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.

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’.

The Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) received 54 students and two teachers from The Royal Academy, Druk Gyalpo’s Institute to learn about the Environmental Conservation Programs of the organization. The students visited the organization yesterday, and it is as a part of their ongoing field trip to learn about different aspects of environmental conservation programs.

Narrating the historical background of RSPN establishment and the conservation activities that have been initiated for more than three decades now, students were made to understand through presentation by RSPN staff. Students learned on the different thematic approaches and conservation methods put in place by RSPN to support the environmental conservation of Bhutan.

“RSPN has a citizen-based non-governmental organization is devoted to the conservation of the Kingdom’s environment. RSPN has been supporting conservation programs as a complementary effort to government conservation programs through a systematic approach of innovation, citizen engagement, environmental education and empowerment geared to implement sustainable solutions. RSPN currently focuses on six thematic areas, conservation of Species and Habitat, management of Wetland and Freshwater, promotion of Environmental Education, initiation of Sustainable Livelihood, management of Waste and Pollution, and (6) actions of adaptation and mitigation for Climate Change. The six thematic areas are initiated based on the national and international priorities.”

Later, students learnt about two of the flag species programs of RSPN in saving one of the critically endangered birds in Bhutan, the White-bellied Heron, and the heavenly revered bird, the Black-necked Crane.

RSPN is putting robust effort into engaging students, communities and different stakeholders as an advocacy and educational program to enhance the environmental conservation knowledge in the country.

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).

On 24th August, RSPN hosted teachers and students from Gaselo Higher Secondary School to share the conservation program on White-bellied Heron (WBH). The program, as a part of community engagement, is coordinated to advocate on the critical status of the species and the importance of conserving it.

The day-long event was conducted at White-bellied Heron Conservation Center (WBHCC) in Tsirang. The program began with a presentation on the WBH ecology and the effort of RSPN to save the species from extinction. Later students were also engaged in an art competition on the theme “Together We Can Save WBH from Extinction.” Students expressed their creativity by illustrating powerful messages and artistic images, demonstrating their understanding of the threats and their commitment to supporting the conservation of the species. The competition encouraged students to think critically about how collective efforts can reverse the decline of the WBH.

The event concluded with the awarding of gifts for the team who won the art competition

Environmental Education is one of the core programs of RSPN through which young minds are engaged in understanding the importance of nature. Since 1990s, RSPN has been supporting the establishment and functioning of the Nature Clubs in the schools. In the following months, RSPN targets to engage more school students, local communities and other important stakeholders on the similar WBH advocacy program.

We are grateful to Gaselo Higher Secondary School Management for letting teachers and students attend this enrichment program.

MEET THE SPEAKERS-PEER Bhutan Symposium 2023 Technical Session III

Technical Session III

We have three intellectual speakers from diverse backgrounds and they are:

1. Mr. Tshewang Dendup will present his research topic on “Understanding of Source Waters and Recharge Mechanisms of Mountain Springs and Streams in Radhi and Phongmey Gewongs in Trashigang”.

Mr. Dhendup is a lecturer at the Royal University of Bhutan and a Coordinator of the Center for Science and Environmental Research at Sherubtse College. His primary research interest is watershed hydrology, focusing on the identification and quantification of water sources for stream runoff and springs using isotopic and geochemical tracers.

2. Dr. Nidup Dorji will present his research topic on “Health-related Quality of life and psychological wellbeing among people living with HIV in Bhuatns”.

Mr. Dorji is an Assistant Professor and Deputy Dean of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences at the Faculty of Nursing and Public Health, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Science in Bhutan.

He has published scientific articles including book chapters in national and international peer-reviewed journals as a first and second author through independent research undertakings and collaborations. Moreover, he is an editorial member of the Bhutan Journal of Management and serves as an external reviewer for national and international journals.

3. Dr.Carrie Antal will present her research topic on “USAID partnership in Bhutan and the region”.

Dr. Antal is a Foreign Service Officer with the United States Agency for International Development, where she currently serves as the lead for Bhutan and the Trade and Connectivity portfolios out of the Agency’s mission in Delhi, India.

She joined USAID in 2011 as an Education Officer and her previous roles have included serving as the Basic Education lead in Rwanda and Pakistan, Officer Director for Food Security, Governance, Education, and Humanitarian Aid in Madagascar, and Senior Development Advisor to the US Military at the Army War College in the United States.

4. Dr.Andrew Gerard will present his research topic on “Research and Innovation at USAID”.

Dr. Gerard is Program Manager on the Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research (PEER) Program, which provides research grants to developing country researchers who partner with U.S government-funded scholars. Prior to joining USAID in 2020, Dr. Gerard worked as a research assistant and project manager at Michigan State University while completing a Ph.D.

Before pursuing his Ph.D, he worked at the Global Knowledge Initiative, where he focused on building global research networks and collaborating with African governments and other stakeholders on science and technology policy and strategy.

5. Dr.Sonam Wangchuk will present his research on “Preliminary findings of the Moderna Vaccine immunogenicity and reactogenicity study by KGUMSB(Moderna Bhutan Project)”.

Dr. Wangchuk is a Specialist at Royal Center for Disease Control, Ministry of Health. He is a recipient of the ICEID 2012 Leaders Award and has published 40 research articles in various journals mainly on infectious diseases as primary author and co-author.

#JoinUS and watch as their research findings unfold on September 14th 2023 in Heron Hall, RSPN Head Office, Kawajangsa, Thimphu District

MEET THE SPEAKERS-PEER Bhutan Symposium 2023, Technical Session III