𝗣𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗵𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗻

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 staff of White bellied Heron Conservation Center conducted a White-bellied Heron advocacy program in response to the Tashiding school staff request to visit the conservation center. The program aimed to provide insights into the ecological importance of White bellied Heron, supporting the school’s efforts in developing a White- bellied Heron Green Park and raising awareness within the community.

The 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. Later the participants were introduced to captive breeding facilities of WBH and provided guided tours to information unit learning about Heron biology, behavior, ecology and threats.

The advocacy program successfully met its objectives of raising awareness and fostering a sense of responsibility among participants towards environmental conservation. Feedback from the participants indicated that the program was both educational and inspiring. Moving forward, it is crucial to maintain momentum by continuing to engage students in conservation initiatives and providing them with opportunities to contribute positively to the environment. A total of 25 participants were present with 17 female and 8 male participants.

White- bellied Heron is classified as a critically Endangered species because it has an extremely small and rapidly declining population. This decline is projected to increase in the near future as a result of loss and degradation of lowland forest and wetlands, and through direct exploitation and disturbance. In an effort to raise awareness and promote conservation efforts among the forest officials and community, RSPN staff of White-bellied Heron Conservation team organized an advocacy program to forest Officials and the Kilkhorthang community on 17 th October 2024. RSPN and Forest officials have a long-standing collaboration in promoting the conservation of the White-bellied Heron, and this program was another step in their joint efforts.

The 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. Later the participants were introduced to captive breeding facilities of WBH and provided guided tours to information unit learning about Heron biology, behavior, ecology and threats.

The advocacy program successfully brought together forest officials and community members to discuss the conservation work of the White- bellied Heron. The program fostered collaborative support and laid the groundwork for future initiatives to protect the species and its habitat. Sustained efforts and active participation from all stakeholders will be essential to ensure the long-term survival of the White- bellied Heron. There were a total of 18 participants with 3 female and 15 number of male participants.

The conservation of White- bellied Heron is a matter of urgent global concern. In order to advocate on the importance of conserving the WBH and to discuss the means to collaboratively enhance the conservation effort, RSPN staff of White-bellied Heron Conservation team organized an advocacy program to Dzongkhag livestock, agriculture and Tsirangtoe gewog staffs on 11th October 2024.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 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.

Later a discussion on the preventive measures and response plans for potential outbreaks of avian diseases were also discussed with livestock officials. 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 participants saw mixed groups of people with presence of both the gender. In total there were 5 numbers of female participants and 28 numbers of male participants from the community.

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 Damphu Central School on September 28th as part of a conservation initiative focused on the White-bellied Heron (WBH). Advocacy programs not only help to educate our community but also inspire collective action to save those critically endangered species, preserving the balance of nature and supporting global conservation efforts. Most people are unaware of the importance of White – bellied Heron’s role in balancing our ecosystem. In an effort to raise awareness and promote conservation efforts among the youth, RSPN staff of White-bellied Heron.

The 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 and teachers 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.

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. Moving forward, it is crucial to maintain momentum by continuing to engage students in conservation initiatives and providing them with opportunities to contribute positively to the environment.

Student participation included both male and female students of mid -term examination topper from Class 9, 10,11 and 12. In total there were 12 numbers of female participants and 21 numbers of male participants including the teachers.

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.