National Environment Strategy (NES) 2020-2030

2030. With this, emissions from the domestic Roadmap 78 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 26 Bhutan EDD 2015, Bhutan Building Energy Efficiency, Industry Audit Report, Appliances Audit Report, Technical Specifications for Energy Efficient Appliances 27 Wangchuk, Tenzin et al., 2015. “Children’s personal exposure to air pollution in rural villages in Bhutan”. Environmental Research 140: 691-698 28 Response by Minister of Economic Affairs, Loknath Sharma, to question in the National Assembly on 14 June 201p, www.theBhutanese. bt 29 www.kuenselonline.com 30 RICBL compensates up to a maximum Nu 30,000 per household. www.kuenselonline.com 79 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 80 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Chapter 4: WATER © Karma Tshering, NEC 81 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Bhutan has an abundance of water resources of increasing concern that population growth and good quality – from snow, glaciers, rivers, lakes, fast urbanization are outpacing the installation streams, springs, wetlands, rainwater, soil mois- of sewerage treatment and solid waste collec- ture and groundwater. Water has shaped the tion, threatening the water quality, especially in traditions and culture of the Bhutanese people, areas downstream of towns and cities. Localized with centuries of communal water sharing and pollution of rivers, lakes and groundwater occurs collective management practices. Water is im- from municipal wastewater, improper disposal portant in traditional spiritual cleansing and rit- of waste, discharge of industrial effluents, min- ual ceremonies, and the dwelling places of dei- ing and road construction. Increasing sediment ties are often associated with water bodies1. The loads in the rivers and streams, as a result of de- country’s rich freshwater resource provides the velopmental activities, is impacting negatively on foundation for life and for all economic activi- aquatic biodiversity3. The impact of agro-chemi- ty, including the country’s four major economic cals and fertilizers are on land and water resourc- drivers of agriculture, hydropower, tourism and es has not been systematically assessed. small-scale industry, as well as for therapeutic and religious purposes. Agriculture – which con- Though some major towns in Bhutan have sew- sumes over 90% of water resources – employs erage treatment plants, other small towns and over half our population and contributes over rural household use individual septic tanks and 15% of the country’s GDP. The energy sector in pit toilets to treat sewage. Less than 20% of to- Bhutan, comprised almost wholly of hydropow- tal households in Thimphu4 are connected to the er, accounts for a fifth of the nation’s GDP and, sewer system and the rest rely on individual sep- almost the same share of all revenue earned2. tic tanks emptied by a vacuum tanker. Domes- tic sewage, uncontrolled seepage, or overflows Although, Bhutan has high per capita water avail- from septic tanks are some of the main sources ability in theory, the mountainous terrain and of water pollution. Thimphu’s sewer system is deep gorges restrict water harvesting to small connected directly into the river, and leachate river tributaries, streams, springs and aquifers. from the waste landfill in Memelakha also seeps These sources are vulnerable to seasonal vari- into the Olarong Chhu. In addition to sewage ations in precipitation, exacerbated by climate (black water), discharging grey water directly change, and disturbances from human activities into the stormwater drains is also of concern, as such as grazing, extraction of forest resources, it pollutes the river downstream, and stormwa- and mining and quarrying. Changes in the hy- drological cycle, such as lower winter flows in streams and intense monsoons, may cause both flooding and localized water shortages, and af- fect irrigation and drinking water as well as hy- dropower generation. Increasing urbanization and population pressures in cities have also started affecting water quality, with growing concerns about water pollution. This section ex- plores these water-related challenges, to which the National Environment Strategy responds. Challenges related to water quality National Environment Commission surveys and monitoring indicate that Bhutan’s water resourc- es are healthy at the macro level, but there is an © Karma Tshering, NEC 82 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 ter is not treated. Plastic waste in rivers is also increasing, as consumption patterns change and waste management services battle to keep up with growing urban populations. In towns where there are large concentrations of automobile workshops, the discharge of waste oil and other effluents is a significant source of water pollu- tion. Over 97% of Bhutanese people have access to improved drinking water, but water quality is not always safe for drinking. A civil society wa- ter quality monitoring program started in 2017 found that key rivers in Bhutan contained signif- icant levels of E. Coli bacteria. Water with any © Dorji Phuntsho, NEC amount of E. Coli bacteria (a direct indication estimate that by 2100, South Asian countries, in- of faecal contamination) is considered unsafe cluding Bhutan, will experience a 5% decrease in to drink. Unclean water has been traced to nu- rainfall during the dry season6. According to the merous diseases, such as cholera, fluorosis and National Irrigation Master Plan, 2016, of the total typhoid fever. Diarrhoea, a preventable disease, 105,682 acres of cultivated land, 64,248 acres is one of the most common diseases that many still depends on the rain-fed traditional irrigation Bhutanese suffer from every year, with drinking system7. Use of bore-wells is increasing, and the water quality a key contributing factor. Accord- valleys of Paro, Punakha, Thimphu, Wangdue, ing to Royal Centre for Disease Control, of 5,740 and areas bordering the plains of India may have samples that were tested in 2016 for thermo tol- significant groundwater reserves, but these must erant coliform only 44.3% were found to be safe be accessed cautiously to avoid risk of over ex- for human consumption5. Before 2016, water traction, contamination and land subsidence. providers had no obligations to conduct water testing and treatment. Now there is a system in Bhutan has made considerable progress in terms place, but ongoing challenges are experienced in of coverage for both rural and urban water sup- terms of human resources, equipment, funding ply and sanitation in the last three decades8. and institutional linkages. However, the functionality of the water sup- ply infrastructure in both rural and urban areas Challenges related to water availability and needs improvement. In rural areas, the scattered infrastructure nature of settlements means water treatment Despite high overall water availability per capita, plants are not practical, and infrastructure is Bhutan is confronted with localized and season- limited to water pipes, intake structures, water al water shortages for drinking and agricultural storage tanks and taps. According to the 2017 purposes, which pose an obstacle to develop- census, only about 81% of housing units have ment. Drinking as well as irrigation water short- reliable water supply during the critical hours of age is a growing challenge, especially during the the day (morning, noon and evening), and about dry winter months. Much water for domestic use 1.6% of households still need to travel for at and small-scale irrigation comes from springs least 30 minutes to the nearest water source9. and aquifers. In some areas these sub-surface Drying up of water sources has been reported in sources have dried up because of increasing sur- 19 communities, comprising 336 households10. face run off, caused by ecological degradation, Rural sanitation facilities consist predominantly and by changing monsoon patterns. Scientists of pit toilets, followed by pour flush toilet and 83 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 others. Urban sanitation relies on septic tanks, many without a soakpit, discharging effluent di- rectly into the environment. Challenges related to climate-intensified disasters Bhutan’s vulnerability to water-induced disas- ters is well known. The country’s mountainous terrain makes for rapid surface runoff, and the rivers, running through deep gorges and ra- vines, receive huge volumes of water during © Dorji Phuntsho, NEC the summer monsoon. As the climate changes, with more frequent cloudbursts, flash floods are This was followed by Dig Tsho GLOF in 1998, and likely to become increasingly common11. Serious western Zyndan GLOF in 2008. A major GLOF flood events in recent years include the 2000 event occurred in 2015 with the collapse of the monsoon floods in Phuentsholing, which closed Lemthang Tsho, a source of the Mochu river, the highway to Thimphu for nearly a month, the which also affected water supply to agricultural 2004 eastern Bhutan monsoon floods, the 2009 communities in the valley. floods induced by Cyclone Aila, and the 2016 southern Bhutan monsoon floods, in which Sar- Challenges related to hydropower pang town was completely washed away. Floods The hydropower sector is the backbone of the also cause loss of soil fertility – with erosion Bhutanese economy, catering to 72% of industri- of topsoil, landslides and formation of rills and al energy needs and 34.3% of residential energy gullies, as well as seepage of nutrients from wa- needs14. Hydropower is also the nation’s biggest terlogged fields. The landslide on the Tsatichu source of revenue, enabling the great strides River in 2003 demonstrated the vulnerability of of recent decades in improving service delivery the hydropower sector, creating a new lake that and living standards. The rugged mountainous could pose dangers to the downstream Kurichu terrain, swift-flowing rivers fed by the many gla- Hydropower station. ciers and glacial lakes and monsoon rains, and well-preserved watersheds have blessed the As mean temperatures increase with climate country with tremendous hydropower resourc- change, Bhutan’s 677 glaciers are melting and es – with an estimated total potential of 30,000 retreating12, leaving behind growing reservoirs MW from 70 river-based sites and six reservoirs, of water which can burst, releasing millions of with about 24,000 MW of this being technical- cubic metres of water in flash floods, with land- ly feasible. Hydropower provides a clean and slides, siltation of rivers, and damage to hydro- renewable source of energy that helps Bhutan power infrastructure13. These events of Glacial retain low levels of emission of greenhouse gas- Lake Outburst Flooding (GLOF) have increased es. According to the 12th Five Year Plan, 2018- in frequency in the last 50 years. There were 21 2023, Bhutan’s economy remains undiversified, GLOF events recorded in Bhutan over the past and over-reliant on the hydropower sector, with 200 years, with five events in the last 40 years. a 30% share of the economy15. The most catastrophic event was in 1994, when Luggye Tsho (Lake) in eastern Lunana burst, gen- The hydropower sector is also vulnerable to cli- erating floodwaters of 2 metres in height over a mate change, with the most significant climate distance of 200 km. The flood resulted in 20 lives risk coming from glacial lake outburst flooding being lost, yaks and food grain washed away, and which can cause catastrophic failures of dams damage to houses, watermills, bridges and fields. and hydropower infrastructure. With rapid melt- 84 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 ing of glaciers, river flows are likely to change, undermining the very basis on which the hydro- power projects are being planned. Other ma- jor risks include unpredictable rainfall patterns, since all the current hydropower schemes do not have any storage capacity, the power generation fluctuates according to the seasonal and daily variation of discharge in rivers. Flow can also be impeded by increased sediment load in rivers as a result of landslides and flash floods triggered by heavy rains, decreasing the expected output and economic life of hydropower plants. Low riv- er flows in the dry winter at the same time when there is surge in electricity usage for space heat- ing, create seasonal electricity deficiencies and push government to import electricity. Hydropower construction causes irreversible change to the natural landscape, and negative social and environmental impacts are caused by muck and debris, drilling and blasting. At present, hydropower plants are concentrated in the mid- © Karma Tshering, NEC dle to lower parts of the basins and are primarily ‘run-off-the-river’ schemes, but many have some tainably, following an integrated water resource storage and long tunnels, diverting a significant management approach, is essential for balancing part of the river’s flow out of the river channel, the needs of conservation with those of devel- and putting aquatic ecosystems under severe opment. stress. Submergence due to pondage or reser- voirs, flow alterations, blockage of fish migra- Based on existing policy, legislation, rules and tion paths due to dams, rivers drying up below regulations and guidelines, Bhutan’s National En- dams as water is diverted, impacts of tunnelling vironment Strategy has the following water-re- on natural springs, debris disposal, impacts of lated Strategic Objectives: operating turbines for generating peaking pow- • Strategic Objective 17: Institutionalize and er which will lead to extreme flow and water implement integrated water resource man- level fluctuations – all these are likely to impact agement aquatic ecosystems badly. Massive expansion of • Strategic Objective 18: Prevent freshwater hydropower would destroy the pristine river val- pollution leys, the rich biodiversity and the beauty of the • Strategic Objective 19: Improve access to region on which tourism depends. safe drinking water and sanitation • Strategic Objective 20: Prevent damage from Historically, the multiple institutions governing flood disasters water use in Bhutan have had weak functional • Strategic Objective 21: Ensure sustainable linkages at policy, planning and programming development of hydropower levels, leading to duplication of efforts, weak co- • Strategic Objective 22: Ensure efficient use ordination and dispersed accountability. Devel- of water resources. oping capacity to manage water resources sus- 85 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Psychological well-being Time Use - Emotional balance Health - Spirituality - General psychological stress - Health status - Sleeping hours - Health knowledge - Walking hours -Barrier to Health - Family vitality - Education Community Education - Safety attainment Vitality - Reciprocity trust - Dzongkha language - Social support - Folk & historical - Socialization literacy HAPPINESS - Kindship density - Dialect use - Traditional sport - Income - Community Festival - Housing - Artisan Skill - Food security -Value transmission - Hardship - Basic percept Living Culture - Governance performance Standards - Ecological degradation - Freedom - Ecological knowledge - Institutional Trust - Afforestation Environmental Governance Diversity STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 17: INSTITUTIONALIZE AND IMPLEMENT INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Document focus Competent authorities Ensures that water is available in National Environment Water Policy, 2003 abundance to pursue socioeconomic Commission; Ministry development of Works and Human Enshrines concept of integrated Settlement; Ministry water resources management, and of Health; Ministry of Water Act of Bhutan, 2011 prioritizes management of water Agriculture and Forests; for drinking and sanitation, then for Ministry of Home and agriculture and hydro energy Cultural Affairs; Ministry of National Integrated Water Establishes framework and Economic Affairs Ministry of Resource Management Plan, priorities for implementation Education; Bhutan Electricity 2016 of integrated water resources Authority; Dzongkhag Water management Management Committees Strengthen and capacitate IWRM institutions Improve integrated service delivery Bhutan’s 2020 Vision states that the effective Improvement in integrated water resource man- management of watersheds must be considered agement and service delivery should be based a key component of our efforts to place the na- on regular stakeholder consultations and coordi- tion’s development on a sustainable path, since nation meetings, aiming to integrate programs, water is a precious natural resource and a heri- plans and policies of all sectors dealing with tage important to all aspects of social, economic water. The National Integrated Water Resource and environmental wellbeing. A key goal of the Management Plan, 2016 promotes inter-agen- Water Act of Bhutan, 2011 is to create the condi- cy coordination for development, management, tions for a shift from a fragmented approach to conservation and efficient use of water resourc- an integrated approach for the management of es, including surface and groundwater resources. water resources, with decentralized water gover- Integration and consolidation of the water sup- nance. As per the Act, River Basin Management ply and distribution network should also lessen Committees and Water Users’ Associations are instances of illegal tapping, water connection to be formed to ensure implementation of water bypassing water meter, and diversion of water plans and promote local capacity development supply16. Agencies are collaborating on tracking and water security. WUAs can take actions to the Bhutan Water Security Index (NECS to take enhance water availability for household use, the lead in integrating water information system wetland paddy and irrigating vegetables, resolve lying with various agencies in order to have one disputes and ensure equitable distribution. integrated water information system at national 86 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 level to avoid duplication of resources) – a sys- proofing water distribution systems; and (iv) in- tem for planning and monitoring the status of tegrated watershed and wetland management. the water resources at basin and sub-basin/dis- As part of NAPA implementation, plans include trict-level scale. Key actions include the devel- undertaking comprehensive surveys of water opment of Integrated River Basin Management resources, building of scenarios, and study of Plans, such as those which have been developed indigenous and emerging interventions, to make for Wang Chhu and Kulong Chhu, for all basins. the case for scaling-up adaptation. This includes Payments for Ecosystem Services can also be up- action to undertake site-specific studies on po- scaled, building on successful cases, e.g. where tential for sustainable groundwater extraction, a water association and hotel operators provide allowing for recharge and avoiding negative im- payments to a group of households managing an pacts on the water table. In implementing the upstream watershed17. National Land Use Zoning Implementation Guide- lines, 2018, efforts will be made to protect and Manage water resources for a changing preserve watersheds, wetlands and forest eco- climate systems that are important for adaptation. Two Bhutan’s Nationally Determined Contribution relevant five -year programs implemented by the (NDC), 2015 highlights the country’s commit- Ministry of Agriculture and Forests are: “Climate ment to increase resilience to the impacts of cli- smart and disaster resilient development”, to ex- mate change on water security through Integrat- plore alternative water sources for continuous ed Water Resource Management approaches, drinking and irrigation water; and “Sustainable including (i) water resource monitoring, assess- natural resource management and utilisation”, ment and mapping; (ii) adoption and diffusion of to undertake effective management of wetlands new, innovative and appropriate technologies and watersheds for reliable water supply. for water harvesting and efficient use; (iii) climate 87 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Psychological well-being Time Use - Emotional balance Health - Spirituality - General psychological stress - Health status - Sleeping hours - Health knowledge - Walking hours -Barrier to Health - Family vitality - Education Community Education - Safety attainment Vitality - Reciprocity trust - Dzongkha language - Social support - Folk & historical - Socialization literacy HAPPINESS - Kindship density - Dialect use - Traditional sport - Income - Community Festival - Housing - Artisan Skill - Food security -Value transmission - Hardship - Basic percept Living Culture - Governance performance Standards - Ecological degradation - Freedom - Ecological knowledge - Institutional Trust - Afforestation Environmental Governance Diversity STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 18: PREVENT FRESHWATER POLLUTION Document focus Competent authorities Water Act of Aims to protect water resources of National Centre for Hydrology and Bhutan, 2011 Bhutan and manage them efficiently Meteorology; Environment Unit, and sustainably Department of Industries, Ministry Water Regulation of Regulates effluent wastewater/ of Economic Affairs; Royal Centre for Bhutan, 2014 discharge, to minimize pollution and Disease Control; Ministry of Health: ensure quality Department of Public Health, Water Quality Includes ambient water quality Public Health Engineering, National Standards, 2018 criteria, industrial effluent discharge Environment Commission; Ministry standards and standards for of Works and Human Settlement; sewerage effluent National Water Reference Laboratory; Dzongkhag, Thromde and Gewog Administrations Strengthen enforcement of effluent Improve sewerage treatment facilities discharge standards The Water Quality Standards, 2018 clarifies the In order to improve the quality of water in roles and responsibilities of Thromdes/Munici- Bhutan’s rivers, Government is committed to palities in conducting monitoring of effluent dis- strengthen enforcement of the effluent dis- charged from their sewage treatment plants, to charge standards contained in the Water Regu- ensure that discharges are within the prescribed lation of Bhutan, 2014. These standards were standards. Government continues to expand and further developed in the Water Quality Stan- improve the coverage of sewerage treatment fa- dards, 2018, which includes updated industrial cilities, especially in urban areas, where this is an effluent discharge standards and clarifies that urgent need. In terms of the National Integrated the Environment Unit, Department of Industries, Water Resource Management Plan, 2016, every Ministry of Economic Affairs should conduct Thromde and Dzongkhag Administration should monitoring for listed projects, and ensure efflu- prepare an Integrated Water Use Management ent discharge standards are complied with the Plan based on demographic projections for the industries, and that the National Environment next decade, to ensure efficient water supply and Commission Secretariat should conduct verifi- effluent disposal, including drainage systems, in cation monitoring of effluent discharges, and in- its jurisdiction. This should include actions for vestigative monitoring in case of deterioration of treatment of leachate from waste landfill sites, as the water quality. This includes taking actions to per the Waste Prevention and Management Regu- enforce the requirement for car-wash facilities to lations, 2012. International partnerships are also establish effluent treatment plants. enabling the piloting of an energy-saving small- 88 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 scale sewage system and low-cost wastewater Intensify urban clean-up campaigns treatment plant in Thimphu. Under the leadership of the Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, Clean Bhu- Monitor drinking water quality tan campaigns have been conducted in towns To comply with government policies, legislation and villages, with 20 clean-up programs along and rules according to the Water Act of Bhutan, the four rivers of Thimphu Chhu, Paro Chhu, 2011, and the Water Regulation of Bhutan, 2014, Punakha Chhu (Po Chhu/Mo Chhu) and Chuba the Ministry of Health was mandated to monitor Chhu stream in Thimphu, and awareness is grow- drinking water quality in urban and rural areas, ing about the need to recycle plastic packaging. coordinated by the Royal Centre for Disease The National Environment Commission has also Control. The Bhutan Drinking Water Quality Stan- initiated a campaign, “My waste, my responsi- dard was adopted in 2016 by the National En- bility” which was launched by Her Majesty The vironment Commission to protect public health Gyaltsuen in June 