Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN)

Introduction

Project Introduction

A majority of the households in Kangpara (if not all) are subsistence farmers growing maize, chili, and potatoes. They rely significantly on forest resources for both domestic consumption and for generating cash income. Cane and bamboo are extensively used for building houses, fencing, roofing and weaving handicrafts. The geog’s population is generally noted for possessing one of the finest bamboo craftsmanship in Bhutan. Bamboo handicrafts are mostly made of Neomicrocalamus andropogonifolius, locally called ringshoo (Sharchopkha) or Yula (Khengkha).

Goals and Objectives

Goals and Objectives

The main goal of the ringshoo program is to help create a sustainable livelihood for the communities in the project area, which depend greatly on the bamboo for their economic welfare. Technical knowledge to increase the successful cultivation of this species is an important part of this effort.

Project Area

Project Area

Kangpara is a remote geog (the smallest administrative block) in Trashigang Dzongkhag (district). Located in the warm broad-leaved zone with an elevation range of 1200m to 2300m, the geog consists of 17 villages, 388 households, and 4,227 people. It takes nearly three hours to drive to Wamrong from Trashigang town (80 km) and another one and a half hour drive on the feeder road to reach Phegpari, the end of the drivable road point. It takes another four hours’ walk to reach Kangpara the geog office.

Issues to be Addressed

Issues to be Addressed

Although the local community uses this bamboo to make marketable products, the lack of market outlet in the area has declined their market potentiality. The establishment of community-based natural resource management programs will benefit local people supplementing the area ecologically. 
With the endorsement from the Ministry of Agriculture to engage RSPN in the conservation of the area, a task force representing different government agencies and organizations will be formed. In collaboration with the Dzongkhag and Dungkhag authorities, the officials and local community will be involved in the planning and implementation of the programs and activities.

Project Partners

Project Partners

• District planning office
• RNR extension agents
• Community people
• Community leaders

Activities

Activities

• Studies of areas in which ringshoo is utilized as an income-generator
• Creation of ringshoo management groups