RSPN signs MoU with Embassy of Finland, New Delhi

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Embassy of Finland, New Delhi and Royal Society for Protection of Nature on 9^th July 2012 at Thimphu to formalize continuation of support for the Community-based natural resource management program in selected villages under Lumang and Kangpara gewog in Trashigang Dzongkhag. The project worth 41,342 Euros shall be implemented over a period of one year.

The program broadly focuses on tackling localised watershed issues through participatory action-based research and capacity building programs. Water scarcity has been reported as one of the priority issues in the target villages (Moshi, Khaimanma, Madhuwa and Passaphu) as evidently they are losing their water sources to deforestation, overgrazing, and erosion (RSPN, SES Report 2008, pp. 16-34). Scarcity of water has also indirectly induced food insecurity in many of the villages in Wamrong and Kangpara affecting the overall livelihood of people. It is hoped that such approach to dealing with water issue will pave the way for a more sustainable watershed management practices in the area in future.

Similarly in the past, the Embassy had supported several programs relating to natural resource management including establishment of community forests in Lumang and Kangpara gewogs. This is the third grant of its kind and its support has also been instrumental in helping RSPN establish its presence in the eastern part of Bhutan.