2019, through which Bhutan and improve water quality, setting safe con- will observe on the second day of every month a centrations of drinking water parameters, and “Zero Waste hour” to achieve its vision of a Zero supporting quality management (e.g. sampling, Waste Society by 2030. testing, reporting and documentation) by all ser- vice providers. An Urban Drinking Water Quality Monitoring System ensures monthly testing by district laboratories from 34 reporting centres including hospitals and basic health units, and a Rural Drinking Water Quality Monitoring System undertakes bi-annual testing in the wet and dry seasons. According to the latest Annual Drinking Water Quality Report18, and key actions include training health-workers to monitor rural drinking water quality and enter data into an online water quality and monitoring information system. © Karma Tshering, NEC 89 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Psychological well-being Time Use - Emotional balance Health - Spirituality - General psychological stress - Health status - Sleeping hours - Health knowledge - Walking hours -Barrier to Health - Family vitality - Education Community Education - Safety attainment Vitality - Reciprocity trust - Dzongkha language - Social support - Folk & historical - Socialization literacy HAPPINESS - Kindship density - Dialect use - Traditional sport - Income - Community Festival - Housing - Artisan Skill - Food security -Value transmission - Hardship - Basic percept Living Culture - Governance performance Standards - Ecological degradation - Freedom - Ecological knowledge - Institutional Trust - Afforestation Environmental Governance Diversity STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 19: IMPROVE ACCESS TO SAFE DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION Document focus Competent authorities Water Policy, 2003 Ensures that water is available National Environment Commission; in abundance to pursue Ministry of Health; Ministry of socioeconomic development Works and Human Settlements; National Establishes framework and Department of Forest and Park Integrated Water priorities for implementation Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Resource Management of integrated water resources Forests – Department of Agriculture; Plan, 2016 management Dzongkhag, Thromde and Gewog Administrations Rejuvenate rural water sources Promote climate-resilient water The Royal Government of Bhutan has identi- harvesting, storage and distribution fied lake and spring revival and watershed man- Partnerships with CSOs/NGOs and donors have agement as a priority in the 12th Five Year Plan, made possible the construction of climate-resil- 2018-2023, with activities being undertaken ient water harvesting, storage and distribution by the Watershed Management Division of the systems in several Dzongkhags. At Gewog lev- Department of Forest and Park Services. This el, Water User Associations are taking action to aims to improve availability and accessibility of improve water supply – introducing rainwater water, making communities more resilient to cli- mate change. In some areas, areas around dried up lakes and springs have been revegetated with native species, or springs have been fenced off to protect against trampling by livestock, allowing them to recover. Actions are being taken to ex- periment with recharging spring-sheds through digging trenches and ponds to trap water in the monsoon and allow it to percolate into the ground. Preservation of traditional water sources can go along with maintaining cultural practices such as installation of Lubum at water sources. © Dorji Phuntsho, NEC 90 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 harvesting, renovating old irrigation channels, of Works and Human Settlements on “Water, and constructing new storage and distribution Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)”, aiming to pro- systems. Members contribute to collective sav- vide access to 24x7 safe drinking water to both ings to protect water sources and maintain water rural and urban households, to develop, monitor distribution systems, increasing water availabil- and evaluate water safety plans in both rural and ity for household uses, livestock and rice culti- urban areas. Actions will include improved wa- vation, improving hygiene and sanitation, and ter quality testing and surveillance, and support freeing up time for women and children. Water to Gewogs and water user associations to con- conservation actions are being combined with struct new water supply schemes, rehabilitate soil conservation to prevent erosion and en- existing schemes and protect water sources. The hance soil fertility, with Dzongkhag agricultural program will also ensure adequate irrigation wa- extension support to understand crop water and ter, with the area of (Chhuzhing terraced paddy nutrient requirements. Bore-well use also needs fields) monitored as a Key Performance Indica- to be investigated through scientific studies to tor in the 12th Five Year Plan. A five-year “Local assess where groundwater can be extracted sus- Government program on community health en- tainably. hancement and water security” will resource the provision of safe drinking water and pour flush Expand water and sanitation facilities toilets for the poorest households. By the end The Royal Government of Bhutan is committed of the Plan period, it is expected that all house- to continuing the expansion of water and sanita- holds should have access to improved sanitation, tion facilities in urban and rural areas throughout as per the Key Performance Indicator. In order to the country, as set out in the Draft National San- ensure efficiency and reliability of water supply, itation & Hygiene Policy, 2019. A five-year pro- creation of an agency for water supply services is gram, 2018-2023, implemented by the Ministry being explored. 91 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Psychological well-being Time Use - Emotional balance Health - Spirituality - General psychological stress - Health status - Sleeping hours - Health knowledge - Walking hours -Barrier to Health - Family vitality - Education Community Education - Safety attainment Vitality - Reciprocity trust - Dzongkha language - Social support - Folk & historical - Socialization literacy HAPPINESS - Kindship density - Dialect use - Traditional sport - Income - Community Festival - Housing - Artisan Skill - Food security -Value transmission - Hardship - Basic percept Living Culture - Governance performance Standards - Ecological degradation - Freedom - Ecological knowledge - Institutional Trust - Afforestation Environmental Governance Diversity STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 20: PREVENT DAMAGE FROM FLOOD DISASTERS Document focus Competent authorities Sets out anticipated increased National Adaptation National Environment Commission; risk of GLOF events from global Program of Action, 2006 Department of Geology and Mines, warming, and key adaptation (updated in 2012) Ministry of Economic Affairs strategies and priorities Strengthens institutions for mainstreaming risk reduction, National Disaster Management and coordinated disaster Authority National Centre for Disaster Management management with community Hydrology and Meteorology; Act of Bhutan, 2013 participation Department of Hydro Met Services, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs – Department of Disaster Establishes coordination and Management; National Weather Disaster Management facilitation mechanisms for Forecast and Flood Warning Centre; Rules and Regulations, international teams Ministry of Works and Human 2014 during response and relief Settlement – Flood Engineering operations Management Division; Department Provides guidance on Disaster of Medical Services, Ministry of Risk Management, roles for Health; Disaster Management Office, Disaster Risk agencies and stakeholders Department of Local Governance; Management Strategy, and links to Climate Change Ministry of Economic Affairs National 2017 Adaptation and sustainable Environment Commission development Integrated approach to flood risk ments, including agricultural fields. Key actions management by the Division include carrying out flood risk as- Building on the Disaster Management Act of Bhu- sessment studies and implementing innovative tan, 2013, the Disaster Risk Management Strat- construction technologies, including protecting egy, 2017 includes composite risk assessment riverbanks with gabions, reinforced cement con- reports and hazard maps for Bhutan, with an crete walls, Articulating Block Mattresses etc. A integrated and coordinated approach to flood five-year program through the Ministry of Home control and management. The Flood Engineer- and Cultural Affairs on “Enhancement of disaster ing and Management Division under the De- risk reduction and management” will strengthen partment of Engineering Services is responsible disaster preparedness, response and recovery for planning, designing and implementing flood capacity. protection structures along flood-prone settle- 92 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Extend flooding early warning systems Manage risks of glacial lakes In terms of the Disaster Risk Management Strat- Important activities to adapt to GLOF threats egy, 2017, Government is developing flood ear- highlighted in the National Adaptation Program of ly warning systems along high-risk rivers, and Action, 2006 (updated in 2012) were: (i) instal- building a robust national network of weather lation of early warning systems with associated stations. Donor support has enabled capaci- awareness raising (especially Punakha-Wangdi ty building with staff of the National Weather Valley); (ii) hazard zoning to prevent develop- Forecast and Flood Warning Centre to provide ment of infrastructure in red zones (especially weather and climate advisories. Most weather Chamkar Chhu basin); and (iii) assessment of stations have been automated to provide near GLOF threats for hydropower projects. Current real-time information, and prediction models strategic priorities include strengthening the are being tested in high-risk river basins. The monitoring of potentially dangerous glacial lakes National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology and instituting a network of GLOF early warning now has a 24/7 monitoring system in place, with systems covering all river basins and sub-basins staff trained in satellite rainfall estimation meth- at risk, building on the experience and capacity ods and flood prediction. Actions is being taken accrued from the development of pilot GLOF to establish flood forecasting and early warning early warning system in Puna Tsang Chhu. An- systems with vulnerable communities, based on other vital action is the development of GLOF disaster management plans that include fore- hazard mapping and zonation for all vulnerable casting, prevention, evacuation and mitigating river basins and sub-basins followed by sensi- measures. tization with local communities, and establish- ment of early warning systems. Prevent landslides from floodwaters Recent years have seen increasing investment in Artificially lower glacial lake levels the area of disaster risk reduction, with support Cooperating with a number of partners, the Roy- from international partners, including landslide al Government of Bhutan has worked to lower prevention work through slope stabilization and the level of water in high risk glacial lakes, includ- bioengineering, and constructing environmen- ing the Thorthormi Tsho and Raphstreng Tsho, to tally friendly roads, bridges and other infrastruc- mitigate the immediate threat posed by these ture. Hazard mapping for landslides and stabili- lakes outburst to the population in the Puna- sation works are being carried out in flood-prone kha-Wangdi and Chamkar valleys in central Bhu- areas, using a combination of state-of-the art tan. This is being done through controlled drain- engineering solutions such as soil nailing and age – lowering the level of the lakes by bringing shot-creting, gabions walls, sand-bag check workers and equipment to great altitudes to ex- dams and bioengineering techniques. With cavate an artificial spillway, digging with shovels flood and landslide protections in place, during to widening the existing outlet channel. This re- the heavy monsoon season, communities can quires detailed geographical and geological sur- rest assured their lands are safe. Integrated riv- veys, an evacuation plan in case the lake collaps- er basin management and water user structures’ es, a sound engineering plan and an extensive disaster management plans also include action system of training and evaluation. A five-year on watershed management – conserving forest program through the National Centre for Hy- cover, protecting riverbanks, and revegetating drology and Meteorology (NHCM) on “Hydrolo- bare slopes. gy, cryosphere and water resources information and early warning services” will strengthen infra- structure for regular monitoring, risk assessment and risk-reduction interventions. 93 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Psychological well-being Time Use - Emotional balance Health - Spirituality - General psychological stress - Health status - Sleeping hours - Health knowledge - Walking hours -Barrier to Health - Family vitality - Education Community Education - Safety attainment Vitality - Reciprocity trust - Dzongkha language - Social support - Folk & historical - Socialization literacy HAPPINESS - Kindship density - Dialect use - Traditional sport - Income - Community Festival - Housing - Artisan Skill - Food security -Value transmission - Hardship - Basic percept Living Culture - Governance performance Standards - Ecological degradation - Freedom - Ecological knowledge - Institutional Trust - Afforestation Environmental Governance Diversity STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 21: ENSURE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF HYDROPOWER Document focus Competent authorities Strategic Environmental Guidelines for environmental impact Assessment Regulation, 2002 assessment Bhutan Sustainable National Environment Provides framework for sustainable Hydropower Development Commission, Ministry expansion of the hydropower sector Policy, 2008 of Health, Ministry of Water Regulation of Bhutan, Ensure minimum environmental Economic Affairs, Ministry 2014 flow to be maintained in rivers with of Agriculture and Forests, hydropower projects Ministry of Works and Economic Development Aims at accelerating the sustainable Human Settlements, Policy, 2016 growth of the large hydropower sector Dzongkhag, Thromde and National Integrated Water Establishes framework and priorities Gewog Administrations Resource Management Plan for implementation of integrated water 2016 resources management Expand current hydropower capacity proaches are included in the National Integrated Bhutan’s Economic Development Policy, 2016 is Water Resource Management Plan, 2016 and in aimed at accelerating the sustainable growth of the Integrated River Basin Management Plans the large hydropower sector as a source of clean being rolled out. Action needs to be taken to renewable energy. There are six fully commis- give effect to provisions in the Forest and Nature sioned hydropower projects with a total installed Conservation Rules and Regulations, 2017 for a capacity of 2,326 MW in operation. This is less plough-back mechanism of 1% of royalties from than 10% of the potential, and as per the policy, hydropower development, to offset the impacts Bhutan aims to achieve a minimum power gen- and undertake watershed management activi- eration of 5,000 MW by 2022. Three new plants ties. are at various stages of construction. Future hy- dropower plans incorporating storage reservoirs Promote alternative renewable energy (at Bunakha, Sankosh, and Amochhu) may help The Alternative Renewable Energy Policy, 2013 stabilize and optimize electricity production. aims to promote alternate energy sources to diversify the energy base and enhance ener- Protect and manage upstream watersheds gy security, also using solar, wind biogas and There is an acknowledgement in the Water Act small-scale hydropower, and developing off-grid of Bhutan, 2011 of the need to protect and electricity systems to reach remote mountain manage the watersheds upstream of all hydro- communities. By 2014 a start had been made, power plants. Watershed-based adaptation ap- with 10 low-impact micro-hydropower and 13 94 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 mini-hydropower operations, contributing 8.8 Ensure environmental flows in rivers MW of electricity. Action is being taken to feed There is increasing awareness on the impor- in the experience being gained from develop- tance of ensuring environmental flows in the ment of non-hydro renewable energy sources rivers, even after construction of hydropower into the Power System Master Plan – 2040, cur- projects. The minimum environmental flows for rently under development. watercourses, set by the National Environmental Commission, were increased in the Water Regula- Carry out cumulative impact assessments tion of Bhutan, 2014 from 10% to at least 30% of Strategic Environmental Assessments are pro- the lean season flow, and are set out in the Final vided for in terms of the Economic Development Draft E-Flow Guidelines, 2019, with training pro- Policy, 2016 for all new or revised Hydropower vided to hydropower developers. This will deter- Public Private Partnerships, and a cumulative mine the necessary quantity, timing, and quality Impact Assessment was undertaken for multiple of water flow required to sustain freshwater and operations in the Kuri-Gongri basin in 2017. In estuarine ecosystems, human livelihoods and terms of the Environmental Assessment Act, 2000, well-being dependent on these ecosystems. A and the Strategic Environmental Assessment Reg- five-year program on “Strengthening water secu- ulation, 2002, detailed monitoring should be rity and enhancing management”, implemented undertaken of social and environmental impacts by the NEC Secretariat, will take acrtion to en- and mitigation measures, with reporting on the hance monitoring of environmental flow of major success of actions taken for rehabilitation and rivers. restoration. 95 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Psychological well-being Time Use - Emotional balance Health - Spirituality - General psychological stress - Health status - Sleeping hours - Health knowledge - Walking hours -Barrier to Health - Family vitality - Education Community Education - Safety attainment Vitality - Reciprocity trust - Dzongkha language - Social support - Folk & historical - Socialization literacy HAPPINESS - Kindship density - Dialect use - Traditional sport - Income - Community Festival - Housing - Artisan Skill - Food security -Value transmission - Hardship - Basic percept Living Culture - Governance performance Standards - Ecological degradation - Freedom - Ecological knowledge - Institutional Trust - Afforestation Environmental Governance Diversity STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 22: ENSURE EFFICIENT USE OF WATER RESOURCES Document focus Competent authorities Water Act of Bhutan, 2011 Aims to ensure that the water National Environment resources are protected, conserved Commission, Ministry of and/or managed in an economically Health, Ministry of Economic efficient, socially equitable and Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture environmentally sustainable manner and Forests, Ministry of Works National Integrated Water Establishes framework and and Human Settlements, Resource Management priorities for implementation Dzongkhag, Thromde and Plan (NIWRMP), 2016 of integrated water resources Gewog Administrations management Manage water demand channels to reduce conveyance losses; replacing The Water Act of Bhutan, 2011, aims to ensure surface (basin or furrow) irrigation with sprinklers that the water resources are protected, con- or drip systems; and mixing plant residues in soil served and/or managed in an economically ef- to improve water-holding capacity. Gewogs can ficient, socially equitable and environmentally also increase the number and volume of water sustainable manner; the mandate of the National retention structures such as check dams and Environment Commission includes the promo- rainwater tanks, and utilize groundwater through tion of water-friendly and water-efficient tech- sinking bore-wells, where studies show this can nologies. Managing demand for water is also one be done sustainably without lowering the water of the components of an IWRM approach, as table. In terms of the Plan, the Ministry of Agri- set out in the National Integrated Water Resource culture and Forests has responsibility to design Management Plan, 2016. This includes planned irrigation water conveyance infrastructure to op- actions to adopt cost recovery policies, utilize timize water use efficiency, and will take action water-efficient technologies, and establish de- to disseminate information through Dzongkhag centralized water management authorities at all Engineer and Agriculture Sectors (Note: There levels. are no positions/ offices at Dzongkhag Irrigation and currently irrigation activities are overlooked Adopt water-saving technologies by engineers and the agriculture sector). The National Integrated Water Resource Manage- ment Plan, 2016 also highlights technologies re- Raise community awareness lated to higher water use efficiency in agriculture: Water User Associations, are mandated by the use of mulch or plastic sheets to reduce evapo- Water Regulation of Bhutan, 2014, to take neces- ration; better irrigation scheduling to prevent sary measures to ensure efficient use of water by over-irrigation; better puddling of paddy fields members, and to mediate in any conflicts over to reduce seepage losses; piped / lined supply water access and use. River Basin Management 96 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Committees are charged with promoting and able consumption and production patterns has rewarding positive behavioural changes toward become vital. In Bhutan’s farming areas, mod- efficient water use and protection/maintenance ern technologies and methods can be used to of water sources. In terms of the Plan, the Minis- minimize water lost through seepage, e.g. lining try of Health is mandated to identify and provide irrigation channels. The scarcity of safe drinking incentives or subsidies for water saving schemes water in and around populated areas has caused or better wastewater management in rural ar- the government to invest considerable sums of eas. Civil society also plays an important role in in water storage and distribution systems, not demand management and raising awareness on all of which are efficient, and sometimes large water-saving technologies. Actions are being amounts of water go to waste through poor taken by Thromde administrations to improve management and maintenance. A draft policy on metering, water pricing and infrastructure main- Sustainable Production and Consumption will tenance. Surveys have shown that households include addressing the issue of water-efficien- in Thimphu are willing to pay significantly more cy, based on the vision in the Bhutan Water Act, than the current low monthly charge for water 2011 that water resources should be managed and sanitation, and the revenue generated can in an economically efficient, socially equitable, be used for improving and maintaining water and environmentally sustainable manner. Chang- supply and sewage networks19. es in water-use efficiency over time can also be achieved through governance and financial Efficiency in water resource use mechanisms, taking action on water budgeting, Globally, many economies are heavily dependent governance structure and practices, non-reve- on natural resource use and extraction, and use nue water rates and water tariffs. water resources wastefully. Achieving sustain- 97 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Implementation Plan Strategic Objective Lead Collaborators Key Performance Indicators Agency SO17: Institutionalize NEC NEC, NCHM, Strengthen IWRM: & implement IWRM LGs, MoAF • Management plan, process and implementation All Ministries, • Water user associations Autonomous • Stakeholder consultation and agencies, LGs, participation Thromdes Improvement in service delivery: • Stakeholder consultations • Coordination meetings Integration of programs, plans and policies of other sectors dealing with water SO18: Prevent Freshwater Pollution SO19: Improve access MoH NEC, MoWHS, • Proportion of population using safely to safe drinking water LGs managed drinking water services & sanitation • Proportion of population using safely managed sanitation services, including a hand-washing facility with soap and water • Proportion of wastewater safely treated:

