༄༅། ། རྒྱལ་འཛིན་རང་བཞིན་སྲུང་སྐྱོབ་ཚོགས་སྡེ།
Inspiring personal responsibility for environmental conservation since 1987
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.
WBH population stable or increasing in Bhutan and other Himalayan countries through ecosystem-based conservation measures.
Effective adaptive ecosystem solutions for WBH conservation in Bhutan (and other Himalayan countries) created through habitat restoration and livelihood enhancement.
The project covers Punakha, Tsirang, Dagana, Wangdue Phodrang, Trongsa and Zhemgang districts.
One of the main highlights of the ongoing White-bellied Heron International Conference 2026 in Bhutan was the official launch of the 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲-𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹…
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The 𝗛𝗼𝗻’𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗟𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗽𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝗺 𝗧𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀, graced the opening session of the 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲-𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 in Thimphu.…
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A two-day capacity-building workshop on #EarthRanger, #Eco-restoration and project ideation to implement #NBSAP Targets were successfully concluded on December 25, 2025 at White-bellied Heron…
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We are pleased to share that 𝟮𝟭 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀, supported under RSPN’s Community-based Tourism (#CBT) initiative through the ongoing BMUV-IKI project, have successfully received Village…
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The Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) is hosting a 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆-𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 to safeguard the 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗘𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱, 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲-𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻. As part…
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After more than five years, the Critically Endangered White-bellied Heron has been sighted again in the Kuri-Gongri Basin, Pema Gatshel Dzongkhag. Its last recorded…
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The Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN), through its ongoing BMUV-IKI Project, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Local…
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In the far-flung eastern corners of Bhutan lie the beautiful villages of Lauri, Serthi, Zangthi, Menjung, and many more. These communities, perched on the slopes…
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The three-day workshop equipped teachers, who also serve as Nature Club and ASPnet Coordinators with knowledge and tools on #ClimateEducation that go beyond the…
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After an insightful session on #Waterbird monitoring yesterday, today our participants were greeted by a beautiful waterbird/shorebird right at our training venue in Yongkola,…
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Today, the first session of the workshop kicked off with an introduction to the ‘𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗘𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲-𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀’…
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The Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) is hosting a 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆-𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 to safeguard the 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗘𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱, 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲-𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻. As part…
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The Management and Executive officials of PHPA-II, along with representatives from RSPN Bhutan recently inaugurated a eco-restoration site, supporting the rehabilitation of the Bjitshokha…
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As part of a major initiative to strengthen scientific research and conservation efforts for the critically endangered White-bellied Heron and other avian species in…
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On the auspicious occasion of the Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the Third Druk Gyalpo, the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN Bhutan)…
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RSPN Bhutan hosted a two-day’s consultation meeting focused on creating sustainable livestock initiatives along the Mangdechhu and Punatshangchhu basins, which are crucial habitats for…
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The consultation meeting organized by RSPN Bhutan aimed to discuss the development of community seed banks along the Mangdechhu and Punatshangchhu basins, one of…
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The community forest in Laja Gewog under Dagana district associates their name to their holy site of Guru Rinpoche that resembles the frontier sky…
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The staff of White bellied Heron Conservation Center conducted a White-bellied Heron advocacy program in response to the Tashiding school staff request to visit…
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White- bellied Heron is classified as a critically Endangered species because it has an extremely small and rapidly declining population. This decline is projected…
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As the harvest season approach, Ap Dorji Rinchen, a resident of Toedwang gewog in Punakha, can finally rest without sacrificing his sleep to guard…
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The conservation of White- bellied Heron is a matter of urgent global concern. In order to advocate on the importance of conserving the WBH…
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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…
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Opening the curtains of young minds can later do wonders for the conservation of critically endangered bird White – bellied Heron. Therefore in an…
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The Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN) hosted an advocacy program for Tsirangtoe central school staff and community on September 29th as…
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The Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN) hosted an advocacy program for the Tsholingkhar community, including primary school students, teachers, and community…
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The Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) hosted teachers and students from Mendrelgang Central School on September 7th as part of a conservation…
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School leaders play a critical role in shaping the overall education system in the school. The conservation education program conducted yesterday by the Royal…
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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…
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Bhutan has forest coverage of 69.71 per cent with a total carbon sequestration potential of 11 million tonnes of CO2 per annum in the…
