𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝗱𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗔𝘀𝗶𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴

The 21st BirdLife Asia Regional Partnership Meeting is currently happening in Indonesia. The three day partnership meeting is attending by 14 BirdLife partners in Asia, and some of the key stakeholders having association to BirdLife in Asia. RSPN Bhutan is only BirdLife partner from Bhutan and representing this partnership meeting.The partnership meeting organized by BirdLife International Asia and co-hosted by Burung Indonesia outlines following objectives;

Monitor and evaluate progress on delivery of the key conservation priorities identified by the Asia Conservation Strategy to advance the BirdLife Strategy (2023-2032).

Continue to unite around joint initiatives to deliver on the key conservation priorities identified by the BirdLife Asia Partnership.

To strengthen the Asia Partnership is in a better position to deliver on our shared conservation priorities, develop plans to strengthen Partners and the Partnership.

Today, in the first day of partnership meeting, RSPN presented some of the significant milestones it has achieved in recent years for conserving biodiversity, creating sustainable development, mitigating climate change impacts and other areas that supplements the effort of the government. In the following days, RSPN will present Ecotourism and Climate Change initiatives.

RSPN became the 122nd BirdLife Partner organization in 2016. As the largest conservation NGO in Bhutan, it dedicates itself to pioneering biodiversity safeguards, the environment, sustainable development and climate change.

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).

RSPN in collaboration with the Ugyen Wangchuk Institute for Forestry Research and Training (UWIFoRT) and the Natural History Museum and BOKU University in Austria is initiating a joint research project, ‘Enhancing Biodiversity Protection and Building Capacity for Cooperative Research in Bhutan to Address Sustainable Development Goal 15 (EPiC)’.

The project aims to investigate the complex relationship between forest management, avian biodiversity, and ecosystem health in Bhutan, with a particular focus on the habitat of the critically endangered White-bellied Heron. The initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 15, aiming to ‘protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, combat desertification, and halt land degradation and biodiversity loss’. The project inception meeting followed up by a series of workshops is happening from 22nd to 31st July 2024.

Capacity building constitutes a significant component of the project, with dedicated work packages aimed at enhancing the skills of Bhutanese researchers in ecological monitoring and conservation strategies. This workshop is an integral initiative of the EPiC Consortium aimed at addressing the critical need for enhanced land use and land cover (LULC) mapping in Bhutan, particularly focusing on the watersheds primarily for the White-bellied Herons, but also to other forest birds with relevance to EPiC. Despite the existence of a national LULC map, a refined version tailored to specific conservation goals is needed. Through this workshop, we will employ GIS and remote sensing technologies with the long-term aim of creating a high-resolution map that accurately reflects the natural and utilized forest areas, identifying potential breeding and foraging habitats for the herons, and assessing river systems pertinent to WBH ecology. The workshop aims to secure open-source geodata and identify the necessary accompanying information (habitat requirements, occurrence of heron and other associated species). Similarly, the workshop will also focus on training the participants on research methods and tools, and explore diverse scopes in enhancing the scientific knowledge on White-bellied Herons. As a part of the workshop, the participants are also making field visits to the White-bellied Heron Conservation Center.

The project is supported by the programme “Cooperation Development Research” (KoEF) from the OeAD Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalisation.

The Chairperson, Board of Directors, and staff of RSPN Bhutan are deeply honored to receive the 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 from the The Bhutan Youth Development Fund for our contributions to transforming the lives of Bhutanese youth and children, during their Silver Jubilee celebration. 

We are profoundly humbled and eternally grateful to Her Majesty Gyalyum Tseyring Pem Wangchuck for her inspiring leadership in fostering personal responsibility towards conserving the kingdom’s environment. With heartfelt congratulations, we celebrate the Bhutan Youth Development Fund’s 25 years of remarkable dedication to educating, employing, and empowering countless young people across the nation.

Today, our 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸-𝗻𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 in Phobjikha had the pleasure of hosting the Green Climate Fund delegates and national officials. We are thrilled to have shared our passion for environmental sustainability with the delegates and look forward to continuing our endeavor for a greener future together!

