Project Introductory Meeting completed with
Local Government Leaders and relevant stakeholders

RSPN completed the Project introductory meetings with local government leaders and relevant stakeholders within the key WBH landscapes under the project, “Developing ecosystem-based solutions for managing biodiversity landscapes in Bhutan’’. The project focuses on establishing approaches and tools for protecting and managing White-bellied Heron habitats along Punatsangchhu and Mangdechhu basins in Bhutan. 

The key strategic interventions on enhancing biodiversity/WBH conservation, climate resilience, livelihood enhancement, and resilience and programs on knowledge sharing and networking were discussed. 

The local leaders and key stakeholders from 30 Gewogs within the six project districts participated in the programs (Wangduephodrang district- Thedtsho, Ruebesa, Athang and Dagar Gewogs, Punakha district-Toewang, Chhubu, Dzomi, Shengana, Guma, Lingmukha, Goenshari and Kabesa Gewogs, Trongsa district- Langthel and Khorphu Gewogs, Zhemgang district-Nangkor, Trong and Phangkhar Gewogs, Tsirang district- Barshong, Rangthangling, Sergithang, and Tsirangtoed Gewogs, Dagana district -Gozhi, Kana, Tshendagang, Gesarling, Dorona, Tashiding, Tshangkha, Laja, and Drujegang Gewogs). 

The five-year project aims to design and apply community engagement strategies for WBH conservation through diversification of livelihood options and promotion of an environmentally conducive livelihood approach, which will strengthen the community’s resilience to climate change in the long run. 

The activity is part of on going project funded by the Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), Germany through the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and co-funded by MAVA Foundation, Switzerland, and RSPN.