Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN)

Zhemgang Field Office in collaboration with the Ngangla Gewog (block) RNR Extension Agriculture Office and Panbang Organic Vegetable Group organized six-days training on Vegetable Production and Management to members of the of three vegetable groups of Ngangla Block under Panbang sub-district from 6^th till 11^th July, 2014. It is a part of ADB funded project on “Improving Gender-Inclusive Access to Clean and Renewable Energy in Bhutan”. Its objectives are to train 35 farmers on basic book-keeping, organic components and pest management aiming at product improvement and income generation.

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.