𝗥𝗲𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲-𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

One of the main highlights of the ongoing White-bellied Heron International Conference 2026 in Bhutan was the official launch of the 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲-𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲. The report was launched during the opening ceremony of the conference today by the Hon’ble Lyonpo Gem Tshering, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Dasho Benji, Ms. Taina Dyckhoff of the German Embassy in New Delhi, and Dr. Kinley Tenzin, Executive Director of RSPN.

This year’s report marks a record-breaking achievement with a total of 𝟯𝟭 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲-𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘀 in Bhutan, surpassing last year’s count of 29 and exceeding the highest recorded number of 30 individuals in Bhutan so far since 2003. The 31 individuals include observation of 26 individuals in the wild and 5 individuals currently being raised at the Conservation Breeding Centre. This year, the survey also observed 5 numbers of active nests of heron in Bhutan; the highest count of nests in Bhutan in recent years. Four nests are located within Punatshangchhu basin and one in Mangdechhu basin. The population survey is annually conducted by RSPN in collaboration with Department of Forest and Park Services and local communities. This year, the survey was carried out from 1-5 March engaging more than 100 surveyors.

This milestone reflects the tireless efforts of conservation partners, local communities, and all stakeholders dedicated to protecting this Critically Endangered species. The report not only provides the current status of the species but also emphasizes the urgency and shared responsibility to safeguard Bhutan’s rarest bird. RSPN extends our heartiest gratitude to all conservation partners and local communities whose dedication has contributed to this remarkable achievement!

The 𝗛𝗼𝗻’𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗟𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗽𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝗺 𝗧𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀, graced the opening session of the 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲-𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 in Thimphu. The session was also attended by Hon’ble Dasho Paljor Jigme Dorji, distinguished dignitaries, representatives from the BMUV-IKI including Ms. Taina Dyckhoff from the German Embassy in New Delhi, conservation partners, stakeholders, and international participants from 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮, 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮, 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗮, 𝗖𝘇𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰, 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮, 𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻, 𝗠𝘆𝗮𝗻𝗺𝗮𝗿, 𝗡𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗹, 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱.

This much-anticipated international conference marks an important milestone under the five-year project “𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺-𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗵𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗻,” supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), Germany, which concludes this year.

As the project concludes this year, the conference provides a vital platform for knowledge-sharing among researchers, policymakers, conservationists, and development partners to strengthen collaborative conservation efforts for the Critically Endangered White-bellied Heron.

The First International White-bellied Heron Conference, held in 2015, successfully brought together regional partners and potential donors across the White-bellied Heron landscape and laid the foundation for the strong partnerships and ongoing conservation actions we see today.

Together, through collaboration and commitment, we continue working to secure a future for the White-bellied Heron and Bhutan’s precious river ecosystems.

This activity is part of the IKI Project, “Developing Ecosystem-based Solutions for Managing Biodiversity Landscapes in Bhutan,” funded by the BMUV and co-funded by the MAVA Foundation and RSPN.

The Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) is hosting a 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆-𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 to safeguard the 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗘𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱, 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲-𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻.

As part of this major initiative to ensure the comprehensive conservation of the White-bellied Heron in Bhutan, RSPN is launching new project activities in eastern Bhutan. The overarching goal is “𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲-𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀, 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗕𝗵𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗻”, with an integrated approach to conserve this rare species.

The project will cover the river basins of eastern Bhutan, primarily the Kuri-Gongri and its tributaries, spanning the districts of Mongar, Lhuntse, Trashigang, Trashiyangtse, and Pemagatshel.

As part of the project’s launch, RSPN is hosting a consultation and capacity-building workshop with relevant stakeholders in Mongar to initiate project implementation and foster collaborative conservation efforts.

After more than five years, the Critically Endangered White-bellied Heron has been sighted again in the Kuri-Gongri Basin, Pema Gatshel Dzongkhag. Its last recorded sighting was in 2020, and for the first time, two White-bellied Herons were seen together.

Bhutan harbors more than 50% of the world’s White-bellied Herons. In 2025, a total of 29 individuals were recorded, according to the RSPN Annual WBH Population Survey.

 Photo courtesy-Yurung Range Office

The Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN), through its ongoing BMUV-IKI Project, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Local Government Offices of Tashiding and Tsendagang under Dagana Dzongkhag to implement key livestock-based community initiatives.

As part of this collaboration, fishery development and beekeeping activities will be introduced as sustainable livelihood options, aimed at enhancing community resilience and generating additional income.

The Livestock Sector under Dagana Dzongkhag will provide crucial technical support at the grassroots level, ensuring the successful and long-term implementation of these initiatives.

This collaboration highlights RSPN’s commitment to empowering communities through eco-friendly and meaningful livelihood opportunities, reinforcing the integration of conservation and development in Bhutan.

Dagana is recognized as one of the important habitats for the critically endangered White-bellied Heron (WBH), making community-based conservation and sustainable livelihood efforts in the area particularly significant.

In the far-flung eastern corners of Bhutan lie the beautiful villages of Lauri, Serthi, Zangthi, Menjung, and many more. These communities, perched on the slopes of rugged mountains, are tied together by the easternmost river of Bhutan- the Jomori River.

Long ago, elders recall spotting a magnificent bird along this river: the White-bellied Heron, one of the rarest species on Earth. Sadly, despite two intensive surveys, no recent records of the heron have been found here. Some fear it may have already disappeared before communities realized its global significance.

Yet, our determination remains unshaken. This coming winter, we will return for a third survey—hoping against odds that the great bird might still grace these waters. The Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN), together with Jomotshangkha Wildlife Sanctuary under the Department of Forests and Park Services, is leading this mission. Step by step, season by season, our teams are assessing not only the heron’s habitat but also the river’s broader biodiversity—from otters to other riverine wildlife.

