Introduction

The objective of the project is to establish approaches and tools for protecting and managing the Critically Endangered White-bellied Heron (WBH) habitats along Punatsangchhu and Mangdechhu basins, central part of Bhutan. It is funded by the Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), Germany through International Climate Initiative (IKI) with co-funding from MAVA Foundation, Switzerland and the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN). The project is implemented in collaboration with the Royal Government of Bhutan and other stakeholders.

• Start Date: July 1, 2021 
• End Date: June 30, 2026 
• Project Budget: EUR 4.11 Million

Impact:

WBH population stable or increasing in Bhutan and other Himalayan countries through ecosystem-based conservation measures.

Outcome:

Effective adaptive ecosystem solutions for WBH conservation in Bhutan (and other Himalayan countries) created through habitat restoration and livelihood enhancement.

Output:

1. Ecosystem-based biodiversity survey and community engagement strategies for WBH conservation based on Ecosystem and Socio-economic Resilience Analysis and Mapping (ESRAM) approach, designed and applied.
2. Degraded and new potential WBH habitats rehabilitated and created (feeding, roosting and nesting).
3. Capacity of all stakeholders on planning and implementation of ESRAM study, ecosystem-based adaptation and livelihood options strengthened.   4.Ecosystem-based adaptation livelihood options in the WBH habitat areas, applied and established.
4. Ecosystem-based adaptation livelihood options in the WBH habitat areas, applied and established.
5. Knowledge based on ecosystem-based biodiversity conservation, WBH habitat and population and climate adaptation, established and disseminated.

Project Area:

The project covers Punakha, Tsirang, Dagana, Wangdue Phodrang, Trongsa and Zhemgang districts.