1. Number of wastewater treatment plants

2. Households connected to sewerage system SO20: Prevent DDM MoWHS, • Number of deaths, missing persons and damage from flood NCHM, LGs, directly affected persons attributed to disasters MoAF disasters per 100,000 population • Direct economic loss in relation to global GDP, damage to critical infrastructure and number of disruptions to basic services, attributed to disasters Other key indicators:

1. Vulnerability assessment

2. Early warning system in place

3. Awareness

4. Disaster risk reduction plan

5. Agro meteorology services provided 98 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 SO21: Ensure MoEA NCHM, LGs. • Number of detailed feasibility study and sustainable DoFPS implementation in line with Hydropower development of Development Masterplan Hydropower Other key indicators:

1. Strategic Environment Assessment carried out for the hydropower sector

2. Detailed consultation and integration of other sector’s plans and policies in the river basin

3. Upstream down stream linkages

4. Hydrogeology assessments and the impact of hydropower development on the landscape, focus on water and wetlands. SO22: Ensure MoWHS Thromdes, LGs Change in water-use efficiency over time efficient use of water 1. Water budgeting resources 2. Governance structure and practices

3. Water saving mechanisms in place

4. NRW rates

5. Water tariff 99 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Endnotes 12 30-40 metres per year for those covered with 1 Asian Development Bank (2016) Water: Secur- debris and 8-10 metres per year for glaciers free ing Bhutan’s Future of debris - ICIMOD 2017. Studies show that be- 2 WWF (2016). Water in Bhutan’s Economy: Im- tween 1980 and 2010, glacial lakes in Bhutan portance to Partners increased by 8.7%, while the glaciers shrank by 3 Ministry of Agriculture and Forests Royal Gov- 22%. ernment of Bhutan (2014). National Biodiversity 13 Surveys have concluded that up to 25 of Bhu- Strategies and Action Plan (NBSAP) tan’s glacial lakes are at risk of a serious flood- 4 According to Thimphu City Cooperation, quot- ing event like this occurring, posing grave risk to ed in 12th Five Year Plan, 2018-2023 communities living in the downstream valleys. 5 Royal Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of 14 According to the Bhutan Energy Efficiency Base- Health (2016) line Study (2012) 6 The Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) of the Inter- 15 If hydropower construction is included. The governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 12th Five Year Plan, 2018-2023 also notes that 7 Ministry of Agriculture and Forests (2016). Na- close to 85% of Bhutan’s trade is with India, con- tional Irrigation Master Plan sisting mainly of hydropower. 8 According to the 12th Five Year Plan, 2018- 16 Irregularities reported in Royal Audit Authority, 2023, 92% of households in Bhutan now have 2018 Annual Audit Report access to improved sanitation facilities. 17 For example, see Namey-Nichu PES Agree- 9 Royal Government of Bhutan, 2017 Census, ment - https://snv.org/update/third-pes-agree- quoted in 12th Five Year Plan, 2018-2023 ment-bhutan 10 A Ministry of Health assessment showed that 18 Royal Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of 69 communities with 946 households have no Health (2018), Drinking Water Quality Report water source, while and a further 48 communi- 19 According to Thimphu City Cooperation, quot- ties with 888 households have an inadequate ed in 12th Five Year Plan, 2018-2023. water source. 11 The Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovern- mental Panel on Climate Change estimates that by 2100, South Asian countries, including Bhutan, will experience an 11% overall increase in rainfall during the wet season. 100 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 © Dorji Phuntsho, NEC 101 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 102 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Chapter 5: LIFE © Karma Tshering, NEC 103 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 In Bhutan’s rich tradition of Mahayana Bud- vation in human well-being, guided by the en- dhism, nature is seen as a living system of which lightened leadership of our beloved Monarchs people form a part. As Article 5 of the Consti- and the state religion of Buddhism that teach- tution makes clear, every Bhutanese person is es respect for all life forms and their interde- considered a trustee of the Kingdom’s natural pendence. This has ensured the emergence of resources and environment. Bhutan is a global Bhutan in the 21st century with its biodiversity leader in conservation practices, with over 51% largely intact in comparison to the global trends of its land under protected areas and biological of loss of diversity of genes, species and ecosys- corridors1, and 71% of its land under forest cov- tems3. At the same time, growing population and er. This was made possible by the farsighted vi- development pressures are placing some strain sion and leadership of Bhutan’s monarchs, and on the balance between people and nature. 4 the Constitutional commitment to keep 60% of This section explores these challenges, to which land under forest cover in perpetuity. Bhutan’s the National Environment Strategy responds. progressive policies towards forest conserva- tion and management are reflected in a strong Challenges relating to human-wildlife national enabling environment, and a number of conflict international commitments and multilateral envi- Bhutan has inherited diverse and rich ecosys- ronmental agreements (see Chapter 1). tems and wildlife, but conservation efforts have not come without a price. Every year, our farm- Geographically, Bhutan forms the part of the ers are losing significant amounts of crops and Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot with 23 livestock to wildlife depredation, as the interface important bird areas, 8 ecoregions, important between humans and wild animals increases. plant areas, and wetland areas with 3 Ramsar Bhutan cannot resort to any dramatic population sites. Forest is the dominant ecosystem in Bhu- reduction of the major wild predators, as many of tan, including subtropical, warm broad-leaved, them are globally threatened species5. Predators cool broad-leaved, evergreen oak, spruce, hem- like tiger and leopard also occur at the top of the lock, blue pine, chir pine and fir forest types and food chains in many ecosystems and help control juniper-rhododendron and dry alpine scrub. The populations of herbivores that consume crops. aquatic ecosystems of Bhutan consist mainly of major and minor rivers, lakes, marshlands and hot Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) causes social dis- springs. Bhutan records more than 5,500 native harmony and is a major constraint to agricultural species of vascular plants, 145 of which are found sustainability and food security6. For instance, only in Bhutan, including 469 species of wild or- 24.6% of farmers surveyed in 2010 mentioned chid, 46 different species of rhododendrons, and this conflict as a constraint in technology adop- over 300 species of medicinal plants. More than tion, agricultural productivity and road infra- 200 species of mammals are identified, of which structure7. The loss of crops, livestock, and even 27 are globally threatened, including the snow leopard and red panda. Furthermore, Bhutan has recorded 740 species of birds, of which 18 are globally threatened, including the black-necked crane2. A wide range of ecosystem goods and services are also derived from natural resources – such as carbon sequestration, water provision, climate regulation, nature-based livelihoods etc. Bhutan has always recognized and upheld the significance and role of environmental conser- © Dorji Phuntsho, NEC 104 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 human lives imposes social and economic costs that jeopardize livelihoods, exacerbate poverty, and can lead to retaliation against conservation programs. By 2008, annual crop loss ranged from 0.3 to 18% of total household income8. On aver- age farmers spend about two months per year guarding their livestock and crops from wildlife. Guarding, which is mostly done at night, causes additional expenses, hardship, stress and loss of sleep. Strategies have been put in place to bal- ance the needs of rural farming communities with those of the wildlife with whom they live in close proximity, but these strategies need more resources for implementation. © Dorji Phuntsho, NEC In addition, further research is needed to un- of “right of cleared way” for power transmission derstand the causes of particular human-wild- lines and road construction. life conflicts. Some contact may simply be the result of a growing human population Forest degradation is also a serious concern – and a well-maintained protected area estate. as the forest is thinned through, livestock graz- However, indications are that in some areas, ing beyond the Tsamdro, and illegal logging or clearing of forest for infrastructure causes over-extraction of timber and firewood, habitats the loss of wildlife habitats and disrupts animal are destroyed, exposed slopes become vulnera- behaviour, forcing wild animals into human set- ble to landslides and erosion, and the degraded tlements in search of food that is easily accessible. forest becomes more vulnerable to fire. Bhutan’s Increased degradation of forested areas can lead per capita fuel wood consumption is one of the to a loss in wildlife habitat and increase the en- highest in the world, since it remains the dom- croachment of wild animals into village farms inant source of energy for cooking and heating and cattle sheds9. Although development activ- in rural areas13. The demand for timber for con- ities can improve living conditions in rural com- struction is also growing to supply construction munities, they may also be exacerbating existing activities for urban centres, industrial areas, hy- human-wildlife conflicts10. dropower plants, and public infrastructure. Much of these needs are illegally supplied from forests Challenges of forest loss and degradation outside of the designated Forest Management Forest clearing also opens up areas for exploita- Units (FMUs). Many FMUs lack well formulated tion which were inaccessible before, resulting in resource management plans, and some do not habitat fragmentation and loss of biodiversity11. fulfil their harvesting potential14. Almost all the forest area in Bhutan is held un- der public administration, with over half of the Besides timber and fuel wood, a wide array of forest area designated as protected areas and non-wood forest products are extracted from the remainder of the area as “state reserve for- the forest to generate additional income through est” which includes several management regimes sale and processing in cottage industries15. In such as “forest management units”, “community many places, because of over exploitation, some forests” and “local forests”12. With the rapid pace species of medicinal plants, ferns, bamboo, and of socio-economic development, there is pres- cane, which used to be collected in abundance, sure on State Reserve Forest land to be convert- are also becoming increasingly rare, as is the lu- ed for infrastructure development in the form crative Cordyceps fungus. 105 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Challenges related to biodiversity loss tan’s mountainous terrain makes fire-fighting As per the 2019 United Nations report on the difficult, and there is often little access to water. global biodiversity crisis16, species extinctions are occurring at a faster rate than ever before Aquatic biodiversity is also under threat, as in human history. Natural habitat is under pres- freshwater habitats are disturbed by hydropow- sure as a result of rapid urbanization, expansion er dams, dredging of sand from riverbeds, road of industry, crop and grazing lands. Main threats construction, mining along rivers, and the intro- to Bhutan’s biodiversity include land conversion, duction of alien fish species poses a threat to habitat fragmentation, unsustainable harvesting, indigenous fish. The impact of hydropower on illegal logging, river pollution by effluent and freshwater species and birds has been highlight- sewage, climate change and human-wildlife con- ed as a particular threat, for example, the site flict. The poaching of Bengal tigers, bears, leop- of the Punatsangchhu hydropower project was ards, musk dear, wild boar, porcupine, python, one of the habitats of the endangered White and pheasants presents serious challenges to Bellied Heron, of which it is estimated there are the species’ well-being and survival, and retalia- only 200 birds remaining globally. Dams lead tory killings against damage-causing animals may to obstruction of fish migration within feeding, continue if human-wildlife conflict is not brought spawning and refugee habitats17, and flushing to under control. clean sediments can devastate downstream flo- ra and fauna. Even hydropower schemes with- Increasingly frequent forest fires also pose a out dams result in much lower water levels and threat to Bhutan’s terrestrial fauna and flora. increased sediment in rivers, posing a threat to Forest fires are more frequent during the long fish, amphibians and freshwater invertebrates. dry spells of winter and may be exacerbated by changing climate patterns with increased strong Climate change is expected to have significant winds. It is estimated that over 10,000 acres of effects on Bhutan’s biodiversity. Although this forest cover is lost to fire on average every year, area is not yet well researched, increases in with some forest fires raging out of control for temperature and changing rainfall patterns are days, or even weeks. Catastrophic forest fires expected to cause shifts in species ranges – as leave behind ecological devastation, threaten animals move to new habitats, and plants shift to wildlife habitats, damage roads, and destroy hy- higher elevations to escape warming trends. In- dropower infrastructure, undermining national creased temperatures and changing rainfall pat- conservation and developmental efforts. Bhu- terns may also allow for new invasions by alien species that are well adapted to the new climatic conditions, including pests and micro-organisms that cause disease. Challenges for protected areas In keeping with the country’s rich biological di- versity, the Royal Government of Bhutan has es- tablished a comprehensive system of protected areas covering 19,751 km2 or 42.7% percent of the country’s total surface area18. This includes five national parks, four wildlife sanctuaries, and one strict nature reserve, with representational samples of all natural ecosystems found in the country. To facilitate movement of wildlife and © Dorji Phuntsho, NEC contiguity of habitats, biological corridors cover- 106 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 icy of ‘high-value, low-volume’ tourism in order to control the type and quantity of tourism, and its impact on the culture and environment. Since 1987 climbing of Bhutan’s sacred mountains has also been banned, preventing the kind of eco- logical degradation and pollution seen on busy climbing routes in other Himalayan countries. The policy of imposing a Minimum Daily Package rate of US$ 200 to 250-per-person-per-night has suc- © Dorji Phuntsho, NEC ceeded in providing a source of government in- come for education, health and building tourism ing a total area of more than 3,300 km2 have been and transport infrastructure, while at the same mapped, linking the protected areas – with a total time making tourism in Bhutan an exclusive and area of 51.44% covered by protected areas (PAs) distinctive experience. But, growth of the sector and biological corridors together. In most PAs, has come with a number of challenges, as visitor boundaries have not been clearly demarcated numbers increase, and the high value compo- and zoned. This can lead to ad hoc planning and nent decreases, as a percentage of total tourism development of infrastructure, and difficulties in spend20. curbing encroachment and land use conversion. The biological corridors also lack boundary de- Bhutan received a total of 274,097 visitors in marcation as well as conservation management 2018, more than 200,000 of whom were region- plans, posing difficulties in protecting them from al tourists21, who are not subject to the minimum encroachment by human activities. There is a daily spending requirements, can stay in budget need to assess whether these routes need to be accommodation, and are not required to employ resized, relocated or better aligned. guides. This helps to provide year-round occupan- cy in hotels, but causes overcrowding at popular The other major challenge until recently has been sites in the more heavily visited region from Paro the lack of a sustainable financing mechanism to to Bumthang. In addition to social impacts, this operate protected areas at the highest standard can cause environmental degradation – as con- with enhanced management effectiveness. With centrations of visitors put pressure on fragile eco- the Bhutan for Life initiative in place, ongoing ef- systems and cause an increase in waste and litter. forts are essential to ensure long-term financial Bhutan is revising its tourism policy, but needs im- sustainability of the protected area network, as proved coordination between all sectors involved. Bhutan moves towards Middle Income Country As new tourism products are developed, it is vital status from 2023, with anticipated loss of some to ensure that their environmental impact does sources of international donor funding. not increase, for example, more vehicles contrib- uting to air pollution, or opening up of sport fish- Challenges of tourism impacts ing, posing a threat to endangered species. Tourism is a major source of employment in Bhutan, and the country’s biggest hard-currency Challenges related to illegal extraction of earner, bringing in USD 85.4 million in revenue natural resources in 2018, second only to hydropower19. Bhutan’s In terms of legislation, no hunting, fishing or main tourism attractions are its traditional cul- timber extraction is allowed from the vast area ture and way of life, its religious festivals, histor- covered by the nation’s five national parks, ic monuments and its pristine environment. Our four wildlife sanctuaries, and one strict nature tourism policy since the start of the industry in the reserve. Forest offences recorded by the De- 1970s has reflected these concerns, with a pol- partment of Forests and Park Services in 2017 107 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 included illegal removal of timber and firewood; worst known invasive species. These are com- illegal extraction of sand, soil and boulders; ille- monly found in pastures, roadsides, distrubed gal harvesting of cordyceps and other non-wood areas, barren lands and human settlement areas, forest products; poaching of wildlife; and illegal e.g. Ageratina adenophora, commonly known as fishing. Enforcement of the legislation has be- crofton weed or sticky snakeroot25, Lantana ca- come a growing challenge in recent decades, as mara, Mikania micrantha and Chromolaena odo- illegal logging has increased, with valuable hard- rata. Critically, new insects and pathogens are wood timber such as Sidha, Legerstremia perviflo- introduced via exotic plants, becoming pests in ra, Tita chap Michelia champaka, Lali, Laidor, Prali, agriculture. Oxi and Sal, smuggled out in trucks and hand- carts across the border with India22. Well-armed Biological invasions are also occurring in Bhu- illegal logging syndicates from across the border tan’s lakes and rivers, as species of carp and oth- have allegedly been masterminded by foreign er fish, first introduced for their food value, are nationals, but supported by local labour of villag- now out-competing native fish and are consid- ers who lack alternative income opportunities. ered to be the second leading cause of species extinction, after habitat destruction. Examples A high-profile case in 2012 in which officials are brown trout, Mozambique tilapia, and African of the Forest Protection and Surveillance Unit sharptooth catfish – which has already colonized tracked down and apprehended three long-time major rivers and water bodies in India, destroy- poachers in connection with the illegal traffick- ing native fish stock; and has invaded wetlands, ing of tiger and leopard parts, put the spotlight where it preys on small terrestrial birds, aquatic on the country’s vulnerability. The discovery of birds and turtles. Although research is increasing, confiscated pelt, bones, and tiger parts revealed at present there is no comprehensive inventory that a total of 17 adult tigers had been lost from and assessment of invasive alien species (IAS) Bhutan and bordering areas of India over the pe- and their impacts in Bhutan, and coordinated riod 2012-2017, mostly to poaching23. The Glob- system for management and control. al Tiger Centre has identified poaching hotspots in and around the Jigme Singye Wangchuck and Challenges in preserving agro-biodiversity Royal Manas National Parks, and along the po- and genetic resources rous border with India. Poaching of other ani- Bhutan is rich in agro-biodiversity, having more mals, such as bears, musk dear, wild boar, porcu- than 100 species of crops that are indigenous pine, python and pheasants also occur regularly, to the country26. At present, the documentation posing threats to some species’ survival. and conservation of the local diversity of culti- vated plants and domesticated animals are still Challenges related to invasive alien species ongoing, focusing on ex-situ and on farm con- Worldwide, exotic plants and animals intro- servation. Nevertheless, the lack of adequate hu- duced to countries from outside – both delib- man, technical and financial capacities still pose erately through trade and accidentally through a huge challenge. Current trends of rural-urban travel – are having a negative effect on native migration, depletion in farm labour, human-wild- species and their ecosystems, often spreading life conflict, access to new crop varieties and live- out of control. In Bhutan, invasive plant species stock breeds, and monetization of farm economy are affecting crop yields in some areas and using are additional factors that contribute to the loss up scarce water resources in others. Of the 300 of agro-biodiversity if timely steps to conserve exotic plant species introduced to Bhutan, in- them are not taken. cluding ornamental plants, fodder species, crops, fruits and vegetables, some 36 species have been Since the Convention on Biological Diversity en- found to be invasive24 including six of the world’s tered into force in 1993, users of genetic resourc- 108 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 es have in theory been obliged to get permission • Strategic Objective 25: Conserve Bhutan’s before collecting biological resources and using biodiversity traditional knowledge, to agree on the terms for • Strategic Objective 26: Sustain the protected exchange, and to share benefits fairly with local areas network providers and countries27. To give effect to this, • Strategic Objective 27: Promote sustainable Bhutan ratified the Nagoya Protocol in 2013 and tourism while the policy and regulatory framework for • Strategic Objective 28: Prevent and combat the implementation of the Access and Benefit poaching, illegal harvest and trade Sharing (ABS) regime has been established, chal- • Strategic Objective 29: Prevent spread of lenges still remain in terms of lack of adequate alien invasive species human and technical resources to keep abreast • Strategic Objective 30: Preserve diversity of of developments in the world of science and crops and livestock technology related to genetic resources. • Strategic Objective 31: Share benefits of ge- • Strategic Objective 23: Sustainably manage netic diversity human-wildlife conflict • Strategic Objective 24: Support sustainable forest management 109 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Psychological well-being Time Use - Emotional balance Health - Spirituality - General psychological stress - Health status - Sleeping hours - Health knowledge - Walking hours -Barrier to Health - Family vitality - Education Community Education - Safety attainment Vitality - Reciprocity trust - Dzongkha language - Social support - Folk & historical - Socialization literacy HAPPINESS - Kindship density - Dialect use - Traditional sport - Income - Community Festival - Housing - Artisan Skill - Food security -Value transmission - Hardship - Basic percept Living Culture - Governance performance Standards - Ecological degradation - Freedom - Ecological knowledge - Institutional Trust - Afforestation Environmental Governance Diversity STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 23: SUSTAINABLY MANAGE HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICT Relevant guidance Competent authorities Bhutan National Human- Outlines strategies to reduce Ministry of Agriculture and Wildlife Conflicts Strategy, human-wildlife conflict to a Forests – Department of 2008 manageable level, enhance Agriculture, Department of farmers’ livelihoods, and offset Livestock, losses from wildlife damages Nature Conservation Division, Human-Wildlife Conflict Proposes multi-faceted actions Department of Forest and Park SAFE Strategy: Nine to make an area safe for people, Services, Department of Policy Gewogs of Bhutan, 2016 assets, wildlife and habitat and Planning Division Implement strategy to manage conflict Improve understanding through research Bhutan’s National Human Wildlife Conflicts Strat- The Bhutan for Life milestone dedicated to egy, 2008 addresses human-wildlife conflict reducing human-wildlife conflict includes a through a comprehensive consideration of so- commitment to understanding its causes in cial, economic and ecological factors to achieve more depth, and assessing and mapping HWC lasting solutions. Cross-cutting action plans are hotspots nationwide. This builds on the work outlined to (i) protect crops and livestock, (ii) done for the National Human Wildlife Conflicts compensate losses, (iii) develop crop/livestock Strategy, 2008 which investigated the need for insurance schemes, (iv) offer suggestions for specific and differentiated strategies for conflict alternative livelihoods to offset losses, and (v) between rural communities and carnivores, wild to educate and create awareness programs for pigs, ungulates, elephants and primates. Exam- wildlife conservation and human-wildlife con- ples include, initiating regulated hunting by tour- flicts. Under the Bhutan for Life Program there is ists to control wild pig populations where appro- a specific milestone dedicated to reducing HWC priate, cultivating molasses grass around crops as a result of adoption of appropriate policies, to repel primates, or improving compensation for technologies and systems, targeting to benefit livestock predation by tigers, leopards, and snow 80% of households living in and near protected leopards. Key actions include continued moni- areas from reduced HWC by 2022. Actions in- toring of HWC incidents and their impacts, and clude updating the strategy every five years, and mapping by the Department of Forest and Park proposing amendments for relevant policies, in- Services of hotspot areas for each species, which cluding innovative responses such as alternative will help in targeting of management measures. crops, rainwater harvesting, habitat enrichment and biological barriers. 