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.

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 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.

As an exchange program visit to neighbouring range countries of White-bellied Heron, the staff from the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) and the Department of Forest and Park Services recently visited Myanmar country. The program was coordinated mainly to share the knowledge on integrated approaches used by RSPN Bhutan in saving White-bellied Heron birds.

During the program, the participants visited important cultural and biodiversity sites in Myanmar and hosted a knowledge-sharing workshop with conservation organizations in Myanmar. The day-long knowledge-sharing workshop was jointly hosted by the country office of #Fauna and Flora International in Myanmar and RSPN. The participants from Myanmar attending the workshop included the #WWF-Myanmar, #Nature Conservation Society, #Myanmar Biodiversity Fund, #Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Society (BANCA), and researchers.

It was a significant milestone for RSPN to conduct this exchange program visit to Myanmar with limited information and conservation efforts undertaken of White-bellied Heron from the country. During the knowledge-sharing workshop, both the participants from the Bhutan and Myanmar sides presented the conservation works and way forward plans. RSPN shared the knowledge on various approaches used by Bhutan particularly through the implementation of projects like International Climate Initiatives (IKI) to enhance the conservation of White-bellied Heron. From the Myanmar side, the conservation organizations presented their respective areas of work and the status of the White-bellied Heron population in the country. As per the annotated checklist maintained by the researcher since 1999, it is estimated that 29 White-bellied Heron distribution records are in Myanmar. However, the recent record for the last five years accumulates to only around 5 White-bellied Heron in the country. Though there are no systematic surveys especially population surveys conducted on White-bellied Heron in Myanmar and India, the estimated population based on the sighting records indicates a very low number of population occurring in the region. From the knowledge-sharing workshops held with joint partners from the respective countries of India and Myanmar, indicate the presence of 10-13 individuals of White-bellied Heron in India and about 5 individuals in Myanmar if we account for the last five years’ sightings. In Bhutan, the recent population survey saw 25 individuals of White-bellied Heron. This makes the global population of this species only about 43 individuals. There is a great concern about the declining and low population occurrence of the species in the region.

Later RSPN drives the discussion on building regional effort to conserve the White-bellied Heron through diverse mechanisms relying on the expertise and experience of conservation efforts undertaken by RSPN. A discussion was held on scaling up a similar conservation approach at the regional level. It was found that considering the critical nature of the White-bellied Heron, there is huge scope for the distribution range countries of the species to collaborate in saving the species. The White-bellied Heron was declared extinct from Nepal and similarly, many of the historical distribution sites have no recent record of the species occurring. The key discussions were the need to update the White-bellied Heron Strategy document, develop a country-specific Conservation Action Plan and implement landscape regional projects among White-bellied Heron range countries.

RSPN will leverage the conservation experiences of the White-bellied Heron for more than two dacades to lead many of the areas discussed at the regional level. As an immediate measure, RSPN is planning to host training of researchers and staff of relevant conservation organizations from Myanmar and India in Bhutan for survey and monitoring of White-bellied Heron, and initiate resource mobilizations required to support regional programs.

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.

Towards enhancing the conservation effort of the White-bellied Heron(WBH) among the distribution range countries, staff of the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) and the Department of Forests and Park Services (DoFPS) are currently in India. During the Exchange Program visit, they will host a knowledge-sharing workshop with relevant conservation organizations in India and also make a field visit to some of the important National Parks in India.

Today, as a joint collaboration between the Wildlife Institute Of India, Dehradoon (WII) and RSPN Bhutan, a knowledge sharing workshop will be held at WII campus in Dehradun.

RSPN through the generous support of the German government under the funding window of the International Climate Initiative(IKI), is currently implementing the project “Developing ecosystem-based solutions for managing biodiversity landscapes in Bhutan” with the special objective of establishing approaches and tools for protecting and managing White-bellied Heron landscape. The project introduced the Ecosystem and Socio-economic Resilience analysis and mapping (ESRAM) approach for biodiversity conservation and management in Bhutan. In addition, the project has documented several knowledge and systematic approaches for the management of natural resources, ecosystem services and climate-resilient livelihood options resulting in the improvement of biodiversity management and enhancement of livelihoods of the communities living in WBH landscapes. The project has also shown significant scope to scale up at the regional level with similar approaches.

The knowledge-sharing workshop today focuses on sharing the knowledge gained thus far from the conservation of WBH through the implementation of the current IKI project by RSPN, and also conducting a series of discussions to enhance the future partnership mechanisms in the conservation of WBH at a regional level.

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.