The center established in 2001 plays a crucial role in promoting our joint conservation efforts and enhance awareness and knowledge about the #Cranes, ecotourism programs, local flora, fauna, and the enrich culture of our community.

The seven-day ‘Peer Learning Trip to Haa’ to explore Community-based tourism initiatives was held from  25th April to 1st May, 2024. This immersive experience aimed to understand the dynamics of sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and community engagement.

The trip encompassed various activities ranging from experiencing the village homestay, experiences to Haa Panorama hike guided by local guide, visits to religious sites guided by Homestay Chairman (Homestay Association of Haa), interaction with Karsho eco-campsites members and property visit, and also visit to various heritage lodges and their hot stone bath facilities. In addition, the team visited to National Research Centre For Riverine and Lake Fisheries (NRCRLF), Haa Visitor Information Center, and Jigme Kesar Strict Nature Reserve (JKSNR).

This learning trip brought together newly certified homestay owner from the project landscape to experience Community-based Toursim in Haa which was initiated by RSPN (Year 2016-2018). The participants observed how local communities are empowered to manage and benefit from tourism activities. In addition, the participants gained a valuable insight into the principles of responsible tourism, the preservation of cultural heritage, the promotion of environmental conservation, and collaboration with relevant agencies within their landscape. This immersive peer learning journey not only fostered the collaboration and knowledge exchange among them but also inspired a deeper understanding and appreciation for the transformative potential of community-based tourism initiatives and also to setup a local institution at their place. 

RSPN Bhutan with co-financial support from the Department of Tourism, Bhutan through #GEF Ecotourism Project successfully coordinated the trip.

It is Global Big Day for birds and here in Bhutan we are also marking the day as Himalayan Bird Count.How to participate? It is simple, just go for birding, even a fifteen minutes is fine, and upload the bird you saw on the eBird.org website.

Happy birding to all who are watching the birds and submitting the data tomorrow.

A group of students from Carnegie Mellon University, Qatar, visited us today at our Headquarters in Thimphu. The students are on their field trip as part of their course on environment and sustainability. Jigme Tshering, National Coordinator for Black-necked Crane Conservation, delivered a talk on our conservation initiatives related to the Black-necked Cranes.

We are thrilled to share that out of the 62 supported houses aiming to become Village Homestays, 12 have now earned certification from the Department of Tourism, Bhutan. Now, they are ready to extend warm hospitality to guests from both near and far to experience the enriching cultural journey. A homestay is the ideal option for visitors looking for a genuine and immersive experience.

In Bhutan, #Villagehomestays offer a captivating peek into the rural life, inviting guests to fully engage into local customs and culture of this enchanted Himalayan Nation, while also playing a pivotal role in contributing towards socio-economic growth and preserving lush environment.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 (𝐂𝐁𝐓)?

Through CBT initiatives, RSPN Bhutan is dedicated to fostering awareness and promote positive attitudes, and sustainable actions in conserving Bhutan’s rich environmental heritage. RSPN strives to empower local communities and build a sense of ownership in sustainably managing their environment through their engagement in planning, decision-making and project implementation.

If you happen to visit the following places, don’t miss the opportunity to experience authentic taste of rural Bhutan.

An annual population survey of White-bellied Heron(WBH) this year observed the presence of 𝟮𝟱 individuals of WBH in Bhutan, including three herons that are currently being raised at the White-bellied Heron Conservation Center.

For the year 2024, the survey was conducted from 1st to 5th March across the major river basins in Bhutan; Wangchhu, Punatshangchu,

Mangdichhu, Kuri-gongri, and Jomori. These major rivers with its tributaries are identified as either currently occupying populations or known as potential habitats of WBH.

The WBH population survey was first initiated 2003 and it is an ongoing annual event coordinated by the RSPN with the support of DoFPS and LCSG members in conducting the survey. This concerted effort is significant for the WBH conservation. Today, WBH conservation is not only as a flagship program but also as a fundamental aspect of RSPN’s core mandate aimed at securing the species’ genetic diversity and facilitating population recovery in Bhutan and the region.

The annual nationwide population count enlisted the efforts of more than eighty surveyors from the Department of Forests and Park Services(DoFPS), Local Conservation Support Groups (LCSG) and the staff of Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN).

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