110 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Create safe environment for communities damage-causing animals away from settlements. The Human-Wildlife Conflict SAFE Strategy: Nine Also important are maintaining boundary de- Gewogs of Bhutan, 2016 took community pro- marcation of protected areas, and discouraging tection measures forward in nine Gewogs that people from entering forests for purposes of are particularly vulnerable to poverty and losses illegal activities. These actions form part of the from wildlife. The approach intends to create a strengthening of the wildlife management sys- safe environment both for people and their as- tem by the Department of Forest and Park Ser- sets, and for wildlife and their habitats – in a land- vices. scape for their harmonious co-existence, as well as improved monitoring. This includes actions for: Strengthen community-based crop and “Safe Person” e.g. response teams, compensation livestock compensation schemes, alternative livelihoods and income di- A human-wildlife endowment fund, led by the versification; “Safe Assets” e.g. fencing to reduce Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, has been es- crop loss, watch towers and search lights for tablished as a compensation scheme for loss of guarding. There is a need to expand fencing initia- crops and livestock to damage-causing animals. tives nationwide, with Dzongkhags encouraging The fund acknowledges the livelihood and food Gewogs to employ best practices – such as plastic insecurity impacts of crop and livestock loss, recycled poles instead of wood, and solar power sometimes causing hunger or nutritional defi- for electric fencing, including alarm systems and ciencies, loss of cash income, increased debt and emission of sounds that mimic predator dynamics aggravation of pre-existing poverty. The central to keep them at bay. endowment fund replaces the concept of an insurance scheme, as implemented previously Manage wildlife habitat through disbursements to Gewogs Environment In terms of the Human-Wildlife Conflict SAFE Conservation Committees. The intention is for Strategy there is also a need for interventions the fund to be a sustainable financing mecha- for “Safe Habitat” e.g. community forest patrols, nism – targeting the investment of USD 35 mil- habitat enrichment with fodder, fruit trees, wa- lion of capital, so that compensation payments ter holes and salt licks; and “Safe Wildlife” e.g. can be made from the interest in perpetuity. The research on hotspot areas and species, prevent human-wildlife endowment fund will be extend- of illegal killing and poaching, and developing ed as a milestone of the Bhutan for Life initiative positive linkages through ecotourism. Managing and is one of its thematic funding areas, to en- wildlife habitat effectively, and supplementing sure that the compensation schemes are sustain- their food sources, can be helpful in keeping able and can meet all farmers’ needs. 111 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Psychological well-being Time Use - Emotional balance Health - Spirituality - General psychological stress - Health status - Sleeping hours - Health knowledge - Walking hours -Barrier to Health - Family vitality - Education Community Education - Safety attainment Vitality - Reciprocity trust - Dzongkha language - Social support - Folk & historical - Socialization literacy HAPPINESS - Kindship density - Dialect use - Traditional sport - Income - Community Festival - Housing - Artisan Skill - Food security -Value transmission - Hardship - Basic percept Living Culture - Governance performance Standards - Ecological degradation - Freedom - Ecological knowledge - Institutional Trust - Afforestation Environmental Governance Diversity STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 24: SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT Relevant guidance Competent authorities National Forest Policy, Sets framework for forest conservation 2011 and scientific management, including forest utilization Forest and Nature Provides for protection and sustainable use Conservation Act, of forests, wildlife and natural resources 1995 Ministry of Agriculture and Rules on Biological Provide for the conservation and Forests: Division of Policy Corridors, 2006 management of biological corridors linking and Planning, Department protected areas for safe movement of of Forests and Park wildlife Services, Watershed Forest Fire Rule, 2012 Sets out responsibilities for maintaining fire Management Division; lines, permits for burning agricultural debris, Ugyen Wangchuck and safety measures for economic activities Institute for Conservation and Environment; Forest and Nature Provides detailed rules to guide Dzongkhag, Thromde and Conservation Rules implementation of the Forest and Nature Gewog Administrations and Regulations, 2006 Conservation Act and update 2017 Framework for Prescribes the basic sustainable harvesting management and and management of 60 potiential NWFPs marketing of NWFPs 2011 Maintain forest for climate adaptation and wood at a large scale. Strict implementation and mitigation monitoring of Forest and Nature Conservation Act, Bhutan’s first Nationally Determined Contribution 1995 also involves preventing illegal encroach- 2015 towards the Paris Agreement reconfirms ment of forests for unplanned settlements or Government’s commitment to sustainable forest agriculture, including Tseri (shifting cultivation) management, integrated forest fire management, practices. Since 2013, Bhutan is also committed rehabilitation of degraded and barren forest to REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforesta- lands, conducting periodic inventories of forest tion and Forest Degradation28). This involves cover and condition, and reducing timber use by developing Bhutan’s National REDD+ Strategy promoting viable alternatives to timber and fuel and Implementation Framework, including the 112 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 National Forest Monitoring System, its Measure- Bhutan’s holistic and integrated forest fire man- ment, Reporting and Verification function, the agement strategy, supported by the Forest Fire Forest Reference Emission Level and the Safe- Rule, 2012, includes controlled fire use where guard Information System. Bhutan has devel- appropriate. The Rule sets out the roles of differ- oped a National Forest Monitoring Action Plan ent levels of government, and required measures and completed its first full National Forest Inven- for preventing unplanned fires –maintaining tory, to be repeated every five years. fire lines around infrastructure, issuing permits for burning agricultural debris, and maintaining Promote climate-smart forest safety measures for economic activities. Key ac- management tions include capacity development for forestry The National Forest Policy, 2011 defines the officials on investigating how fires started, so overarching goal of sustainable management that penalties can be imposed on culprits. In ad- of forest resources and biodiversity. The Forest dition to enforcement, Bhutan’s strategy empha- and Nature Conservation Rules and Regulations, sizes ongoing advocacy and awareness to inform 2017 cover general aspects of managing State citizens on how to avoid accidentally starting Reserved Forest Land (SRFL) and prescriptions forest fires (young children, picnickers, smokers for Forest Management Units, Community For- and electrical short circuit are among the top ests, Protected Areas and watersheds. Actions causes), and demonstrates how to burn agricul- needed are to: (i) integrate climate change into tural residues and other waste safely. Actions forest management planning to foster adapta- also include strengthening capacity of forest fire tion to changing climatic conditions; (ii) adopt management committees at Dzongkhag and Ge- proactive, forward-looking forest management wog levels, supplying firefighting and protection approaches, e.g. anticipating increased fires equipment and technical training at the field lev- through prescribed burns; (iii) adopt active cli- el. Training, education, awareness, resource and mate-smart management options such as setting organizational needs repeatedly emerge as prior- aside conservation refugia, assisting regenera- ity issues and will be key to successful manage- tion, and promoting mixed species planting for ment of forest fires in Bhutan. enhanced resilience; and (iv) include long term planning tools such as species distribution mod- Strengthen social forestry els, scenario-based approaches to recognize un- The movement towards community forests certainty and dynamic change in the climate and started with the enactment of the Forest and their impacts on forest ecosystems. Nature Conservation Act, 1995, which encour- aged public participation in forest management Reduce forest fire by handing over portions of forest land to com- munities, based on approved management plans, and also encouraged private forestry. Bhutan’s people-centred approach to forest management was set out in detail in the National Strategy for Community Forests: The Way Ahead, 2009–2019. Today Bhutan has 781 Community Forests, covering an area of 92,165 hectares, and ben- efiting 32,402 households29, and there is a need to strengthen and extend the system further. Actions by Dzongkhag Forestry Offices to ca- pacitate community forest structures can help enable effective management measures for © Karma C. Nyedrup, NEC sustainability and climate change, ensure eq- 113 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 uitable distribution of resources, promote new Encourage sustainable harvesting income-generating activities, and facilitate new Besides timber and fuel wood, a wide array of partnerships for Payments for Ecosystems Ser- non-wood forest products (NWFP) are extract- vices (PES) agreements where possible. ed from the forest to generate additional income through sale and processing in cottage industries. Promote Payments for Ecosystem Services These include medicinal and aromatic plants, ed- Payment for Environment Services (PES) initia- ible mushrooms, ferns, wild greens; bamboo and tive started in Bhutan with a feasibility study cane for local handicrafts; bark and pulp for tradi- in 2009. In 2010, the Watershed Management tional paper-making; honey and beeswax, resins, Division (WMD) was able to establish the first sticklac and cordyceps, animal fodder; and leaf PES site in the country at Mongar between Yak- litter for farmyard manure production collected pagang Community Forest Management Group from Sokshing (owned by the state but used by (CFMG) and Mongar municipality. The first con- the people). Over-exploitation of some forest tractual period was signed for three years, and products has made them increasingly scarce. expired in December 2014, it was further re- Currently only 5,564 households are involved in viewed and revised for another five-year term 148 Non-Wood Forest Product groups31, there is till 2019, with a revised fee structure in 2015. a need to strengthen and grow such groups with Another PES scheme on water source conserva- the support of the Dzongkhag Forestry Offic- tion was established 2015 at Pasakha under Ch- es. Actions needed include prevention of illegal hukha Dzongkhag between Burkhey watershed exploitation, e.g. of Cordyceps, enhance imple- community and the five industrial companies mentation of guidelines for sustainable manage- based in Pasakha. The third PES site on water ment and promote value addition of NWFPs. The source conservation was established at Namay capacity of NWFP groups can be strengthened Nichu under Paro Dzongkhag between CFMG to develop sustainable harvesting management members and the water users (four hoteliers and plans, specifying locations for rotational harvest- a water user association). WMD has developed ing, and time periods for intermittent harvesting, and distributed the PES framework and field promote awareness and conduct monitoring. A guide to all the relevant stakeholders including five-year program being carried out by the Min- Dzongkhag administrations for action to upscale istry of Agriculture and Forestry on “Sustainable PES programs in the country30. natural resources management and utilisation” aims to support this process. 114 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Psychological well-being Time Use - Emotional balance Health - Spirituality - General psychological stress - Health status - Sleeping hours - Health knowledge - Walking hours -Barrier to Health - Family vitality - Education Community Education - Safety attainment Vitality - Reciprocity trust - Dzongkha language - Social support - Folk & historical - Socialization literacy HAPPINESS - Kindship density - Dialect use - Traditional sport - Income - Community Festival - Housing - Artisan Skill - Food security -Value transmission - Hardship - Basic percept Living Culture - Governance performance Standards - Ecological degradation - Freedom - Ecological knowledge - Institutional Trust - Afforestation Environmental Governance Diversity STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 25: CONSERVE BHUTAN’S BIODIVERSITY Relevant guidance Competent authorities Sets framework for environmental National Environment protection and management Ministry of Agriculture and Protection Act, 2007 including protection of forests, Forests; National Environment biodiversity, and ecosystem integrity Commission; Ugyen National Biodiversity Proposes a series of biodiversity Wangchuck Institute for Strategy and Action Plan, conservation objectives and Conservation and Environment 2014 associated actions Upgrades to a felony of the fourth Ministry of Home and Cultural Penal Code Act of Bhutan, degree the offence of “risking the Affairs, Attorney General of 2004, amended in 2011 protected species” – Bhutan Prevent misappropriation of Biodivesity Act of Bhutan biological resources and ensure fair 2003 and NBC, Ministry of Agriculture and equitable sharing of benefits Forest and Nature and Forests arising from access to biological Conservation Act 1995 resources Implement biodiversity strategies and vation status; (xiii) indigenous agro-biodiversity; actions (xiv) identification of ecosystem services; (xv) As a signatory to the UN Convention on Biolog- rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems; (xvi) ac- ical Diversity since 1995, as well as the Ramsar cess and benefit sharing; (xvii) NBSAP guidance; Conventions on Wetlands and CITES, Bhutan has (xviii) documentation of traditional knowledge; in place a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action (xix) science-based technologies; and (xx) fund Plan, 2014. The NBSAP sets out National Targets mobilization. Bhutan’s 6th National Report to the for: (i) public awareness of biodiversity values; CBD32 identifies significant progress in many of (ii) integration into development planning; (iii) these areas, as well as outstanding challenges in- harmful incentives reform and introduction of cluding the need for more comprehensive data positive incentives; (iv) sustainable production collection, monitoring and research. and consumption; (v) habitat mapping and trend monitoring; (vi) baseline on aquatic biodiversi- Protect terrestrial ecosystems ty; (vii) sustainable agriculture and forestry; (viii) The most significant outcome achieved as a reduction of pollution including agro-chemicals; result of NBSAP implementation is the mainte- (ix) invasive alien species management; (x) adap- nance and management of a macro-level natural tation to climate impacts; (xi) strengthening pro- landscape of protected areas (42.7% of country) tected area system; (xii) information on conser- consolidated through biological corridors (8.6%). 115 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 This estate encompasses a continuum of rep- al Environment Commission, to enhance moni- resentational samples of all major ecosystems toring of the environmental flow of major rivers. found in the country, ranging from the tropical/ Other conservation actions are being prioritized subtropical grasslands and forests in the south- by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests to ern foothills, to temperate forests in the central bring new wetland areas under protection, since mountains and valleys, to alpine meadows and these are important habitats for birds, fish and scree in the northern mountains. Effective man- amphibians, and also vital for protecting the de- agement and sustainable financing of the pro- livery of ecosystem services to communities in a tected areas network is the goal of the Bhutan changing climate. for Life initiative, which also has milestones dedi- cated towards species conservation. In managing Conserve threatened species the protected areas network, it will be important Parallel to the country’s major investment in to better understand the likely impacts of climate protected areas, Bhutan has engaged in several change on biodiversity, including the potential conservation programs targeting particular vul- habitat shifts of particular flora and fauna, e.g. nerable species and their habitats. Many such vegetation moving to higher elevation. Actions programs are being carried out with support to protect and maintain intact habitats that in- from civil society – for example, a program to clude climate refugia will be a challenge for the conserve the endangered Golden mahseer fish decades ahead. species, considered sacred in Bhutanese cul- ture. A Tiger Action Plan was launched in 2017, Maintain freshwater habitats to enhance conservation, mitigate conflict, and In addition to the terrestrial network, it will also reduce poaching, as well as, an Elephant Conser- be vital to protect aquatic and riverine eco-sys- vation Action Plan in 2018, working to maintain tems through implementation of environmental a viable population of elephants in an improved impact assessments, and restricting diversion of habitat, with reduced human-elephant conflict. water courses. Studies are underway to identi- Bhutan is yet to carry out a national-level evalua- fy a free-flowing river to be declared and pro- tion of the conservation status of all its biodiver- tected for all times, to ensure conservation of sity, but surveys have been carried out nation- aquatic biodiversity, raise awareness and serve wide of key species – tiger, snow leopard, takin, as a baseline for research. This will be support- red panda, golden langur, elephant and small ed by a five-year program from 2018-2023 on cats. Monitoring of the national tiger population “Strengthening water security and enhancing is seen as a key indicator of ecosystem health, management” being implemented by the Nation- and is measured in the five-year planning cycle. © Karma Tshering, NEC 116 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Psychological well-being Time Use - Emotional balance Health - Spirituality - General psychological stress - Health status - Sleeping hours - Health knowledge - Walking hours -Barrier to Health - Family vitality - Education Community Education - Safety attainment Vitality - Reciprocity trust - Dzongkha language - Social support - Folk & historical - Socialization literacy HAPPINESS - Kindship density - Dialect use - Traditional sport - Income - Community Festival - Housing - Artisan Skill - Food security -Value transmission - Hardship - Basic percept Living Culture - Governance performance Standards - Ecological degradation - Freedom - Ecological knowledge - Institutional Trust - Afforestation Environmental Governance Diversity STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 26: SUSTAIN THE PROTECTED AREAS NETWORK Relevant guidance Competent authorities Forest and Nature Provides for protection and Ministry of Agriculture and Conservation Act, 1995 sustainable use of forests, wildlife Forests; National Environment and natural resources Commission; Dzongkhag and National Biodiversity Proposes a series of biodiversity Thromde Administrations Strategy and Action conservation objectives and Plan, 2014 associated actions including on protected area management Implement Bhutan for Life versity conservation, and increases Bhutan’s re- silience to effects of climate change. The funds will be used to implement conservation actions in Bhutan’s protected areas and biological corri- dors for the next 14 years, with national funding progressively taking over towards the end of this period. Diversify conservation finance In the context of Bhutan’s graduation by 2023 from Least Developed Country to Middle Income The Bhutan for Life (BFL) initiative was formal- Country status, certain funding sources will no ly launched in 2017 as an innovative funding longer be available to the country, and there will mechanism for long-term, sustainable financing be a need for a diversified approach to sustaining of the country’s Protected Areas network, es- conservation finance. Efforts are underway to tablished by the Royal Government of Bhutan in help define and quantify Bhutan’s current invest- partnership with the WWF. The initiative raised ment in biodiversity conservation and combat- USD 43 million in transition funding, through ing climate change; identify its financial needs government, private and multilateral donors33, to and gaps through national assessments; and secure the maintenance of the protected areas identify resource mobilization challenges and estate in perpetuity, through a Project Finance opportunities, including potential new revenue for Permanence Model. Bhutan for Life has over- streams. This involves expanding the traditional all four goals, 16 milestones and over 80 activi- boundaries of development finance to consider ties to be achieved by the end of 14 years. The private sectors and other partners, in line with overall goal is to ensure a robust network of pro- the blended finance vision of the 2030 Agenda tected areas and biological corridors in Bhutan for Sustainable Development34. The country’s that contributes to human wellbeing and biodi- national conservation trust fund also continues 117 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 to build up its endowment (tripled from the ini- Conserve transboundary and cultural tial investment of USD 21 million) and finances landscapes many conservation initiatives with communities. In order to ensure that the mosaic of conserva- tion space in the eastern Himalayas is maintained Improve management effectiveness through transboundary conservation mecha- Management plans of five of the ten protected nisms, the Kanchanjunga Landscape Conserva- areas were recently revised and NBSAP targets tion Development Initiative (India, Bhutan and integrated into the revised plans. Based on new Nepal) and the Transboundary Manas Conser- zonation guidelines, these protected areas (PAs) vation Area (Bhutan and India) have been initi- were also demarcated and zoned for effective ated, in collaboration with civil society partners. management. A new tool, the Bhutan METT+ Bhutan is also working to protect its cultural (Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool) was landscapes, since the Constitution provides that devised and used for all the ten of the protect- the state shall endeavour to preserve, protect ed areas and the Royal Botanical Park between and promote the cultural heritage of the coun- 2016 and 2018, culminating in a Bhutan State try including monuments, places and objects of of Park report. The Bhutan METT + is now being artistic or historic interest, dzongs, lhakhangs, mainstreamed into the PA management plans goendeys, ten-sum, nyes, and language among and will be conducted every five years to track others. A cultural landscape is generally defined progress. The overall results show that protect- as “a geographic area, including both cultural, ed areas in Bhutan are well managed; but their natural resources and the wildlife or domestic effectiveness is limited both by a low level of re- animals therein, associated with a historic event, sources (both financial and appropriate technical activity, or person or exhibiting other cultural or resources) and by gaps in the monitoring and re- aesthetic values.” Actions are needed to resource search data. Actions are needed to address these these landscape-wide and transboundary initia- gaps in order to understand the impact of con- tives, and to promote public awareness on their servation measures, react to changing conditions importance. and to adapt management to improve efficiency and effectiveness. 