Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN)

Despite stern legislation and public awareness program in place to curb forest fires, it is one of the major environmental problems in Bhutan causing immense threat to the rich biodiversity.

Forest fires in Bhutan have caused huge damages to biodiversity resulting in environmental degradation. In response to substantial deforestation over many years due to forest fires, an approach to sustainable forest management through reforestation activities are being implemented by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN).

June 30, 2014, A comprehensive research presentation on various environmental subjects were presented by JKERF grant recipients comprising undergrad students from College of Natural Resources (CNR), Lobeysa and Sherubtse College, Kanglung. The research findings will be made public through the Jigme Khesar Environmental Resource Centre attached with RSPN Research Program. The funding for the grant was secured from the Gross National Happiness Commission under the Joint Support Program (JSP).

With an objective to understand the state and dynamics of ecosystems and their linkages to human wellbeing and mainstream the knowledge into planning and development strategies, the RSPN has completed the household survey on Ecosystems and Ecosystem Services in Barshong Gewog, Tsirang Dzongkhag. It was conducted from 10th - 30th May, 2014.

Rural Electrification in the Blocks of Zhemgang District is 90 percent complete, and stringing of power-cable lines and construction of power sub-stations for rest 10 percent are currently under progress.

The World Day to Combat Desertification (WDCD) is observed worldwide on 17 June every year. The theme of this year's WDCD is ecosystem-based adaptation.

With the slogan ‘Land Belongs to the Future, Let’s Climate Proof It’, the 2014 WDCD highlights the benefits of mainstreaming sustainable land management policies and practices into our collective response to climate change.