of 21 staff members visited the White-bellied Heron Conservation Center (WBHCC) and attended the day-long program in understanding the heron conservation works.

The WBHCC staff made a guided tour for the participants and presented on the ecology and some of the conservation approaches RSPN applies in reviving and sustaining the low population of WBH. Hydropower and White-bellied Heron have a close predisposition since both depend on the rivers. The practice of proper measures during the construction phase of hydropower, and mitigation efforts after construction will significantly minimise the threats to heron. RSPN and hydroelectric authorities have already initiated efforts to restore the degraded habitats through the plantation, and later this year, there is also a plan to install flight diverters in core nesting and frequent foraging sites.

The Environmental Officer of PHPA-I shared that this advocacy made him reflect on the conduct of his work and assured him to integrate mitigation activities and threat-controlling measures wherever possible for the benefit of heron. As the participants left the center, they said, “We will spread awareness and support the conservation works of the heron.”

RSPN aspires to conduct series of advocacy program to the communities and other stakeholders that will significantly bring greater effort in conservation of the White-bellied Heron.

This program is a part of IKI Project “Developing Ecosystem-based Solutions for Managing Biodiversity landscapes in Bhutan” funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), Germany through International Climate Initiative (IKI).

Bhutan has forest coverage of 69.71 per cent with a total carbon sequestration potential of 11 million tonnes of CO2 per annum in the form of above-ground biomass accumulation(NFI, 2023). From this actual coverage, a small, very significant amount of forest is of planted forest. The Kuensel Newspaper issue of 3rd April 2023 reported that Bhutan has embarked on tree plantation since 1951 and by 2012 about 54,782.38 acres of plantation were carried out. If all these trees had survived, it would have been impenetrable in some areas. However, the same paper reported 62.20 per cent of the land planted with trees did not support the plantation, the trees either died or could not be traced.

There are various factors leading to the failure of the plantation, improper plan, lack of post plantation care, occurrence of development activities, poor seedling quality, harsh climatic conditions, mismatch of tree species and the area, and occurrence of natural disasters such as landslides, floods, and forest fires. Some even feel that due to poor technical skills and knowledge earlier, there are cases of wrong species being introduced to the area that led to a series of problems from drying water sources to issues of driving native species. Ultimately failure of plantation activity. It raises the concern of having basic knowledge and skills in raising plant nurseries and planting trees. The wrong in these processes will put significant risk to the whole ecology of the forest. To overcome such gaps mainly building the capacity of local communities, the two-day capacity-building workshop is currently underway in Tsirang.

The Royal Society for Protection of Nature(RSPN) in collaboration with the Tsirang Forest Divisional Office under the Department of Forest and Park Service(DoFPS) is conducting the workshop to build the skills and knowledge on establishing the nurseries and carrying out plantation activities. The workshop recognizes both indigenous and scientific knowledge of the nursery and plantation process. This workshop will significantly uplift the capacity of local communities and relevant stakeholders in sustaining the nurseries and plantations they have owned, and also venturing into new initiatives with a fresh outlook.

The workshop is delivered through theoretical presentation and practical demonstration. Some of the specific session outlines are the importance of having the right skills and knowledge; nursery establishment process; carrying out the plantation process; journaling, innovation, and post-plantation care that all drive towards success.

The participants attending this workshop are from diverse backgrounds representing different communities under Tsirang Dzongkhag. Many of them represent community forest and community-based nursery groups. The participants also include youths and teachers serving in the community. Their participation, especially of teachers will be important back at school in teaching the students on such subject matter and disseminating it in the communities. Overall, this workshop will contribute to boosting the economic condition of the community and also managing the biodiversity.

The workshop will end with free takeaways of nursery sapling gifts of preferred plant species choices by the participants and expected to plant the hope for a new beginning; some see it as business, some think it as a means to sustain the Indigenous crops, some feels they can enrich the biodiversity, some see as teaching material and for many, they see it is a future that has ecological, cultural, provisional and economic values.

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆-𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗡𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁.

In the years 2021 and 2022, RSPN supported seven nursery sites in different communities of six districts. Based on a proposal received to establish the nursery by the communities, the RSPN through the International Climate Initiative(IKI) project supported the establishment of these nurseries. The nursery establishment priority was provided to communities with low income, women groups, and people being affected by COVID-19 pandemic the most, and based on feasibility and recommendations received from respective Divisional Forest Office in the project area.

To make the nursery establishment effective and successful, an agreement was drawn and agreed between RSPN and the respective nursery community groups. The agreement includes a buyback mechanism of tree saplings produced from the nurseries to support the plantation activity within the degraded habitats of White-bellied Heron(WBH). The type of tree saplings to be raised by the respective nurseries was also discussed and agreed. Nursery groups were encouraged to raise more native trees that are economically viable to the community and have ecological significance.

The provision to take up the nursery establishment by the community helped in building the capacity of the community to raise the nursery and also identifying as a means of entrepreneurship opportunities through it.

𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁.

Under the same project, IKI, RSPN targets to restore 50 hectares of degraded landscape of WBH with annually restoring 12.5 hectares. The Ecosystem and Socio-Economic Resilience Analysis Mapping (ESRAM) study was carried out in WBH landscape to identify some of the degraded areas that need restoration. Based on the ESRAM study, nine Gewogs from 31 Gewogs surveyed have been assessed as ‘highly vulnerable’, 15 Gewogs were assessed as ‘vulnerable’ while 7 Gewogs are categorized as ‘less vulnerable’. Ten sites were then selected for the intervention activity mainly to restore the degraded habitats of WBH through the plantation.

For the last three years, RSPN has brought close to 40 hectares of land under restoration through plantation. The plantation program includes afforestation in degraded lands, forest enrichment support to community forest groups and commercial plantation in private lands that are not feasible for crop cultivation. The choice of tree species supported is mostly of native tree species. A mutual agreement was also made between RSPN and beneficiaries that the plantation should consist of mixed tree species that have both ecological and economic values; plantation of commercial high-value tree species to benefit the communities; and plantation of wild fruiting trees that will benefit wildlife. This in the long run also targets to mitigate Human-Wildlife conflict.

In the southern reach of Bhutan, amidst the vibrant lust forest and tranquil valleys of Dagana District, the locals of Bara Gumti village have embraced ecotourism as one of the alternate sources of income. It is not only an ecotourism destination but a home to Critically endangered ‘White Bellied Heron’. This village offers a unique gateway to southern Bhutan’s rich biodiversity and vibrant culture with unique experiences like camp life, tree top observation tower, jungle trail, and of course the majestic sereneness of Ox-bow River.

From the checklist, first the Gumti Camp (Gumti Ecotourism) is a beacon of hope for a group of dynamic youth, who have ventured into the journey of Ecotourism centered around endangered species fosters awareness and conservation.Stay tuned as RSPN unfolds the journey in the southern foothills, where ecotourism meets community empowerment for shaping a sustainable future.

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).