118 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Psychological well-being Time Use - Emotional balance Health - Spirituality - General psychological stress - Health status - Sleeping hours - Health knowledge - Walking hours -Barrier to Health - Family vitality - Education Community Education - Safety attainment Vitality - Reciprocity trust - Dzongkha language - Social support - Folk & historical - Socialization literacy HAPPINESS - Kindship density - Dialect use - Traditional sport - Income - Community Festival - Housing - Artisan Skill - Food security -Value transmission - Hardship - Basic percept Living Culture - Governance performance Standards - Ecological degradation - Freedom - Ecological knowledge - Institutional Trust - Afforestation Environmental Governance Diversity STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 27: PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE TOURISM Relevant guidance Competent authorities Sets framework for environmental National Environment protection and management Ministry of Economic Affairs; Protection Act, 2007 including protection of forests, Ministry of Trade and Industry biodiversity, and ecosystem integrity – Department of Tourism; Sets out approach of ‘high value, low Tourism Council of Bhutan, Economic impact’ tourism, promoting tourism as an Ministry of Agriculture and Development Policy, important growth sector – throughout the Forests; National Environment 2016 country, all year round, and as a means to Commission, Dzongkhag diversify the rural economy Administrations Tourism Rules and Guides licensing of tourism operators, visa Regulations, 2017 applications and setting of daily fees Grow sector within carrying capacity cific studies to be carried out – like the Carrying The Final Draft Tourism Policy of the Kingdom of capacity study for Gantey-Phobjikha and Haa. Bhutan, 2019 reaffirms the guiding principles underpinning Bhutan’s vision for sustainable Diversify and spread tourism offering tourism – consistency with Gross National Hap- In terms of the Final Draft Tourism Policy, 2019 piness, and the “High value, Low volume” tour- there is an active focus on diversifying tourism ism approach. As visitor numbers have grown,35 products and offerings, encouraging the spread entry fees have been imposed at popular mon- of tourists geographically beyond the hotspots uments and heritage sites, and consideration is in the west and north. The policy highlights the being given to capping regional visitor numbers, potential for; nature-based adventure activities; with advance e-permits for visitors arriving by local cuisines, arts and crafts, traditional medi- road and extension of sustainable development cine; wellness, spiritual and conference tourism; fees to all. In the new policy, the importance of as well as Bhutan as a unique filming location. promoting regional and seasonal spread is high- A five-year program from 2018-2023 sets aside lighted, with equitable growth and benefit shar- significant funds for a Sustainable Tourism De- ing. A commitment is made to ensure that visitor velopment Flagship Program, including adven- numbers remain within the carrying capacity of ture sports, highland festivals, rock-climbing, our physical, socio-cultural and natural environ- birdwatching, and heritage tours in the east and ment. The Tourism Council of Bhutan is charged central regions. As part of the new plan, recre- with assessing the absorptive carrying capacity ational fishing of golden and chocolate mah- at national, dzongkhag and site level – of infra- seer, banned since the 1970s, is expected to be structure, culture, environment and services. An introduced soon, on a catch-and-release basis important action is for more detailed area-spe- and under strict guidelines. 119 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Enhance livelihoods through ecotourism Promote sustainable consumption The Final Draft Tourism Policy, 2019 mandates International partnerships have enabled the de- the Tourism Council of Bhutan to enhance and velopment of green hotel guidelines, compliant promote ecotourism development, promoting with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council nature-based travel through investment facil- guidelines and adapted to the Bhutanese con- itation, enabling frameworks, capacities and text. This encourages sustainable consumption benefit sharing mechanisms. The Bhutan Nation- and production, for example reducing water use al Eco-Tourism Strategy, 2001 is being updated or encouraging wastewater treatment. In 2018, through the Bhutan for Life program, as are the the National Environment Commission invit- existing Guidelines for Planning and Management ed hotels to apply to be part of the pilot phase for Eco Tourism Development in the Protected Ar- for testing the guidelines. The tourism Flagship eas Network of Bhutan, in a new document being Program also includes a specific component on developed by the Nature Conservation Division, waste management, allied to tourism across the Department of Forest and Park Services. Under country. The Flagship Program will undertake fo- Bhutan for Life, a specific milestone is dedicated cused end-to-end activities in five strategically to enhancing communities’ livelihoods through placed Dzongkhags for accelerated tourism de- ecotourism and programs to manage the sus- velopment, aiming to create 15,000 additional tainable harvesting and processing of non-wood jobs, whilst controlling environmental impact. forest products (NFWPs). By the end of the Bhu- Implementation will be led by the Tourism Coun- tan For Life period, the target is that 80% of the cil of Bhutan in collaboration with local govern- households living in and around Protected Areas ment, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the should have increased access to nature-based private sector. employment and income-generating opportuni- ties through ecotourism and NWFP. 120 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Psychological well-being Time Use - Emotional balance Health - Spirituality - General psychological stress - Health status - Sleeping hours - Health knowledge - Walking hours -Barrier to Health - Family vitality - Education Community Education - Safety attainment Vitality - Reciprocity trust - Dzongkha language - Social support - Folk & historical - Socialization literacy HAPPINESS - Kindship density - Dialect use - Traditional sport - Income - Community Festival - Housing - Artisan Skill - Food security -Value transmission - Hardship - Basic percept Living Culture - Governance performance Standards - Ecological degradation - Freedom - Ecological knowledge - Institutional Trust - Afforestation Environmental Governance Diversity STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 28: PREVENT AND COMBAT POACHING, ILLEGAL HARVEST AND TRADE Relevant guidance Competent authorities Establishes risking of the protected Attorney General of Bhutan; Penal Code of Bhutan, species as an offence punishable by Ministry of Home and Cultural 2004, amended in 2011 law, amended to be a fourth-degree Affairs felony Forest and Nature Provides detailed rules to guide Conservation Rules and implementation of the Forest and Regulations, 2006 and Ministry of Agriculture and Nature Conservation Act update 2017 Forests; National Environment Proposes a series of biodiversity Commission; Dzongkhag and National Biodiversity conservation objectives and Thromde Administrations Strategy and Action Plan, associated actions including against 2014 illegal logging and wildlife trafficking Prevent illegal hunting and fishing 20 arrests in 201838, indicating a possible de- The Penal Code of Bhutan, 2004 establishes that crease, although many more incidents go unde- it is unlawful to hunt, destroy, capture, collect, tected. A Draft National Zero Poaching Strategy transact or deal in the sale of any animal or plant was developed with civil society in 2017, bring- species or its parts, in a manner that poses a risk ing stakeholders together to strengthen enforce- to the species’ survival36. In terms of the Forest ment and minimize poaching and illegal traffick- and Nature Conservation Rules, 2006 (revised in ing across borders through six pillars of action 2017), no extraction of natural resources is al- – assessment, technology, capacity, communi- lowed from inside protected area boundaries. ty, prosecution and cooperation. This includes There were 25 arrests of poachers in 201737, and imposing heavy fines on convicted offenders, promoting public awareness39 and discouraging any kind of support to the illegal wildlife supply chain. It also includes action to complete the process of mapping poaching hotspots for tar- geted enforcement efforts. Prevent illegal extraction from forests Forest offences recorded by the Department of Forests and Park Services in 2018 included 924 arrests following illegal removal of timber40. 121 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Enforcement of the legislation has become a Life initiative, ranger training and SMART (Spatial growing challenge in recent decades, not just Monitoring and Reporting Tool) patrolling are key preventing illegal extraction for household fuel actions being rolled out across all Bhutan’s pro- and construction, but combating organized ille- tected areas. Rangers learn tactical skills such as gal logging of valuable hardwood timber species, apprehension and detaining of suspects correct- that are smuggled across the border with India41. ly and legally, as well as, recognising and identi- Although the country has only 1,392 foresters fying signs and evidence of illegal or restricted on the ground42, the government is committed activities in the field. to strengthening enforcement capacity in the protected areas estate through the Bhutan for Enhance international cooperation Life program. Enforcement includes active mon- At international level, Bhutan has been a signato- itoring of protected areas for signs of illegal re- ry to the Convention on International Trade in En- moval of timber and construction material like dangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) rocks and sand, illegal harvesting of non-wood since 2002. Poaching and illegal wildlife trade forest products, wildlife poaching, and illegal are the most serious and immediate threats to fishing. Apprehended suspects are being prose- Asia’s many charismatic and iconic species, such cuted wherever possible, and penalties imposed as tiger, rhino and elephants. Recent studies have when convictions are achieved, with public de- shown that illegal wildlife trade is one of the top- bate occurring about whether such fines should five most lucrative illicit economies globally and be increased. Areas where logging has occurred is valued around $23 billion per year43. Bhutan is are also being targeted for reforestation activi- home to an estimated 103 adult breeding tigers, ties carried out by Green Bhutan Corporation and forms the critical linkage for connectivity Limited. and gene flow between tiger populations in the Indian subcontinent with the Indo-Chinese tiger. Develop ranger capacity A key action is the continued strengthening of Until recent years, rangers in Bhutan’s protect- international cooperation through regular Border ed areas were unable to stop illegal loggers and District Coordination Meetings between Bhutan poachers, who were often better equipped and and India, with synchronized patrolling to pro- resourced than the rangers. Ranger numbers mote the cross-border anti-poaching program were insufficient as they lacked equipment and and curb timber smuggling as well as wildlife budgets for frequent patrols and patrolling at trafficking. The 12th Five Year Plan, 2018-2023 night. They were mostly not formally or system- sets as a target that the number of tigers remains atically trained for their challenging and danger- stable or increases by the end of the plan period. ous work. With the expansion of the Bhutan for 122 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Psychological well-being Time Use - Emotional balance Health - Spirituality - General psychological stress - Health status - Sleeping hours - Health knowledge - Walking hours -Barrier to Health - Family vitality - Education Community Education - Safety attainment Vitality - Reciprocity trust - Dzongkha language - Social support - Folk & historical - Socialization literacy HAPPINESS - Kindship density - Dialect use - Traditional sport - Income - Community Festival - Housing - Artisan Skill - Food security -Value transmission - Hardship - Basic percept Living Culture - Governance performance Standards - Ecological degradation - Freedom - Ecological knowledge - Institutional Trust - Afforestation Environmental Governance Diversity STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 29: PREVENT SPREAD OF ALIEN INVASIVE SPECIES Relevant guidance Competent authorities Enacted to prevent the introduction Plant Quarantine Act of of existing pests, and restrict spread National Biodiversity Centre; Bhutan, 1993 of new pests or eradicate them Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulates the import and export Regulatory Authority; Ministry of agriculture seeds to prevent of Agriculture and Forests: Seeds Act, 2000 introduction of undesirable plants Department of Policy and and disease Planning, Department of Forest National Biodiversity Proposes a series of biodiversity and Park Services; Dzongkhag Strategy and Action conservation actions including on Administrations Plan, 2014 invasive alien species Strengthen management system Improve plant quarantine Bhutan’s National Biodiversity Strategy and A number of existing rules, regulations and Action Plan, 2014 includes a target that invasive control measures can be used to manage invasive alien fauna and flora species that cause harm species. Introduction of new species of plants to Bhutan’s indigenous ecosystems should be and crops is governed by the Plant Quarantine systematically identified. The pathways through Act of Bhutan, 1993 which was enacted to: (i) which they are introduced should be identified prevent the introduction of pests not already and prioritized, priority species controlled or present or widespread in the country; (ii) control eradicated, and measures put in place to prevent those pests already present by restricting their their introduction and establishment. Invasive spread and by endeavouring to eradicate them; Alien Species (IAS) is a crosscutting issue with (iii) provide facilities for services for import no lead agency, and most control measures of plants and plant products; and (iv) extend are reactive – for example, when there is an cooperation in the prevention or movement of outbreak of pests. Following a number of surveys, pests in international trade and traffic. The Seeds inventory lists are now being maintained by the Act, 2000 regulates the import and export of National Biodiversity Centre, and regulations agriculture seeds and prevents introduction of are being developed for prevention and control unwanted plants and diseases. It also promotes on spread of invasive alien species. Priority the seed industry with the aim to enhance rural actions include defining clear institutional income and livelihood. Bhutan’s Biosafety Act, responsibilities and measures for control and/or 2015, aims to protect the rich domestic and wild eradication of prioritized IAS and development biodiversity of Bhutan, promote the nation’s of technical capacity. food and nutrition security and safeguard the 123 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 animals and human health. Action is needed to impact on water usage and respiratory health, strengthen the enforcement of all of these laws, and over 4,000 trees have been felled. In the as part of a systematic approach to managing early 2000s, eucalyptus trees in the country IAS. were felled for similar reasons, and only a few are left in the country today. Notifications to cut Clear harmful exotic trees invasive tree species are issued to Dzongkhags, The Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory and the Department of Forest and Park Services Authority monitors the import of non-native provides support to replace felled exotic species tree species. A start has made in Thimphu on with seedlings of native species. Action can be clearing three tree species – Populus, Thuja, and taken to identify Gewogs where exotic trees Cupressus macrocarpa, which were previously may be contributing to the drying up of lakes planted on barren landscapes and near human and springs, and implement programs for their settlements, but have become invasive. These eradication and replacement. species are now considered to have a negative 124 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Psychological well-being Time Use - Emotional balance Health - Spirituality - General psychological stress - Health status - Sleeping hours - Health knowledge - Walking hours -Barrier to Health - Family vitality - Education Community Education - Safety attainment Vitality - Reciprocity trust - Dzongkha language - Social support - Folk & historical - Socialization literacy HAPPINESS - Kindship density - Dialect use - Traditional sport - Income - Community Festival - Housing - Artisan Skill - Food security -Value transmission - Hardship - Basic percept Living Culture - Governance performance Standards - Ecological degradation - Freedom - Ecological knowledge - Institutional Trust - Afforestation Environmental Governance Diversity STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 30: PRESERVE DIVERSITY OF CROPS AND LIVESTOCK Relevant guidance Competent authorities Promotes the seed industry with the Seeds Act, 2000 aim to enhance rural incomes and livelihoods National Biodiversity Centre; Regulates livestock breeding, health Bhutan Agriculture and Food Livestock Act of and production to enhance their Regulatory Authority; Ministry Bhutan, 2001 productivity and prevent diseases of Agriculture and Forests; National Biodiversity Proposes a series of biodiversity Dzongkhag Administrations Strategy and Action conservation actions including on Plan, 2014 agro-biodiversity Strengthen management framework Promote gene banking Bhutan’s wide range of indigenous cultivated Bhutan is committed to preserving its traditional plants and domesticated animals provides us with agricultural biodiversity of crops and livestock, varieties that are drought- and pest-resistant or “agro-biodiversity”. In terms of the National in different situations, which may become Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, 2014, increasingly important as climatic conditions strategies have been developed for minimizing change. The National Biodiversity Centre has genetic erosion and safeguarding genetic so far recorded 384 landraces of rice, 105 of diversity, including the initiation of Wild Seed maize, 36 of wheat, 10 of sweet buckwheat, banking. The National Biodiversity Centre 11 of bitter buckwheat, 32 of barley, 22 of has conserved over 50 species of traditional amaranth and 36 of millet. In terms of Crop Wild crop germplasm and the five species of Relatives (varieties of these crops, growing wild native livestock in its genebank. The National in nature), around 230 species belonging to 120 Biodiversity Centre developed a National Cereal genera in 51 families are expected to occur in Conservation Strategic Action Plan, 2016 Bhutan . The country also has a variety of native 44 to promote conservation and cultivation of livestock breeds, for example the endangered traditional cereal crops and has conserved a total Nublang cattle. Action needs to be taken to of 2700 accessions. The National Biodiversity develop technical and institutional capacities, Centre has initiated DNA a collection of to improve documentation and conservation native livestock species, e.g. Nublang cattle, of agrobiodiversity, and to strengthen the yak and poultry, and developed a protocal, in policy and legal framework for agrobiodiversity collaboration with Department of Livestock for conservation. embryo banking. In addition, a total of 10,638 125 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 doses of animal germplasm of traditional animal increased resilience. In order to promote in-situ genetic resources were added in the national conservation of plant genetic resources, the animal gene bank45. Action is needed to extend main constraint is the lack of adequate financial this work to include additional collection of resources to implement interventions such as genetic material. building capacity of farmers and implementing innovative incentive measures to motivate and Promote in situ conservation maximize the livelihood opportunities of farming As well as ex-situ conservation of genetic communities. material in laboratories and gene banks, it is On-farm initiatives in animal genetic resources important to preserve diversity on-farm and was started in 2007 and focuses on native in the wild, for example, preserving “crop wild species of livestock, especially those that relatives” of commonly farmed species. On- are threatened. In order to promote in-situ farm conservation of crop genetic resources, conservation, support is needed in terms of was started in 2001 and is being implemented developing and establishing nucleus farms and in several Dzongkhags, focusing on building the providing sustainable incentives to farmers capacity of farmers for improved livelihoods and keeping native breeds of livestock 126 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Psychological well-being Time Use - Emotional balance Health - Spirituality - General psychological stress - Health status - Sleeping hours - Health knowledge - Walking hours -Barrier to Health - Family vitality - Education Community Education - Safety attainment Vitality - Reciprocity trust - Dzongkha language - Social support - Folk & historical - Socialization literacy HAPPINESS - Kindship density - Dialect use - Traditional sport - Income - Community Festival - Housing - Artisan Skill - Food security -Value transmission - Hardship - Basic percept Living Culture - Governance performance Standards - Ecological degradation - Freedom - Ecological knowledge - Institutional Trust - Afforestation Environmental Governance Diversity STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 31: SHARE BENEFITS OF GENETIC DIVERSITY Relevant guidance Competent authorities Provides for the conservation and Biodiversity Act of sustainable utilization of biological Bhutan, 2003 resources and associated traditional knowledge National Biodiversity Proposes a series of biodiversity National Biodiversity Centre; Strategy and Action Plan, conservation actions including on Ministry of Agriculture and 2014 Access and Benefit Sharing Forests Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority Sets out Bhutan’s implementation Access and Benefit of the Nagoya Protocol on access to Sharing Policy of Bhutan, and sharing of benefits derived from 2017 genetic resources Strengthen institutional framework to increase awareness and understanding of the Bhutan ratified the Nagoya Protocol on Access complex issues involved in accessing genetic to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable resources and sharing benefits derived from Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization in such use.