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In the southern reach of Bhutan, amidst the vibrant lust forest and tranquil valleys of Dagana District, the locals of Bara Gumti village have…
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Over the years, the deserted land is expected to be transformed into a thriving forest, with tall trees covering the landscape. This revitalized area…
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Aum Pema from Merak is reached her hometown in far eastern Bhutan today from the long tedious bus journey she has taken from Haa.…
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“𝙃𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙖 𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚.” – 𝙇𝙪𝙘𝙮 𝙇𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙤𝙢 On this very significant day, RSPN takes much pleasure in updating our partners and…
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We are thrilled to share that out of the 62 supported houses aiming to become Village Homestays, 12 have now earned certification from the…
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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…
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The delegation from the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) was in Bhutan. The five member team…
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A comprehensive five-day packaging workshop was conducted for the representatives of Climate-smart Agriculture Youth and Women groups of the three project sites (Punakha, Trongsa,…
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A joint team from RSPN Bhutan and Thedtsho Gewog carried out the monitoring of #RWSS in Wangdue Phodrang District on March 6th, 2024. Currently,…
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In an effort to monitor and conserve the Critically Endangered #WhitebelliedHeron (Ardea insignis), RSPN Bhutan in collaboration with Department of Forests and Park Services…
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Ready for the perfect holiday getaways? Look no further! Gumti Ecotourism in Dagana District is now open to offer you unforgettable experiences. Embark on…
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Commemorating the joyous Birth Anniversary of our beloved Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, #tourism facilities including a campsite, nature trail, hot stone bathing facilities, and…
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Coinciding with the auspicious Birth Anniversary of our beloved Gyalsey, Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, RSPN team and Extension Agriculture officers distributed hybrid seeds and seedlings…
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RSPN and Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project Authority (PHPA-I) signed a joint agreement in restoring some of the degraded areas within the project landscape that is…
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Capacity Building Workshop for Local Conservation Support Group(LCSG) The formation of Local Conservation Support Groups (LCSG) along the White-bellied Heron landscape is part of…
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314 participants including students were educated on the White-bellied heron (#WBH) and its conservation to the communities residing in the lower Wangchu basin under…
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Agriculture plays a crucial role in economic development and has been the backbone of civilizations throughout history, providing sustenance and livelihoods to communities worldwide.…
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Community-based Tourism plays a significant role in White-bellied Heron (WbH) conservation by raising awareness among visitors. This increased awareness can lead to a greater…
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Human-wildlife Conflict(HWC) can occur in various forms, such as crop depredation by angulates, predation on livestock by carnivores, and direct threats to human safety…
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Consultation on development of habitat restoration guideline for White-bellied Heron The degradation of habitats or ecosystems will not only impact the survival of White-bellied…
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RSPN is one of the implementing partners of the current Green Climate Fund Readiness and Preparatory Support Programmer for Bhutan, “Bhutan the Capacity of…
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In the realm of conservation efforts, it is widely recognized that successful conservation initiatives must include the active participation and engagement of local communities…
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As it Stands: A total of 27 White-bellied Herons (WBH), including three juveniles recorded during the WBH Annual Population Survey, conducted from March 1-5,…
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The ongoing BMUV-IKI project ‘𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺-𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗵𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗻”, the RSPN team along with technical support from respective gewog agricultural…
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Aiming to restore 50 hectares of degraded forest in the White-bellied Heron Landscape, the ongoing BMUV-IKI initiative involves planting 12.5 hectares of land each…
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From the ongoing BMUV-IKI project, the RSPN team along with technical support from respective gewog agricultural extension officers has successfully distributed and installed 30…
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A youth–led winter chilli farming group working in Samarchhu village under Tsendagang Gewong in Dagana Dzongkhag, is turning into a model for many aspiring…
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This were some of the frequent questions asked by the communities during our recent White-bellied Heron educational awareness program conducted under the on-going BMU-IKI…
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Climate change is shifting its gear to higher speed more than ever before in human history, threatening every component of biodiversity on the Earth.…
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Communities are important stakeholders, vital for the successful implementation of any environmental conservation activities. To enhance their capacity to support the conservation of…
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Opening the curtains of young minds can later do wonders for the conservation of #Critically#Endangered bird White-bellied Heron(WBH). Today, an awareness program was conducted…
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As part of the on-going BMU-IKI project “Developing Ecosystem-based Solutions for Managing Biodiversity Landscapes in Bhutan”, RSPN in collaboration with the Department of Forests…
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RSPN completed the Project introductory meetings with local government leaders and relevant stakeholders within the key WBH landscapes under the project, “Developing ecosystem-based…
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Members of our team are currently carrying out the consultation with community forest management groups and relevant officials in our six project districts (Dagana,…
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