LocationsRegional consultations for all 20 districts underway
Strengthening Bhutan’s National Biodiversity Strategies
February 5, 2025
The National Biodiversity Centre (NBC), in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC), UNDP Bhutan, and the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan (NBSAP) Technical Working Group (TWG), is conducting a series of regional consultation workshops across Bhutan. These consultations aim to review and validate national biodiversity targets, strategies and actions while engaging key stakeholders at the local level to ensure the effective implementation of the NBSAP.
Regional Consultations: Uniting Local Voices for a National Biodiversity Plan
A series of regional consultations are bringing together local governments, community representatives, and sectoral experts to shape Bhutan’s national biodiversity framework. These sessions provide a crucial platform for diverse voices across the country to contribute their insights and expertise, ensuring an inclusive and participatory approach to biodiversity planning.
Objectives of the Consultations
The workshops serve as a platform to review and validate national biodiversity targets, strategies, and action plans while identifying key challenges and opportunities for implementation. Stakeholders participate in focused discussions and brainstorming sessions to assess capacity-building needs, ensuring the development of a comprehensive roadmap that will strengthen the implementation of the NBSAP.
Inclusive Participation for Effective Implementation
The consultations bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including dzongkhag sector heads in agriculture, livestock, education, health, statistics, land records, engineering, environment, and planning. Local government representatives, including DT Thrizin, Gups, and Thromdes, actively contribute their perspectives. Religious institutions and representatives from regional and central programs also play a crucial role in shaping discussions.
A Nationwide Efforts to Strengthen Biodiversity Planning
Four regional consultations covering all 20 Dzongkhags, followed by a national consultation, will be completed by February 2025. The first consultation for the Eastern Region was held in Trashigang from 15 to 17 January, engaging stakeholders from Trashigang, Trashi Yangtse, Mongar, Lhuentse, Samdrup Jongkhar, and Pema Gatshel. The second consultation, held in Trongsa from 21 to 23 January, included participants from Zhemgang, Trongsa, and Bumthang. The Punakha consultation, conducted from 27 to 29 January, brought together representatives from Punakha, Tsirang, Dagana, Gasa, Wangdue, and Sarpang. The final regional consultation in Paro, currently underway, includes stakeholders from Thimphu, Paro, Haa, Chhukha, and Samtse.
The consultation process will conclude with dedicated workshops for the private sector and a high-level consultation in Thimphu, further strengthening Bhutan’s commitment to protecting and sustainably managing its rich natural heritage.
Building a Sustainable Future
This initiative is supported by the GEF Early Action Support and Umbrella Support projects, implemented through UNDP Bhutan. By fostering collaboration between national and local stakeholders, these consultations will play a pivotal role in shaping a resilient and sustainable biodiversity strategy for Bhutan’s future.