2013. The Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Policy of Bhutan, 2015 was tested as an interim policy Tap benefits from biodiscovery from 2015-2017, and was formally adopted as As a biodiverse country with far-sighted a national policy in June 2017. Following this, leadership, with ABS legislation in place, there have been several initiatives, including Bhutan has potential to tap significant benefits setting up an institutional arrangement for from biodiscovery research – engaging local ABS regimes, and monitoring protocols. A draft Biodiversity Bill to implement the ABS Policy is in place, along with Regulations. The framework for this was laid with the Biodiversity Act of Bhutan, 2003, which explicitly protects traditional rights over traditional knowledge associated with biological resources. In terms of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, 2014, the country is committed to establishing legislative, administrative and institutional frameworks on Access and Benefit Sharing. Action is needed 127 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 communities and companies in creating a officinalis (Himalayan gooseberry) and Sapindus niche for nature-based products in national rarak (soapnut tree) for the production of anti- and international markets. This will build on ageing cream and a natural handmade soap. the model of three successful tripartite ABS This access is on mutually agreed terms and agreements already concluded. For example, conditions, including a 5% share of the gross in 2019 an agreement was reached between ex-factory profit annually that will go to the state-owned enterprise Menjong Sorig community from the sale of these products, with Pharmaceuticals Corporation Limited, the the NBC maintaining oversight. The community National Biodiversity Centre (NBC) and the also receive harvesting tools, sustainable Namther Menrig Tshogpa – a community- harvesting capacity building and a premium price based group in Langthel Gewog under Trongsa for the raw materials. Action is need to upscale Dzongkhag. In terms of the agreement, the by unlocking similar opportunities where the company has been granted access to Emblica potential for ABS exists. 128 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Implementation Plan Strategic Objective Lead Agency Key Performance Indicators SO23: Sustainably Ministry of Agriculture and Forests manage human-wildlife (Department of Forest and Park Reduce HWC incidences by conflict Services, Department of Agriculture, 50% by 2030 from baseline Department of Livestock) -Percentage of forest area SO24: Support brought under community Department of Forest and Park sustainably forest forest management by 2030 Services management - No. of households engaged in couumnity forest management -Maintain or increase the SO25: Conserve Department of Forest and Park population of key focal species Bhutan’s biodiversity Services from 2019 baseline SO26: Sustainably the protected areas newtwork SO27: Promote sustainable tourism SO28: prevent and combat poaching, illegal harvest and trade -Maintain the area under SO29: Prevent spread of Department of Forest and Park protected area network (51.4%) alien invasive species Services - PA network management sustained by 2030. SO30: Preserve diversity -Eco-tourism strategy Tourism Council of Bhutan of crops and livestock developed by 2030 -Incidences of wildlife poaching SO31: Share benefits of Department of Forest and Park and illegal logging reduced by genetic diversity Services 50% by 2030 129 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Endnotes edible mushrooms, ferns, wild greens; bamboo 1 Department of Forest and Park Services, 2018 and cane for local handicrafts; bark and pulp for Forest Facts and Figures traditional paper-making; honey and beeswax, 2 Statistics from National Biodiversity Strategies resins, sticklac and cordyceps, animal fodder; and Action Plan 2014, 6th National Report to the and leaf litter for farmyard manure production Convention on Biological Diversity, and DoFPS, collected from Sokshing (owned by the state but 2018 Forest Facts and Figures used by the people) Department of Forest and Park Services, 2018 16 IPBES, 2019 Forest Facts and Figures Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and 4 IPBES, 2019 Ecosystem Services Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and 17 Only one of the existing hydropower projects, Ecosystem Services Kurichhu, has a fish ladder, enabling fish to 5 The tiger, snow leopard and dhole (Asiatic migrate downriver in their mating season wild dog) are endangered, while the common 18 MOAF, 2016 State of Parks Report leopard is vulnerable 19 Gross National Happiness Commission, 2019, 6 The Rapid Impact Assessment of Rural 12th Five Year Plan 2018-2023 Development mentioned that 35% of the 20 Up to 2012, approximately 100,000 tourists respondents who faced food shortages, 31% of visited Bhutan each year, with about half coming them cited wildlife damage to crops as one of the from the region. International arrivals have main causes (Planning Commission 2007). since grown by about 7% a year on average, and 7 Bart et al. 2010 regional arrivals have risen by roughly 25% a 8 Nature Conservation Division, Department of year, including visitors who enter by road from Forests, Ministry of Agriculture, 2008, Bhutan India. www.kuenselonline National Human-Wildlife Conflict Management 21 In 2018 a total of 274,097 foreign individuals Strategy visited Bhutan in 2018, which is an increase 9 National Environment Commission, 2016 State of 7.61% over 2017. International leisure of the Environment Report arrivals grew by 1.76% to 63,367 over 2017 10 Thinley and Lassoie, 2013, Human-Wildlife while arrivals from the regional market grew by Conflicts in Bhutan: Promoting Biodiversity 10.37%. Tourism Council of Bhutan, 2019, Final Conservation and Rural Livelihoods Draft Tourism Policy 11 National Environment Commission, 2016; 22 In 2011 alone, more than 121 people were Royal Government of Bhutan, 2016b). Power apprehended crossing the border from Bhutan transmission lines (9,426 ha) were the most to India with smuggled timber in large quantities significant, followed by road construction and prosecuted (5,462.04 ha) 23 According to the Bhutan Foundation, www. 12 Sears et al., 2017, Forest ecosystem services and bhutanfound.org the pillars of Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness 24 Statistics from National Biodiversity Strategies 13 Fuel wood is also used for industrial production, and Action Plan 2014, 6th National Report to the agro- and forestry products processing, road Convention on Biological Diversity, and DoFPS, construction, hospitals, schools, military 2018 Forest Facts and Figures encampments and monasteries. 25 This was recorded only in five dzongkhags in 14 Statistics on timber allotment can be found in 2001, but has now spread to 17 dzongkhags, Department of Forest and Park Services, 2018 according to the National Biodiversity Centre Forest Facts and Figures 26 Agro-biodiversity can be defined as the variety 15 These include medicinal and aromatic plants, and variability of animals, plants and micro- 130 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 organisms that are used directly or indirectly for 35 In 2018 a total of 274,097 foreign individuals food and agriculture, including crops, livestock, visited Bhutan in 2018 which is an increase of forestry and fisheries It comprises the diversity 7.61% over 2017. International leisure arrivals of genetic resources (varieties, breeds) and grew by 1.76% to 63,367 over 2017 while arrivals species used for food, fodder, fibre, fuel and from the regional market grew by 10.37%. Final pharmaceuticals. It also includes the diversity of Draft Tourism Policy, 2019 non-harvested species that support production 36 In a 2011 amendment to the penal code, (soil micro-organisms, predators, pollinators), risking the protected species is upgraded to a and those in the wider environment that support felony of the fourth degree agro-ecosystems (agricultural, pastoral, forest 37 Department of Forest and Park Services, Forest and aquatic) as well as the diversity of the agro- Facts and Figures 2017 ecosystems. 38 Department of Forest and Park Services, Forest 27 Globally, biodiversity tends to occur in inverse Facts and Figures 2018 proportion to technological and industrial 39 In a powerful model in of public awareness wealth. Corporates and research institutions promotion in Norbugang Gewog, Royal Manas based in technology-rich developed countries National Park rangers and international partners obtain samples of plants, microbes and animals worked with health workers and teachers to that have their origin in biodiversity-rich explain to the villagers that the tigers kept the developing countries – for research, investigation prey population in control. The monks at the and development of new products, including Dhongag Tenpailing monastery further explained pharmaceuticals, biotech products, nutritional that killing other sentient beings would invoke supplements, cosmetics, enzymes, and industrial disharmony for the community – and for their chemicals – often without any benefit accruing children’s generation and beyond. They built to the country of origin,, especially to the rural small prayer and meditation rooms to house communities who are the stewards of nature. converted poachers and were able to persuade 28 Full title of REDD+ is “Reducing Emissions 20 men to come forward and give up poaching, from Deforestation and Forest Degradation followed by a spiritual cleansing ceremony in developing countries, and the role of in which they were accepted back by the conservation, sustainable management of forest community. See www.bhutanfound.org and enhancement of forest carbon stocks”. 40 Department of Forest and Park Services, 2018 29 Statistics from Department of Forest and Park Forest Facts and Figures Services, 2018 Forest Facts and Figures 41 In 2011 alone, more than 121 people were 30 DoFPS, 2018 Forest Facts and Figures apprehended crossing the border from Bhutan 31 DoFPS, 2018 Forest Facts and Figures to India with smuggled timber in large quantities 32 Bhutan’s 6th National Report to the Convention and prosecuted on Biological Diversity 42 Department of Forest and Park Services, Forest 33 Most notably the Green Climate Fund, also Facts and Figures 2018 the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental 43 www.thegef.com Conservation, EU Technical Cooperation Project, 44 Report by National Biodiversity Centre GEF-LDCF, IUCN, PHPA, RDCAP, REDD+ and 45 6th National Report to the CBD WWF 34 BIOFIN Bhutan, www.biodiversityfinance.net 131 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 132 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Chapter 6: WAY FORWARD: ENABLING FACTORS © Karma Tshering, NEC 133 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 This document brings together all of the relevant jectives outlined in Chapters 2, 3, 4 and 5 to policy and legislation existing in Bhutan into a be effectively implemented. In addition to the Draft National Environment Strategy (NES). The above-mentioned importance of coordination Draft Strategy is aligned with the 12th Five Year and harmonization of government mandates, en- Plan for the period 2018-2023, and highlights the abling factors can be identified in relation to the relevant National Key Result Areas and indicators, following areas: to assist in tracking progress on implementing a) Address policy gaps and implementation the Strategy (see Chapter 7 for a summary). The challenges Strategy is intended to guide implementation of b) Improve monitoring, data and information the relevant policy and legislation in an integrated systems and strategic fashion, through articulating a set c) Tackle governance and enforcement chal- of Strategic Objectives – contained in themat- lenges ic chapters – Chapter 2 (Land), Chapter 3 (Air), d) Strengthen civil society partnerships 4 (Water) and 5 (Life). This chapter deals with e) Promote innovative finance and incentives cross-cutting enabling factors which are needed f) Utilize economic valuation tools for all of these Strategic Objectives to be effec- g) Develop capacity of individuals and insti- tively implemented, in line with the FYP and all tutions relevant policies, laws and regulations. h) Conduct public awareness, education and advocacy For effective implementation, there is a need i) Apply science and traditional knowledge to for improved coordination and synergies among targeted research various Ministries, Departments and agencies at National, Dzongkhag, Thromde and Gewog a) Address policy gaps and implementa- levels, in the implementation of environment-re- tion challenges lated plans and programs. Enhancing such co- In the process of conducting consultations at na- ordination is part of the role of the National tional, regional and dzongkhag level, the Nation- Environment Commission (NEC), as the highest al Environment Commission received important decision making and coordinating body on all inputs from government officials and members matters relating to the protection, conservation of civil society on areas where there may be pol- and improvement of the natural environment, icy gaps – where new policies, laws or regulation cutting across several sectors of government. need to be drafted, or new strategies, plans or Where there are currently inconsistencies be- guidelines developed to address these types of tween different policy instruments, or between challenges, related to the need: policy instruments and legal instruments, it is im- 1. for stricter standards, higher penalties and portant that these be brought to the attention of stronger enforcement capacity in many the NEC by the relevant sector of government, or cases by civil society, in order that such inconsistencies 2. for clarity where there are overlapping or can be addressed through amendments to one unclear mandates and responsibilities or more instruments, in line with the overarching 3. for stronger inter-agency cooperation for policy framework, guided by the Constitution, effective integrated policy implementation as discussed in Chapter 1. The same applies to 4. to tackle policy conflicts where these exist concerns expressed in relation to overlapping and ensure policy harmonization mandates, roles and responsibilities of different 5. to address ongoing environmental chal- government agencies. lenges which have not been effectively addressed This chapter sets out a number of enabling 6. to address new and emerging environment factors which are needed for the Strategic Ob- and climate change challenges. 134 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 © Karma Tshering, NEC A key issue raised in all the regional workshops For this reason, a decision was taken to reflect conducted as part of the consultation process for all the new ideas and suggestions raised through this National Environmental Strategy relates to a the consultation process in this chapter, so that perception that several of Bhutan’s existing poli- they can be considered and addressed as part of cy and legal instruments are inconsistent or even the way forward. The ideas are listed below, as contradictory. There are a number of cases where raised during the consultation process, as sug- harmonization needs to be achieved – through gestions for further exploration and action: amendment of an existing policy, development of a new policy, or issuance of regulations or guide- Suggestions in LAND theme: lines that clarify and resolve apparent contradic- • Recommend amendment of Land Act to tions or tensions. Such a process of harmoniza- allow for equitable land substitute suitable tion, supported by the NEC and accompanied by for agriculture in exchange for land provid- clarification of the mandates and responsibilities ed for farm-road construction of different agencies and levels of government, • NLC in collaboration with MoAF to assess, could help achieve cohesiveness, synergy and process and approve land exchange/swap- collaboration between sectors. In particular, the ping for those land parcels affected or de- need was highlighted to improve collaboration, stroyed by natural calamities such as land- cooperation and synergies between the national slides, erosion etc. and local administration and local government. All • Recommend amendment of Land Act and of this work could form a solid basis for collabora- other relevant legislation to allow for a tion on implementation, mobilizing new resources process to determine land compensation and catalyzing actions to address gaps. values • Recommend amendment of Land Act, to The specific set of challenges and gaps identified prevent arable land lying fallow – ease re- below may reflect the views of many stakehold- striction on wetland with regards to agri- ers in society, or just of a few individuals. The culture diversification (allow any feasible issues at stake are still under discussion, and agriculture activity, such as horticulture or there may be a need for societal debate before orchard development, which is restricted they can be resolved, and agreement reached on currently) the precise nature of the interventions required. • Recommend amendment of Land Act to 135 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 protect potential areas (wetland/paddy) major regions, for better compliance mon- • Recommend amendment of Land Act to itoring and also to provide one stop ser- improve mechanism for land leasing vices to the people. • Provide a clear legal definition of encroach- ment, and undertake an inventory of state Suggestions in WATER theme: land, doing ongoing monitoring using new • Conduct comprehensive study, mapping technologies, and dealing on a case by case and inventory of all groundwater resourc- basis with encroachments – regularizing es nationwide – thorough and complete settlements where justified and preventing investigations to confirm the depth, pres- new encroachments ence and sustainability of the groundwater • Investigate potential for adoption of “cli- for extraction through videographing or mate villages” by the mining sector and camera test, electrical sounding and other large industries geophysical surveys and hydrogeological • Revise building rules and regulations, in- studies cluding number of stories permissible • Establish policies to guide groundwater • Develop a comprehensive monitoring and extraction, maximizing opportunities but evaluation framework for new settlement avoiding over-extraction and other nega- plans to ensure compliance with legislation tive potential impacts – groundwater is a as well as adoption of best practices, e.g. common pool resource, therefore the rules designing for energy efficiency, resilience and regulations on who gets to extract and to earthquake and windstorm etc. how, who will monitor and regulate and • Implement an extended producer’s re- how are critical questions to be answered sponsibility approach, with a waste man- • Investigate potential to institute ground agement fund to incentivize private waste water recharge systems in the towns management entities and enable innova- • Establish indicators for monitoring irriga- tion through public-private partnerships tion performance, and define rule for for- • Implement new schemes to encourage 4R mation and operation of water users’ asso- waste management, including fiscal incen- ciations more clearly tives to waste collectors • Conduct national study to identify and • Conduct research to prepare for recycling analyse the mismatches between irrigation and reuse of new kinds of waste streams, and other policies and make recommenda- including growing e-waste (volume and tions to address these type) and waste from electric cars • Develop guidelines to replicate success- • Conduct an assessment and feasibility ful Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) study of the potential for a Refuse Derived schemes, also linking to revival of water Fuel approach in cement plants sources through indigenous methods • Conduct Strategic Environment Assess- • Increase taxes on industries contributing ment for all Dzongkhags, proactively deter- to water pollution and/or increase fines for mining the carrying capacity for industrial illegal effluent discharge by these indus- activities and establishing the likely cumu- tries lative impacts of proposed developments • Investigate potential to institute a new, • Revise Mines and Mineral Policy to independent and specialized water regu- strengthen environmental assessment and lating / management authority to address compliance with legislation, including ef- water conflict and ensure equitable distri- fective post-mine rehabilitation bution and sustainable management • Consider establishment of Regional Envi- ronment Office in each of Bhutan’s four 136 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Suggestions in AIR theme: • Improve Wildlife Management System by • Revise policy on Liquid Petroleum Gas sub- Department of Forests and Parks to help sidy – explore likely impact of doing away improve habitat and connectivity and stop with dual system either by making all LPG encroachment into forests subsidized, or by supplying subsidized LPG • Further develop tourism policy to update only in rural areas rules and regulations on regional tourists, • Revise vehicle import tax system, with entry and exit points, considering change higher taxes to discourage import of diesel to restrict daily numbers and require ad- or other high-emission vehicles vance application for guaranteed entry • Investigate new system for subsidization of • Consider new policy on stray animals, or low- carbon emitting cars such as electric at minimum revival of nationwide spaying cars and neutering efforts, to address re-emer- • Follow recommendations to set new pro- gence of problematic population levels posed maximum vehicle emission stan- dards – moving from 4.5% permissible b) Improve monitoring, data and informa- volume of carbon monoxide in gasoline-fu- tion systems elled vehicle to 1.5% in a transition period A number of government agencies are respon- and eventually 0.5%, and from 70 Har- sible for monitoring the implementation of pol- tridge Smoke Units for diesel-fueled vehi- icies, laws and regulations, tracking progress cles to 65 HSU in a transition period, and in relation to the current Five-Year Plan, and 50 HSU eventually reporting on Bhutan’s compliance with its in- • Make government fully responsible for ternational commitments in terms of Multilat- Vehicle Emission System, without involve- eral Environmental Agreements (See Chapter ment of private entities 1). A comprehensive Environmental Data Needs • Revision existing environmental standards Assessment was completed by the National En- for acceptable level of particulate matter in vironment Commission Secretariat in 2018, set- the air, including PM2.5 as well as PM10 ting out all of the country’s national and interna- • Investigate potential to develop a house- tional reporting obligations, and the institutional hold air quality standard to determine ac- framework within which reporting takes place. ceptable levels of indoor pollution that do The assessment identifies the primary users of not cause harm to human health major categories of environmental data, informa- • Investigate potential for fiscal incentives tion and statistics, and the needs and challenges such as tax holiday for industries to invest faced by user groups, and highlights gaps in data in adopting cleaner technology availability and indicator systems. • Strengthen enforcement capacity to detect and prevent open waste burning, including Inadequate data and insufficient information issuing bigger fines for infringement of law management are major constraints for the suc- cessful implementation of environmental objec- Suggestions in LIFE theme: tives and effective enforcement of environmen- • Revise Livestock Act and Policy to reflect tal legislation. An example can be seen in the development with wildlife endowment for key area of air quality monitoring. In the past, compensating stock loss to damage-caus- a shortage of automatic stations to monitor air ing animals. quality in strategic locations made it difficult to • Consider extension of compensation ensure that emissions and discharges from in- schemes to comprehensively cover crop loss dustries comply with the national environmen- as a result of windstorms and other extreme tal standards (see Chapter 3). Detailed baseline weather events intensified by disaster environmental information, with the support of 137 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 environmental standards, is needed to enable ac- • overlap of institutional mandates for data curate assessment of the level and extent of en- generation, which means that often data is vironmental pollution and environmental chang- replicated in slightly different ways es in the country. Such information is not always • a lack of advanced equipment, technical available, or parameters are inadequate. In addi- skills and manpower, sometimes lead to tion, data collection in Bhutan has only recent- inappropriate and erroneous conclusions ly started in a systematic manner, and the data and less uniformity in analysis and inter- available are not yet statistically significant to pretation make inferences on long-term trends and causes. • budget limitations for data collection/anal- ysis and lengthy government procedures The key challenges reported in the 2018 assess- for accessing funding ment by the various user groups in obtaining and • the origin of much environmental data in using environmental data stem primarily from a specific projects, reliant on project person- lack of technical skills and equipment (according nel and therefore not able to be sustained to 89% of respondents surveyed for the report), after project end followed by manpower and budget shortages • staff turnover and inadequate succession (83%). Other reported challenges include a lack planning, affecting continuity of data gen- of clear mandates, a lack of good indicators and eration. a lack of uniformity in data collection format and storage. The observation was made that data col- The reliability of the available environmental lected for specific organisational requirements is data is a major concern as the data collected is of not readily available to the public, and there is varying quality, and thorough quality assurance insufficient stakeholder involvement, and coordi- is not always applied. Incomplete or scarce spa- nation between data generators and users. tial and temporal coverage of data adds to the concern. Lack of coordination and data sharing Specific organizational problems related to data protocol further complicate the effective use of were reported to include: environmental data in the country. © Karma Tshering, NEC 138 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Data suppliers and main challenges (NECS, 2018) Data Data Type Main Challenges suppliers NECS Air and water quality, GHG emission, climate Equipment, fund and capacity Projection, industrial emission DoFPS Forest Inventory and Fuel Wood consumption Equipment, fund and capacity NLC Land-use, land use change and Geospatial data of Equipment and fund Bhutan DoI Information on new and existing industrial projects/ Equipment, fund and capacity activities, waste generation from Industries and Mines RSTA Vehicle numbers and emission standards and levels Fund and capacity DoT Petroleum imports and use data Equipment, fund and capacity MoWHS National level waste inventory and water supply data Fund and capacity for urban areas Thromdes Municipal level waste inventory and urban water Fund and capacity supply data NBC Curated species data; Citizen contributed species Equipment, fund and capacity observation data; inventory data of Plant and Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture; Gene Bank collection data; National Herbarium data NSB Economic & Social Statistics Fund and capacity NSSC Soil and Land management information Equipment, fund and capacity NCHM Water and weather data and climate scenarios Equipment, fund and capacity DoPH Health, Sanitation and rural drinking water details Equipment, fund and capacity DPA Public environmental expenditure Equipment, fund and capacity DGM Geology, earthquake and minerals inventory Equipment, fund and capacity DDM Data on environmental degradation induced disasters Equipment, fund and capacity DRE Energy Audits and data on renewable energy Equipment, fund and capacity generation DHPS Data on Hydropower energy generation and export Equipment, fund and capacity RUB Primary data on the impacts of climate change Equipment, fund and capacity RAA Reports on the effective implementation of MEAs - DRC Annual Trade Statistics; Data on Import of fuels, and - other goods and services that are relevant to the environment 139 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Some key data needs of government, divided by hospital, etc.) thematic area, are reported in the 2018 Environ- • Waste composition data needed to indi- mental Data Needs Assessment, including the fol- cate potential for composting and recycling lowing: • Development of an environmental data- base system for efficient management of Land municipal waste. • Land capability and suitability mapping to identify areas that can sustainably support Climate Change various uses such as agriculture or other • Historical, and current weather pattern development activities data of the country • Information on ecological footprint and local • GHG emissions projection ecological carrying capacity to understand • Impact assessment and address ecological degradation issues • Data on low carbon investment options • Systematic registration and evaluation of • Vulnerability assessment and adaptation present land use (including state of degra- options dation) and users • Climate change impact on hydropower. • Nature and extent of deforestation • Nature and extent of land degradation, in- Bhutan is yet to carry out a national-level evalua- cluding soil erosion and its impact on crop tion of the conservation status of its biodiversity, productivity but key species surveys have been completed for • Information on various soil parameters, in- important and threatened terrestrial species – ti- cluding soil fertility and soil organic carbon ger, snow leopard, takin, red panda, golden langur stock. and elephant and small cats. These surveys have enabled habitat mapping and the development of Air species-based conservation plans. Information on • Spatial baseline data on primary and sec- important bird areas, critical wildlife habitats and ondary air pollutants needed to assess am- distribution has been determined. The Bhutan bient air quality and its impact on human Biodiversity Portal, a consortium-based biodiver- health and environment sity information platform. attempts to document • Accurate estimation of pollution loads species level information using citizen science from different sources (industry, domestic, approach. Next steps include integrating addi- vehicles, etc.) tional interface to accommodate data on fish and aquatic biodiversity, and initiating prioritization Freshwater Biodiversity on Aquatic and invertebrates through gap analysis • Data on minimum environmental flows in of existing data. the rivers, mainly for hydropower projects • Comprehensive inventory of invasive alien The important relationship between data, mon- species (IAS) and its ecological value and itoring and management objectives can also be update the list accordingly seen in relation to forest monitoring. The 2017 • Baseline information on aquatic species report of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forest for main river system in the country with on Drivers of Deforestation and Forest Degrada- particular focus on rivers for which hydro- tion in Bhutan reported on the comprehensive power plants are planned. national forest inventory which assessed the tree stock, ecosystem health, associated biodi- Waste management versity and carbon stock, which will significant- • Data on solid waste generation categories ly contribute to decision-making and accessing needed (domestic, industrial, hazardous, resources. The Ministry is exploring ways to de- 140 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 fine further within high carbon stock/high con- servation value forest – demarcating areas suit- able for sustainable management, areas suitable for clearing for other land use, and areas suit- able for increasing forest cover and carbon enhancement. For example, steep, ecologically sensitive areas could be dedicated to protection to conserve carbon stocks, while afforestation, reforestation and enrichment planting could be promoted in degraded and barren areas. The intensification of sustainable management for timber and forest products would be suitable in forests with higher production potential. © Karma Tshering, NEC Another example of the link between data and Drawing together this wide-ranging group of management relates to habitat mapping. Many government agencies in the context of the new of the high-biodiversity value habitats such as Draft National Environment Strategy is the Na- primary forests, high altitude wetlands, and tional Environment Commission (NEC), whose home-range of flagship species fall within the Secretariat has led the process of wide consul- protected area system. However, some oth- tations in drafting the Strategy. The NEC was er high-biodiversity value habitats such as Im- established under the NEPA as the highest de- portant Bird Areas (IBA), Key Biodiversity Areas cision-making body on all matters relating to (KBA), and Ramsar Wetland Sites rich in crop- the environment and its management. It is a wild relatives are yet to be mapped in order to cross-ministerial independent body, chaired understand their status and to implement appro- by the Prime Minister, with four to five “high- priate conservation measures. Currently, there is est-ranking officers representing relevant minis- no concrete data to ascertain the rate of habitat tries” (generally the ministers), nominated by the loss although land use conversion and forest fire Chair, and three “eminent persons” or represen- are considered as leading factors. There is a need tatives from civil society. The secretariat is re- to map the high-value biodiversity habitats and sponsible for the implementation of policies, reg- assess the extent of degradation and fragmenta- ulations, and directives issued by the NEC and tion for appropriate interventions. for administering the provisions of the NEPA. c) Tackle governance and enforcement The NEC has the authority to designate any challenges ministry, organization, agency, or committee Because of the cross-cutting nature of environ- as a competent authority to carry out its func- ment and development issues, and the frame- tions. The responsibilities of these authorities work of Gross National Happiness as an over- can range from the development of sector-spe- arching policy objective, the mandates of many cific regulations and guidelines (which must be different government agencies are touched on approved by the NEC for formal adoption), is- by this Draft National Environment Strategy, suance of environmental clearances, monitoring each of which has a vital role to play in its imple- of compliance, imposition of penalties within a mentation. A set of relevant competent authori- specified limit, decisions to halt economic activ- ties is identified in the policy table for each Stra- ities in cases of noncompliance, and authority to tegic Objective so that the multiple role-players raise concerns with the NEC in environmentally responsible for implementation can be identified sensitive situations. at a glance. 