• Pre-monsoon and monsoon surveys have been completed
• Post-monsoon survey is underway

But this expedition is not only about rivers and wildlife, it is also about people.Before each survey, we train young Bhutanese and local partners to collect data and explore these wild rivers. We have engaged with more than 400 households across scattered villages along the Jomori to understand socio-economic conditions. This knowledge helps RSPN design alternative livelihood options that both uplift communities and conserve biodiversity.

For remote communities, the White-bellied Heron symbolizes more than rarity, it represents cleaner rivers, richer fish stocks, healthier forests, and new eco-tourism opportunities.  Conservation becomes more than a scientific mission, it becomes a conversation. We listened to stories, shared knowledge about the heron, and planted the seeds of stewardship.   Through surveys, training, and awareness, the White-bellied Heron has become a bridge linking nature and people, science and tradition, hope and action. Even if the bird is absent from the Jomori today, our efforts ensure that both the land and the people are ready to welcome it back-should it ever return.We are grateful to Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary , Department of Forests and Park Services, Local government, and schools for the partnership in implementing this project activities.This project is supported by Asian Species Action Partnership and Global Wildlife Fund Limited.

The three-day workshop brings together a diverse group of participants, including representatives from local government, Department of Local Governance and Disaster Management, and Civil Society Organizations and Agencies (Tarayana Foundation, The Bhutan Youth Development Fund, Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy) and Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law. This workshop is part of ongoing project ‘𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗵𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲-𝘂𝗽 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗺𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀’ funded by Green Climate Fund.

The three-day workshop equipped teachers, who also serve as Nature Club and ASPnet Coordinators with knowledge and tools on #ClimateEducation that go beyond the classroom. The training emphasized fostering values, responsibility, and sustainable practices that teachers can integrate into their lessons and share with students and communities at large.

The workshop also included discussions on the recently selected study grant proposal, with valuable feedback shared to strengthen and guide effective implementation.

This activity is part of the ongoing UNESCO-funded project which aims to:

Build the capacity of teachers and students in climate and biodiversity knowledge.

Encourage nature-positive, STEM-based solutions to local environmental issues.

Promote knowledge sharing and outreach programs across ASPnet/UNESCO/Nature Club schools across the country.

By empowering educators and students, the project envisions ‘schools as hubs of sustainability’ driving climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and stronger community action for a greener future.

After an insightful session on #Waterbird monitoring yesterday, today our participants were greeted by a beautiful waterbird/shorebird right at our training venue in Yongkola, Mongar.

#Bhutan, despite its small geographical size, is globally recognized for its rich avifaunal diversity, hosting over 770 bird species, of which a considerable number are waterbirds. The country’s varied river systems, high-altitude wetlands, and lowland marshes provide critical habitats for both resident and migratory species. Each year, Bhutan receives diverse waterbirds during spring and autumn migration, as well as wintering flocks that utilize the country’s wetlands and rivers as vital stopover and refuge sites.

What makes Bhutan unique is its strategic location at the confluence of two major migratory flyways: the East Asian–Australasian Flyway (EAAF) and the Central Asian Flyway (CAF). This positioning makes the country an ecological bridge for numerous migratory species. For instance, the Black-necked Crane winters in the high-altitude valleys of Bhutan, while other species such as the Ruddy Shelduck, Northern Pintail, and Common Teal are regularly recorded in wetlands and rivers across the country.

Furthermore, Bhutan is home to 23 Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs), many of which are significant sites for waterbirds. These sites not only contribute to regional and global migratory networks but also provide invaluable ecosystem services for local communities.

RSPN Bhutan as Bhutan’s environmental NGO, remains committed to advancing bird conservation and strengthening monitoring initiatives. Regular and systematic monitoring of waterbirds is crucial for:

Assessing population trends and distribution of species across seasons.

Identifying and mitigating threats such as habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.

Contributing to global databases that inform international conservation policies and agreements, including the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and the Ramsar Convention.

Guiding conservation action within Bhutan by providing evidence-based data for policy-makers, conservationists, and local communities.

Waterbirds serve as key ecological indicators, reflecting the health of riverine ecosystems. Their monitoring not only supports biodiversity conservation but also ensures the long-term sustainability of freshwater resources upon which both humans and wildlife depend.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Ding Li and Dr. Anand from BirdLife International Asia for facilitating an insightful session on waterbird conservation, with particular emphasis on monitoring techniques and the significance of sustained monitoring efforts.

Bird that greeted us: Pacific Golden Plover (PC-Tshering Dhendup/RSPN)

This session focused on understanding #ClimateChange – its causes, impacts, and the actions we can take. The discussion emphasized that climate change is not a distant issue but is already influencing our lifestyles, ecosystems, and way the planet Earth functions.

Through an interactive group activity, participants traced the journey of everyday utilities to see how they are produced, what materials are used, what wastes are created, and the consequences it brings to impact the climate. This exercise sparked engaging conversations, allowing participants to see the hidden connections between human activities, resource use, waste generation, and the climate system. It highlighted how small, everyday actions are link to broader environmental impacts and how collective awareness can drive more sustainable choices and positive behavioural changes.

The session also highlighted our local action connectivity to the global effort to combat climate issues. As an important means, emphasis were made to take steps from documentating phenophases, observing the life-cycle events in plants and animals to adopting some of Sustainable Development Goals that can contribute in building climate science and actions, the reality event to proof climate change is real, and there is urgency to take climate actions.