Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN)

Introduction

Introduction

Bhutan has a tremendous amount of inland freshwater resources including glaciers, rivers, streams, and lakes across the country. There are numerous rivers that origins from the glacier across the Himalayas and become the source of livelihoods and for industrial growth of the country. The significance of Bhutan’s water resources cannot be overemphasized as multiple sectors are dependent on it for social and economic development. The fundamental right of individuals to clean water for basic sanitation and survival cannot be overstated in the process of developing water management plans for any entity.

Generally, Bhutan is considered to have abundant water per capita, but there is unequal temporal and spatial distribution across the country. On the one hand, seasonal fluctuations in precipitation is reported to be on the rise; on the other, most settlements cannot access water from its numerous rivers and streams considering Bhutan’s difficult terrain and topography and partly because of lack of technological facilities and services. Therefore, localized water shortages for both drinking and irrigation are common phenomena for much of Bhutan’s 69% rural and agrarian population.

Goals and Objectives

Goals and Objectives

The overall goal of the community-based watershed management program is to make the management of water resources sustainable by promoting appropriate community-based water management models.
Objectives:

• To develop and implement appropriate community-based water source protection programs.
• To enhance effective water utilization using appropriate water conservation strategies.
• To raise stakeholder awareness on the significance of watershed, its variables and their interrelationships.

Issues to be Addressed

Issues to be Addressed

Although Bhutan is considered to have abundant water per capita, but there is unequal temporal and spatial distribution across the country. On the one hand, seasonal fluctuations in precipitation is reported to be on the rise; on the other, most settlements cannot access water from its numerous rivers and streams considering Bhutan’s difficult terrain and topography and partly because of lack of technological facilities and services. Therefore, localized water shortages for both drinking and irrigation are common phenomena for much of Bhutan’s 69% rural and agrarian population.

 

Deteriorating watersheds and water quality were some of the emerging issues popping up across the country. Therefore a community-based watershed management expects to build the capacity and awareness of the local communities and involve them meaningfully to restore and manage their local water sources.

Outcome

Outcome

• While community members are the primary beneficiaries and stakeholder, an efficient partnerships among various sectors and agencies was developed.
• Communities become aware of the importance of watershed management and acquired knowledge and skills in watershed management processes.
• Appropriate local action to the issues were designed and implemented
• Expected to maintain water resource for the sustainable livelihoods

Project Partners

Project Partners

• Watershed Division of Ministry of Agriculture
• Ministry of Education
• Schools
• Communities
• Bhutan Water Partnership

Activities

Activities

• Watershed inventory and mapping
• Community awareness programs
• Community based action research process
• Community based action planning and implementation
• Monitoring and evaluation