141 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 On environmental disputes or noncompliance, Three draft studies by the RSPN evaluated the the NEC can issue fines and/or suspend or re- detailed impacts of hydropower development, voke environmental clearances in part or whole, farm road construction, and mining and quarry- thereby halting project activities. If required, it ing activities on the environment. In particular, can also call for the establishment of an environ- the studies point to the gaps between policies mental tribunal to hear specific environmental and implementation and significant impacts of disputes. poorly executed EIAs and unresolved regulatory noncompliance. The combination of policy im- Bhutan has developed comprehensive policies, plementation gaps and broader economic devel- laws, and regulations to support the manage- opment is causing Bhutan to encounter a num- ment and sustainable use of its environment. It is ber of environmental pressures, including land also broadly recognized that the implementation degradation and loss of forest cover, threats to of these are challenging, and in a number of cas- biodiversity, degrading water quality and quanti- es, the intended outcomes are not achieved. Ac- ty, increasing waste issues, and air pollution. cording to the ADB (2014) report, the Royal So- ciety for the Protection of Nature (RSPN) stated The Government of Bhutan has undergone a that “[p]ractical issues contribute to the widen- history of decentralization reforms. In 1981 and ing gap between policy and practice.” Almost all 1991, respectively, 20 Dzongkhags and 205 Ge- violations and disputes related to environmental wogs were instituted by royal decree. The role, laws and regulations were reported to have been mandate and capacities of local governments in addressed directly by the NEC or competent Bhutan have been significantly strengthened in authorities. These related mainly to illegal use recent years, but challenges remain. A key issue of forest resources, noncompliance with mining raised in all the regional workshops conducted as and mineral regulations (e.g., lack of mine res- part of the consultation process for this National toration), poaching, and wildlife trade. Very few Environmental Strategy was the need to empow- environment-related cases been brought before er local government for more effective enforce- the courts, but this may increase in the future, ment of laws and regulations. In some cases, this given the rapid pace of development, with infra- will involve strengthening regulatory bodies at structure expansion, construction, hydropower Dzongkhag and Gewog levels, improving human development, and enhanced extraction of natu- resources and technical capacity for carrying out ral resources. regular monitoring. An example is the ban on the 142 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 use of plastic bags. This is a national policy, but • Conflicts of interest: The current delegation Gewog administrations and village Gups (lead- of responsibility for issuing environmental ers) do not have the power to enforce the ban by clearances and monitoring compliance may imposing fines. If local government is given the present a conflict of interest, given that line responsibility to implement directives from the ministries and regional authorities usually government, it must also be given the authority have a dual responsibility of managing en- to enforce. vironmental impacts of projects while also pursuing economic development goals Based on discussions held in 2014 by the Royal • Traditional hierarchies: Bhutan is a relative- Government of Bhutan with support of the Asian ly small society, which has advantages, but Development Bank with environment officers can also present challenges with respect within the government, representatives from to ensuring an arm’s-length approach be- civil society organizations, and experts in the tween private project developers and gov- environmental field, the following governance ernment authorities. The RSPN states that challenges in Bhutan’s implementation of envi- “Bhutanese society is small and closely-knit ronmental laws were outlined: wherein most of the people, especially at • Ministry coordination: Poor coordination and the bureaucracy and business levels, are collaboration between government agen- known to the other and bound by tradition- cies was noted as an important challenge al social obligations. Such relations at the in effectively developing and implementing level of the empowered and affluent often policies and laws. Efforts are underway to get in the way of official undertakings, mak- harmonize conflicting and overlapping pro- ing policy enforcement difficult.” visions under different environment-related • Limited capacity of project developers: policies and legislation to strengthen hori- Many private project developers have lit- zontal and vertical linkages among institu- tle knowledge about the potential envi- tions ronmental implications of their desired • Human and technical capacity constraints: activities. In submitting requests for envi- With the rapid pace of development, the ronmental clearance, the information they number of projects ready for environmental supply is seldom of the required technical approval has accelerated, presenting chal- and professional level. Professional EIA lenges for government environment offi- practitioners are rarely used in undertaking cers who are unable to effectively review, evaluations for small to medium-scale proj- approve, and follow up on compliance, giv- ects. The relevant ministry, the NEC, and en limited human resources. Limited tech- district environment officers are therefore nical knowledge of officials also makes it required, to the best of their ability and ca- challenging to comprehensively assess the pacity, to either reject proposals or guide impacts of prospective projects on the en- project developers in completing their vironment clearance request documents • Bureaucracy and related implications: With numerous procedures and steps required to These challenges have significant implications for begin business operations (environmental the effective implementation and enforcement clearances and others), it was reported that of environmental policies and laws. Challenges project developers are sometimes urged to relate not only to effectively monitoring the com- bypass rules and regulations, or choose not pliance of existing projects, but also to ensuring to comply given the associated high trans- that projects receiving environmental clearance action costs and the low risk of inspection are truly environmentally sustainable through the or remedial action by authorities conduct of a scientifically robust EIA process. 143 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 d) Strengthen civil society partnerships of Nature, Royal University of Bhutan, SCI, SNV Civil society partnerships have been vitally im- Netherlands Development Organisation, South portant for Bhutan in piloting and testing many Asian Association of Regional Cooperation, of the new approaches outlined in this Nation- Swiss Agency for Development and Coopera- al Environment Strategy. They are also critical tion, SWITCH Asia, Taryana Foundation, TICA, agents for promoting community awareness – UN Environment Program, UNCCD Secretariat, to win public support and involvement, to im- UNDP, UNDP-managed GEF Small Grants Pro- plement policies on the ground. This includes a gram, UNESCO, University of California, USAID, range of types of civil society bodies – Bhuta- Water for Women, Waterkeeper Alliance, World nese community-based and non-governmental Bank, World Health Organization, World Meteo- organizations, international non-governmental rological Organization, World Tourism Organiza- organizations (NGOs) with a presence in Bhu- tion, WWF Bhutan, WWF International. tan, United Nations agencies, multilateral donor funds, and bilateral partnerships with other gov- e) Promote innovative finance and incen- ernments and their development agencies. tives The following alphabetical list of civil society Effective implementation of Bhutan’s environ- partners is not intended to represent a fully mental objectives depends on having sufficient comprehensive list of such partners, nor to ex- financial resources available. Funds may come clude, now or in the future, any organization or from a range of sources – public and private, capacity, but serves to provide a sense of the domestic and international, traditional and inno- broad scope of enabling institution whose sup- vative. During the country’s pinnacle policy dia- port has been and will continue to be an import- logues every two and half years, a number of in- ant enabling factor for implementation of envi- novative financing options have been discussed, ronmental policy: such as issuing Green Bonds, e-payments, estab- lishing a new Climate Fund and reforming the tax Asian Development Bank, Association of Bhu- collection system. The Biodiversity Finance Ini- tanese Tour Operators, Australian Aid, Austrian tiative (BIOFIN) has identified a number of other Bilateral Assistance, Bhutan Ecological Society, opportunities, including generating further rev- Bhutan for Life, Bhutan Foundation, Bhutan enue from ecotourism to re-invest into natural Toilet Foundation, Bhutan Trust Fund for Envi- resources, exploring local level financing options, ronmental Conservation, BIOFIN, CIFOR, Clean maximising returns from forest carbon stocks, Bhutan, Climate Investment Fund, CNDP, Col- using royalties from hydropower for conserva- lege of Natural Resources, Danish International tion of watersheds, and capacity development of Development Agency, European Union, FAO, the judiciary system in applying an effective sys- GEF Least Developed Countries Fund, Glob- tem of fines and fees through a dedicated “green al Environment Facility, GEF Nagoya Protocol bench.” Implementation Fund, Government of India, Government of Republic of Korea, Green Bhu- BIOFIN’s analysis has shown that public funding tan Corporation, Green Climate Fund, Greener allocated for the Renewable Natural Resource Ways, Guide Association of Bhutan, Helvetas, (RNR) sector in the 11th Five Year Plan (2013- Hotel Association of Bhutan, ICIMOD, IFAD, 2018) was about USD 65 million, of which around International Finance Corporation, IUCN, Japan USD 16.83 million was for biodiversity related Funds-in-Trust, Japan International Cooperation activities. A tentative estimate of the total funds Agency, Joint Research Centre of the Europe- required for the implementation of the National an Commission, Karuna Foundation, Nissan Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan (NBSAP) Japan, PPD, Radhi Natural Resources Manage- – itself just a sub-set of what is contained in the ment Group, Royal Society for the Protection (Draft) National Environment Strategy – is USD 144 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 32.05 million – indicating a funding gap of 15.2 mental Conservation. The globally innovative USD million. The ongoing mainstreaming of envi- Bhutan for Life model, using project finance for ronmental goals into the Five Year Plan process is permanence, involves a 14-year transition peri- a positive trend that needs to be continued. Ad- od over which responsibility for PA financing is ditional resource mobilization is occurring under progressively borne by domestic sources of rev- the 12th Five-year Plan flagship programs – such enue, enabling full domestic financial responsi- as those for water, tourism, highland and organic bility by the end of the period. agriculture. Ongoing initiatives supported by international Building on Bhutan’s global commitment to car- partners include the NAPA III, REDD+ Readiness bon neutrality, and the Constitutional require- Program, the Poverty and Environment Initiative, ment to maintain at least 60% forest cover, sig- and the Sustainable Consumption and Produc- nificant resources have been mobilised towards tion (SCP) initiative through the SWITCH Asia Fa- the long-term financial sustainability of Bhutan’s cility. UN agencies such as UN Environment and system of protected areas, preserving these vi- UNDP are supporting government on a range of tal carbon sinks. Most notably, the Bhutan for projects funded through the Global Environment Life initiative, in collaboration with WWF and Facility and the Green Climate Fund including cli- other partners, has secured innovative financing mate-resilient agriculture, sustainable low-emis- of USD 43.1 million from private, bilateral and sions urban transport systems, sustainable live- multilateral funding sources, including the Green lihoods from forest and agricultural landscapes, Climate Fund and the Least Developed Coun- integrated river basin management, and reducing tries Fund of the Global Environment Facility, risk from climate-induced disasters. to permanently finance Bhutan’s protected area system. The initiative also includes domestic fi- In 2018, the Bhutan Trust Fund supported 48 nancing of USD 68 million and another USD 7 biodiversity projects worth Nu. 228 million. The million from the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environ- Bhutan Access and Benefit Sharing Fund has in- © Karma Tshering, NEC 145 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 creased from Nu. 1.6 million to 4.8 million, the are extracted on an ad-hoc basis from unman- establishment of the Endowment Fund of Crop aged forests. The Integrated Conservation and and Livestock Conservation has been approved, Development Programs is seen as a positive and the establishment of a National Climate Fund incentive, albeit with sustainability issues. Oth- is under discussion. Payments for Ecosystem er relevant policies and fiscal incentives with a Services (PES) is an innovative financing mecha- positive intent include the income tax holiday of nism that has been utilized in Bhutan in specific 5 years to farm house/homestay and 10 years contexts, and the National Payment of Environ- to businesses agriculture enterprises; tax rebate ment Services Framework (PES) of Bhutan, 2015 to industries adopting environmentally sound and PES Field Guideline have been developed to technology (EST); sales tax exemption on waste facilitate PES implementation. At the same time, management, mass transport and equipment; in addition to existing PES scheme in Yakpugang subsidies on human wildlife mitigation technol- Community Forest Management Group (CFMG), ogies; and subsidies on stall-fed high-yielding new PES sites have been established in Pasakha cattle breeds. and Namey-Nichu in Paro. f) Utilize economic valuation tools Financial incentives provided by government An important contribution to the enabling en- may influence economic activity and have an im- vironment for implementation of the (Draft) pact on the environment that may be positive, National Environment Strategy comes from the negative or neutral. The incentives provided in use and application of economic valuation tools the renewable natural resources sector (RNR) to demonstrate the value of the natural envi- are mainly targeted at realizing the goals of food ronment to human well-being, socio-economic and nutritional security, enhancement of rural development and overall Gross National Hap- livelihood and reduction of the high import de- piness. Currently, the valuation of biodiversity pendency. The impact of these subsides on bio- and ecosystem services is not carried out on a diversity, land and water resources is yet to be systematic basis, but has been carried out in the assessed. In the Forestry sector, subsidized tim- context of specific initiatives and projects – na- ber and the right to collect NWFPs are generally tional capacity building initiatives for REDD+ perceived to be harmful since these resources readiness, Payment for Environmental Services 146 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 (PES), National Forestry Inventory, and ad hoc opment path. In this sense, the greening of our valuation of some protected areas and ecosys- system of national accounts would contribute to tem services. the quantification of Gross National Happiness. As the nationally designated institution for co- The nation’s guiding policy document Bhutan ordinating ecosystem valuation, the Watershed 2020: A Vision for Peace, Prosperity and Happiness, Management Division (Department of Forests written in 1999, provides an important caution and Park Services, Ministry of Agriculture and – that overemphasizing a utilitarian, Western Forests) has carried out a series of studies on approach to measuring and valuing the con- biodiversity and selected ecosystem services i.e., tribution of the natural environment could risk timber, Non-Wood Forest Products, fuel wood, swallowing up our own approach to the environ- nature based tourism, water, grazing, and species ment, which has traditionally been anchored in richness. The Economics of Ecosystem and Bio- our Buddhist beliefs and values: “We not only diversity (TEEB) study for selected hydropower respected nature, we also conferred upon it a plants in the country has been completed es- living mysticism. Places were identified with tablishing three scenarios to simulate changes deities, divinities and spirits, and a large part of in ecosystem services provisioning from 2010 the landscape was mapped in such terms in our to 2030. Several valuation studies carried out in minds. We must recognize that some of the mea- the country were assessed through the imple- sures that we have taken to protect and preserve mentation of the 11th Five-year Plan, which has the environment and biodiversity may also have mid-term and terminal reviews, in the context of contributed to the erosion. The establishment implementation of the country’s National Biodi- of nature reserves and protected areas has in- versity Strategies and Action Plan (NBSAP). troduced lines of demarcation between humans and nature that formerly never existed. The in- Natural Capital Accounting or “greening” of na- troduction of rules and regulations that must be tional accounts, is a global tool that is starting respected have stripped some locations of their to be applied in Bhutan, alongside the system mysticism and prevented the communion with for tracking Gross National Happiness. Nation- nature that was once common. Our belief that we al accounts are used as the basis for calculating should manage our biodiversity and environment Gross Domestic Product, i.e. the total value of in accordance with international standards may the goods and services produced by a nation. have unwittingly contributed to a hardening of The system used in Bhutan for the calculation traditional attitudes, perceptions and values. The of GDP is based upon the methodology and further erosion of our traditional perception and practices recommended by the United Nations understanding of our place in natural systems (the 1993 System of National Accounts). While carries potentially disturbing consequences for the methodology represents a considerable im- the environment. It may be a shorter step than provement over earlier methodologies, it still we might care to imagine from seeing ourselves takes no account of the value contributed to the as part of a living world to seeing it as a source of economy by the environment and by ecological wealth and as a resource base to be exploited for services. An estimate of this value can be ar- immediate gain – a step that would undermine rived at through the compilation of environmen- the whole ethos and ethics of conservation. We tal satellite accounts, for which methodologies must be ever conscious of this danger. It can only have been developed and tested. The objective be addressed by deliberate efforts to keep alive of “greening” of Bhutan’s system of national ac- traditional attitudes and values. This establishes counts is to provide us with quantitative indica- a clear link between environmental conservation tors of the importance of the environment to our and the conservation of our cultural heritage.” economy and of the sustainability of our devel- 147 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 g) Develop capacity of individuals and sideration environment, climate and poverty institutions issues when undertaking local and central gov- Developing capacity at both individual and insti- ernment’s planning. tutional level is important to empower citizens and officials to carry out specific activities in International partnerships have also made possi- fulfilment of the National Environment Strate- ble programs to enhance the capacity of judges gy and the various policies, laws and regulations from across Bhutan to review and improve draft underpinning it. Two important constituencies rules of environmental adjudication. Programs for capacity development are unemployed youth with other countries in the region have devel- and rural women. Unemployed youth are the re- oped capacity of national and local governments cipients of government support to commercial to create an enabling legislative, financial and farming ventures – with land user rights certifi- technological environment for the introduction cates issued to them to create job opportunities and uptake of environmentally sound tech- in farming and agri-processing. Ongoing capacity nologies in the waste sector, and for achieving development is needed to ensure that sustain- their commitments on reducing greenhouse gas able businesses are established on this land. emissions. Non-formal education instructors have been trained on a new curriculum related Owing to the matrilineal inheritance practice in to renewable energy, rainwater harvesting and large parts of Bhutan, about 60% of rural women biogas, delivered through 700 learning centres and about 45% of urban women have land and across the country, as well as receiving training property titles registered in their name1. Gender on construction of fuel-efficient, cleaner cook- equality can be further promoted by giving wom- stoves. Capacity development for staff of pro- en a greater voice in the management of the land tected areas has been carried out to strengthen they own for better business opportunities, and enforcement and anti-poaching operations, in- access to an effective secondary and higher ed- cluding capacity for SMART patrolling. ucation along with skills training2. Women can be providers as well as recipients of capacity de- Aiming to empower local government at dz- velopment activities, since rural women tend to ongkhag and gewog levels, the Joint Local Gov- interact closely with the natural resource environ- ernance Support Program (JLGSP) has operated ment as users of wild plants and forest products. over the past decade. The program aims to make They are also usually the managers of home gar- finance systems effective and transparent for lo- dens, and can pass these skills on to the youth. cal government service delivery, while strength- ening the central government’s policy, regula- Development of government officials’ capaci- tory, supportive and supervisory functions. Its ty through in-service training is also critical for strategy includes assisting local governments in effective policy implementation. A number of implementing block grants allocated for improv- partnerships with donors have enabled the Roy- ing local-level infrastructure and in providing al Government of Bhutan to develop capacity in public services, while offering training and ca- specific environmental sectors, such as air quality pacity development for local personnel and of- monitoring, managing human-wildlife conflict, or ficials. In this context, a Capacity Development undertaking forest inventory. Through the Pov- Grant Mechanism for local government (LoCAL) erty and Environment Initiative, programs have provides adaptation grants to local governments worked to build central and local government ca- to support climate resilient investments, such as: pacity to achieve green, inclusive development, • Infrastructure works aimed at the improve- through training provided to civil servants from ment of farm roads for enhanced climate all over the country. This has strengthened na- resilience – this involved slope stabilization tional and local level capacity to take into con- of landslide-vulnerable areas, rectification 148 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 and improvement of the drainage system citizen’s duty to contribute to protection of the and construction of a causeway natural environment, conservation of the rich • Construction of elevated bridges to over- biodiversity and prevention of all forms of eco- come risks posed by swollen rivers and logical degradation. The integration of biodiver- streams during heavy rain events sity and environment into the Gross National • Improvement of rural water supply Happiness surveys reveals how ecological indi- schemes – this involved tapping new/ ad- ces can be used in national development para- ditional water sources, protecting water digms. The Gross National Happiness Survey, 2015 sources and their enhancement through indicates that close to 80% of the total popula- planting water-conserving species, up- tion are highly responsible (among 4 ratings - not grading water tanks to increase storage at all responsible, a little responsible, somewhat capacity, or replacement of water supply responsible, and highly responsible) towards bio- lines with climate-resilient materials diversity conservation. • Improvement of irrigation systems by reha- bilitating irrigation channels and installing Conducting advocacy and awareness efforts climate-resilient pipes to distribute irriga- around specific areas of environmental policy, tion water legislation and regulations can be essential for • Soil conservation and landslide risk mitiga- their effective implementation, and to minimize tion works, such as planting bamboo plants infringements and environmental damage. Ef- and constructing drains in landslide- prone forts to ensure knowledge and understanding of areas or farms particular policies provide the first step towards • Equipment provisions for renewable ener- ensuing both support and cooperation on pro- gy use through installation of biogas pro- active environmental management efforts, and ducing plants and bio-digesters or solar compliance with environmental legislation. lamps/panels. Public environmental awareness raising starts h) Conduct public awareness, education within the context of schooling in Bhutan, with all and advocacy teachers trained to explicate Gross National Hap- Public education and awareness are vital to en- piness, as well as the related concept of “green- suring care for Bhutan’s rich natural and cultural eries” – essentially natural, intellectual, academic, heritage. According to the Constitution, every social, cultural, spiritual, aesthetic and moral val- Bhutanese is a trustee of the Kingdom’s natu- ues. Environmental education is mainstreamed ral resources and environment, for the benefit into the school curriculum from Pre-Primary to of present and future generations, and it every Higher Secondary. Environmental education is © Karma Tshering, NEC 149 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 © Karma Tshering, NEC further supported by NGOs like the Royal Soci- part of the management of protected areas, as ety for the Protection of Nature (RSPN) which mandated by law. However, these programs are works to impart environmental knowledge and ad hoc and are mostly limited to raising aware- skills among the youth and citizens for promot- ness on environmental rules and regulations or ing positive attitudes and sustainable actions in a basic understanding of environmental chal- conserving Bhutan’s rich environmental heritage. lenges. There are also a number of ongoing en- Working in close collaboration with the Ministry vironmental education programs targeting dif- of Education, RSPN’s Environmental Education ferent sections of the population. However, an Program has developed an extensive network institutionalized mechanism is lacking to ensure of Nature Clubs, covering more than 23% of the that the public understanding of their role in en- schools and colleges in the Kingdom, and working vironmental conservation is elevated. Existing closely with the Ministry of Education. environmental education programs should be strengthened to target the general population, Beyond school level, awareness and outreach including schools, institutions, private and cor- programs are carried out in the major cities and porate sectors. at Gewog level on biodiversity conservation and environmental protection and waste manage- i) Apply science and traditional knowledge ment. Advocacy and capacity building for disaster to targeted research management are carried out through awareness Many areas of policy implementation covered raising and promotion of early warning systems. in the National Environment Strategy can be In some areas, communities are also engaged guided by targeted research, informed both by in citizen science initiatives to monitor species science and by traditional knowledge. Examples and ecosystem health. Additionally, community raised during the regional workshops conducted mobilization events continue to be promoted, as part of the consultation process for the Strat- for example, undertaking litter collection, river egy relate to the impacts of land conversion (to clean-up, tree planting etc. Public biodiversity guide potential amendments to the Land Act) information generation and access platforms are and the prevalence and causes of drying up of being enhanced, while nature clubs and youth water sources, since much discussion of this engagement initiatives continue to expand. matter is currently based on anecdotal evidence rather than accurate statistics. Currently, about 66% of the population interacts directly with protected areas, with many people For effective implementation of the National En- regularly visiting the forest for spiritual and rec- vironment Strategy, there is a need to strength- reational purposes. Environmental education is en biodiversity and environment information and 150 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 research, promoting evidence-based policy and Bhutanese individuals through its research grant decision-making, and adoption of sustainable program. technologies and approaches. Despite Bhutan’s unquestionable commitment to conservation In addition to a science-based approach, there is of its natural heritage, there has been a signif- political good will and government support for icant lag in terms of generating and applying an inclusive and participatory approach to the in- science-based knowledge and technologies re- tegration of traditional knowledge and custom- lated to biodiversity, nature conservation, and ary practices held by communities in biodiversity sustainable consumption and production. In the conservation and sustainable utilization. Howev- biodiversity sector, this gap has been recognized er, the process has been slow due to limited hu- since the formulation of the first Biodiversity man, technical, legal and financial resources. In Action Plan, as well as in subsequent national line with the increasing importance of traditional documents on biodiversity management. Efforts knowledge associated with genetic resources, are underway now to build collaborative initia- in the context of Bhutan’s commitment to the tives with international/regional conservation Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing agencies to enhance technical expertise, knowl- (ABS), Government has initiated a program of edge, resources and funds availability to bridge work to document, protect and utilise traditional the biodiversity information gap. This could re- knowledge and customary practices of commu- sult in holistic and integrated research programs nities, relevant to biodiversity conservation and that generate information for government deci- sustainable use, supported through inventory sion-making, policy changes, awareness and ed- and documentation in all 205 gewogs completed ucation. In terms of adoption of environmentally with 716 traditional knowledge holders entered friendly technologies, there is still an overall gap in the traditional knowledge database. Over in the transfer, dissemination and adoption of 1,800 plants associated with traditional knowl- useful technologies, and there is a need to bridge edge have been collected and processed at the the gap between policy research and policy for- Bioprospecting lab for further research, scientific mulation. validation and natural product development, and four ABS agreements signed with local commu- There are several ongoing studies through uni- nities for the development of eight products uti- versities and NGOs to generate knowledge on lizing Bhutanese genetic resources and/or asso- environmental issues and biodiversity, includ- ciated traditional knowledge (see Chapter 5). ing a diverse range of topics. An example of a cross-section of current research projects could Endnotes include: population abundance and distribution 1 Kotikula, Aphichoke. 2013. Bhutan gender pol- of the endangered golden langur, the impact of icy note (English). Washington, DC: World Bank changing monsoon patterns on rice production, Group – report prepared by the World Bank in community values and perceptions of ecosys- collaboration with the National Commission for tem services of high-altitude old growth oak Women and Children (NCWC) forests, and the impacts of air pollution on chil- 2 Kotikula, Aphichoke. 2013 (World Bank and dren’s respiratory health. Many NGOs now have NCWC). knowledge-based conservation strategies, using research to professionalize conservation inter- ventions and also to enrich Bhutan’s knowledge base on its environment, producing publications and documentaries for public consumption. The Jigme Khesar Environmental Research Fund aims to strengthen science-based research capacity of 151 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 CONCLUSION AND MONITORING PROGRESS Over the past year, the National Environment Chairman, local government of all Dzongkhags, Commission (NEC) Secretariat has worked with Village leaders (Gup), Community representatives, government and civil society stakeholders and Representatives from Forest Sector, Representa- partners at national, regional and local levels, tives from Agriculture Sector, Representative from to articulate a National Environment Strategy, Livestock Sector, as well as NECS staff members. based on all of Bhutan’s existing environmental Extensive comments were made on the first draft policies, laws and regulations. This work has re- Strategy document, and many additional issues ceived generous financial and technical support raised for inclusion from the sub-national perspec- from the United Nations Economic and Social tive. This enabled the production of a second draft, Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP), which was then workshopped in some detail at the and also financaial support from UNDP-Bhutan October Task Force meeting. Parallel sessions of and has been guided by a Task Force set up to the four technical working groups were held, refin- represent all the government agencies involved ing each chapter of the Strategy, including policy in the work of the NEC, as well as key other updates and drafting Implementation Plans. These stakeholders. The Task Force met in June and draft Implementation Plans, with potential key October 2019 and formed four technical work- indicators for each Strategic Objective which are ing groups – one to guide each of the Strategy’s shown in draft form at the end of each thematic thematic chapters on Land, Air, Water and Life. chapter in the current final draft. The Task Force was mandated to produce a Building on this process, the current draft includes high-level strategy document, that would build a proposed outline for an overall Implementation on the 1998 National Environment Strategy, The Plan, potentially including all the 113 Sub-objec- Middle Path, reflecting new achievements, com- tives as well as the 31 Strategic Objectives, for mitments and challenges. It would also draw on consideration by the Task Force and stakehold- the draft environment policy developed in 2015, ers. The first draft of this National Environmental and would provide an overarching strategy for Strategy was developed in alignment with the 12th integrated implementation of existing national Five Year Plan, and had a limited time horizon of environmental commitments and priorities. The five years. Following the second Task Force work- new National Environment Strategy would pro- shop, held in Paro in October 2019, it was decided vide a framework for monitoring progress and to extend this to a 10-year horizon in the current was intended to be used to guide actions by gov- draft. It is intended that this Strategy be used for ernment at national, dzongkhag and gewog lev- a 10-year period from 2020 to 2030, with a full els. The Task Force would consider two options in review of the document after five years, for any terms of the time framework: a 10-year horizon necessary revisions, building on the progress as- or alignment with the Five Year Plan period. A first sessment in relation to the Implementation Plan. draft of the document was produced in August 2019, and comments and suggested edits were The table presented in Annex I has been pre- provided by the technical working groups. pared as a starting point for revising the Draft Implementation Plans developed by the Task Between the two Task Force workshops, consul- Force technical working groups into a single con- tation was also undertaken with a range of stake- sistent format, and considering the inclusion of holders at sub-national levels, with four regional the Sub-objective level as well. The table could workshops held in Wangduephodrang, Bumthang, be included in the Final Draft of the National En- Phuentsholing and Trashigang. All 20 Dzongkhags vironmental Strategy or kept as a complementa- were represented in the workshops, including the ry standalone document. 152 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020

