Habitat-level Awareness Program on Black-necked Cranes in Bhutan

A total of Six Black-necked Crane habitats and six Gewogs (Blocks) were covered in three Districts during the awareness program between 09-22 January 2016. In each Gewog an average of 50 participants were made aware on BNC in Bhutan with a total coverage of about 350 people. Gewogs such as Tang and Chumey (Bumthang), Dungkar and Menjey (Lhuntse) and Yangtse and Bumdeling (T/Yangtse) were covered.

An elderly women from Uruk with her poster calendar with information on Black-necked Cranes

The main purpose of the awareness workshop was to sensitize communities and local officials on the importance of conservation of Black-necked Cranes and its habitats. Communities were informed about the Black-necked Crane’s distribution range, its food preferences, habitat type, its behavior, threats and conservation initiatives in Bhutan

Group work in progress in Uruk village in Gyetsa, Chumey gewog, Bumthang

Awareness were made through presentations, group works, video documentary, poster and banner presentation and interactive sessions. About 400 posters, 400 calendars and 100 lapel pins with BNC conservation messages were distributed. BNC brochure were also distributed.

The participants on Tangmachu, Lhuntse posing for group photograph with Crane Banner.

During the Group works, communities shared their concerns and opinions on BNC conservation and protection in their respective areas. To be inclusive, participants such as women, youth, men, elderly people, government officials, teachers, NFE instructors. etc were invited to the meetings.

The awareness was conducted by a four member team from RSPN and Forestry officials from respective areas. RSPN acknowledges the support of various Local Government officials, Forestry Officials and communities.

Reported by: Tshering Phuntsho