ANNEX I: GUIDING THE MONITORING OF THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY Strategic Objectives and Sub-Objectives Reporting Selected Baseline Target Target for Agency Indicator in 2020 for 2025 2030 LAND Strategic Objective 1: Plan for balanced land use • Lease out state land strategically • Strengthen environmental impact assessment • Establish land use and governance system • Ensure optimum utilization of arable land Strategic Objective 2: Enhance disaster preparedness and response • Plan for disaster risk management • Adapt to climate change impacts • Strengthen disaster preparedness and response • Issue early warnings to vulnerable communities Strategic Objective 3: Combat land degradation • Plan for Land Degradation Neutrality • Reduce land degradation • Practice sustainable land management • Restore degraded landscapes Strategic Objective 4: Promote environmentally friendly and climate- resilient roads and infrastructure • Climate-proof transport infrastructure • Construct environmentally friendly roads • Plan farm roads better Strategic Objective 5: Make agriculture sustainable and climate-resilient • Protect agriculture against climate change • Provide adequate irrigation • Improve farm productivity • Reduce open grazing of livestock • Promote organic farming 153 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Strategic Objectives and Sub-Objectives Reporting Selected Baseline Target Target for Agency Indicator in 2020 for 2025 2030 • Maximize use of sustainable inputs Strategic Objective 6: Manage mineral extraction sustainably • Strengthen protection and regulation regime • Plan sustainably for the sector • Increase value addition to minerals Strategic Objective 7: Ensure green, sustainable settlements • Promote regionally balanced development • Plan settlements within carrying capacity • Make cities climate-smart Strategic Objective 8: Strengthen waste prevention and management • Build capacity for integrated waste management • Promote sustainable production and consumption • Improve municipal waste management • Minimize greenhouse gas emissions from waste AIR Strategic Objective 9: Remain carbon neutral • Maintain forest carbon sink • Plan low-carbon sectoral development Strategic Objective 10: Improve ambient air quality • Address causes of pollution • Reduce pollution from fires • Improve air quality monitoring Strategic Objective 11: Promote low- emission transport • Monitor environmental impact of transport sector • Improve public transport • Tighten vehicle emission controls • Use legal and fiscal instruments 154 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Strategic Objectives and Sub-Objectives Reporting Selected Baseline Target Target for Agency Indicator in 2020 for 2025 2030 Strategic Objective 12: Adopt cleaner technology • Enforce requirement for environmental approvals • Promote investment in clean technology • Encourage sustainable consumption Strategic Objective 13: Develop renewable energy sector • Diversify renewable sector • Ensure energy access for remote communities Strategic Objective 14: Improve energy efficiency • Increase efficiency to reduce emissions • Achieve sectoral targets for savings • Promote sustainable construction Strategic Objective 15: Reduce household air pollution • Implement pollution abatement • Roll out improved cookstoves • Switch to cleaner fuels Strategic Objective 16: Provide early warning for windstorms • Manage increased windstorm risk • Respond to windstorm disasters • Provide early warning of storms WATER Strategic Objective 17: Institutionalize and implement integrated water resource management • Strengthen and capacitate IWRM institutions • Improve integrated service delivery • Manage water resources for a changing climate Strategic Objective 18: Prevent freshwater pollution • Strengthen enforcement of effluent discharge standards • Improve sewerage treatment facilities 155 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Strategic Objectives and Sub-Objectives Reporting Selected Baseline Target Target for Agency Indicator in 2020 for 2025 2030 • Monitor drinking water quality • Intensify urban clean-up campaigns Strategic Objective 19: Improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation • Rejuvenate rural water sources • Promote climate-resilient water harvesting, storage and distribution • Expand water and sanitation facilities Strategic Objective 20: Prevent damage from flood disasters • Integrated approach to flood risk management • Extend flooding early warning systems • Prevent landslides from floodwaters • Manage risks of glacial lakes • Artificially lower glacial lake levels Strategic Objective 21: Ensure sustainable development of hydropower • Expand current hydropower capacity • Protect and manage upstream watersheds • Promote alternative renewable energy • Carry out cumulative impact assessments • Ensure environmental flows in rivers Strategic Objective 22: Ensure efficient use of water resources • Manage water demand • Adopt water-saving technologies • Raise community awareness • Efficiency in water resource use LIFE Strategic Objective 23: Sustainably manage human-wildlife conflict • Implement strategy to manage conflict • Improve understanding through research 156 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Strategic Objectives and Sub-Objectives Reporting Selected Baseline Target Target for Agency Indicator in 2020 for 2025 2030 • Create safe environment for communities • Manage wildlife habitat • Strengthen community-based crop and livestock compensation Strategic Objective 24: Support sustainable forest management • Maintain forest for climate adaptation and mitigation • Promote climate-smart forest management • Reduce forest fire • Strengthen social forestry • Promote Payments for Ecosystem Services • Encourage sustainable harvesting Strategic Objective 25: Conserve Bhutan’s biodiversity • Implement biodiversity strategies and actions • Protect terrestrial ecosystems • Maintain freshwater habitats • Conserve threatened species Strategic Objective 26: Sustain the protected areas network • Implement Bhutan for Life • Diversify conservation finance • Improve management effectiveness • Conserve transboundary and cultural landscapes Strategic Objective 27: Promote sustainable tourism • Grow sector within carrying capacity • Diversify and spread tourism offering • Enhance livelihoods through ecotourism • Promote sustainable consumption Strategic Objective 28: Prevent and combat poaching, illegal harvest and trade • Prevent illegal hunting and fishing 157 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Strategic Objectives and Sub-Objectives Reporting Selected Baseline Target Target for Agency Indicator in 2020 for 2025 2030 • Prevent illegal extraction from forests • Develop ranger capacity • Enhance international cooperation Strategic Objective 29: Prevent spread of alien invasive species • Strengthen management system • Improve plant quarantine • Clear harmful exotic trees Strategic Objective 30: Preserve diversity of crops and livestock • Strengthen management framework • Promote gene banking • Promote in situ conservation Strategic Objective 31: Share benefits of genetic diversity • Strengthen institutional framework • Tap benefits from biodiscovery 158 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM Project Director: Mr. Karma Tshering, Head, Policy and Programme Services, NECS Project Support Officer: Mr. Rinchen Tshering, Deputy Chief, Policy and Programme Services, NECS Ms. Solene Le Doze, Economic Affairs Officer, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) Ms. Caroline Petersen, International Expert Mr. Chukey Wangchuk, Local Expert Mr. Karma C. Nyedrup, Environmental Specialist, NECS (Facilitator) THEME GROUP LEADERS Land: Ms. Phub Dem, Specialist, PPD, MoAF Air: Mr. Sithar Dorji, Deputy CPO, PPD, MoIC Water: Mr. Nawaraj Chhetri, PO, UNDP Bhutan Life: Ms. Kuenzang Choden, PO, Bhutan for Life Secretariat NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY TASK FORCE MEMBERS Ministry of Agriculture and Forest Sl. Name Designation Department No 1 Mr. Kuenga Namgay Chief, Feed and Fodder officer Department of Livestock 2 Ms. Sonam Choden Watershed Management Division Department of Forest and Park Services Mr. Tshering Wangchen Sr. Agriculture officer, Agriculture Department of Agriculture 3 Research and Extension division 4 Ms. Phub Dem Principal Agriculture Officer PPD Ministry of Economic Affair 5 Mr. Tashi Phuentsho Mining Engineer Department of Geology and Mines 7 Mr. Dawa Chogyel Environment Specialist Department of Industries 8 Ms. Tashi Pem Chief Electrical Engineer Department of Hydropower and Power system Ministry of Works and human settlement 9 Ms. Thinley Choden PE, WSD Department of Engineering Services 10 Mr. Karma Wangdi Gyeltshen Chief Engineer, Bridge Division Department of Roads 11 Garul Dhoj Bhujel Deputy Chief Statistical Officer PPD 12 Mr. Tshering Penjor Urban Planning Division Policy and planning Division Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs 13 Sonam Deki Deputy Chief Program officer Department of Disaster management 14 Tenzin Department of Local Governance Ministry of Information and communication 15 Leki Choda Asst. Planning Officer Road Safety and Transport Authority 16 Mr. Sithar Dorji Deputy Chief Program officer Policy and Planning Division 159 The Middle Path - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2020 Ministry of Health 17 Mr. Chador Wangdi Sr. Program officer Department of Public Health Ministry of Education 18 Mr. Chainga Sr. Planning officer Policy and Planning Division Ministry of Labour and Human Resources 19 Mr. Kesang Jigme Chief Planning officer PPD Ministry of Finance 20 Ms. Pema Planning Officer PPD Non-Ministerial Government Agencies 21 Mr. Karma C. Nyedrup Environment Specialist NEC 22 Mr. Rinchen Tshering Ozone Program officer, Policy National Environment Commission and programming services 23 Wangdi Phuentsho Assistant Environment Officer National Environment Commission 24 Ugyen Tshomo Assistant Environment Officer National Environment Commission 25 Sonam Dagay Environment Officer, Climate National Environment Commission Change Division 26 Yeshey Dorji Assistant Environment Officer National Environment Commission 27 Ms. Chimi Dema Assistant Planning Officer Gross National Happiness Commission 28 Ms. Dechen Eadon Deputy Chief HRO Royal Civil Service Commission 29 Mr. Dorji Pelzang Dy. Chief Survey Officer National Land Commission Secretariat 30 Mr. Tobden Deputy Chief Officer National Statistical Bureau 31 Mr. Sangay Tenzin Senior Legal officer Tourism Council of Bhutan 32 Mr. Lham Dorji Legal Officer National Commission for Women and Children 33 Lop Passang Secretary General Dratshang Lhentshok Civil Society Organizations/ Private Sector 34 Mr. Yeshi Dorji Head, Research and Planning Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Division Industry 35 Mr. Thinley Norbu Dy CPO Civil Society Authority 36 Mr. Pema Namgyel Ghaley Programme Officer Association of Bhutanese Industries 37 Mr. Ugyen Lhundrup Chief Program Officer Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation (BTFEC) UN 38 Mr. Nawaraj Chhetri Portfolio Analyst UNDP 39 Mr. Jigme Dorji Programme Officer UNICEF 160 We are thankful to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific who provided technical and financial support for the development of the Strategy and facilitated the coordination with all other UN agencies. We are also thankful to UNDP-Bhutan for their financial support. We are most grateful to the National Environment Strategy Task Force and associated members, composed of representatives of various Ministries, civil society organisations, private sector and United Nations Agencies. This includes the United Nation’s Resident Coordinator in Bhutan, as well as to the Secretariat of the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production (10YFP) and to Local Government Elected Leaders who contributed in successful development of the strategy. Designed & Printed : Yoebar Prints (yoebarprinters@gmail.com), Thimphu ་མ ཐའ་འཁོར་གནས་སྟ ངས ང ༄༅།།རྒྱ ས་ལྷ ལ་ཡོ ས། ན་ཚོག Natio mi ssion nal En om viro nment C National Environment Commission P.O Box: 466, Thimphu : Bhutan www.nec.gov.bt