NEWS
Water is the foundation of life. And still today, all around the world, far too many people spend their entire day searching for it. – The Water Project
Phobjikha valley in Wangduephodrang is known for having one of the largest high altitude wetland in the country. The pristine wetland is fed by numerous seasonal and perennial streams flowing from the surrounding mountains. Besides number of important functions in an ecosystem, the wetland in Phobjikha is a winter home for more than 350 Black-necked Cranes.
A day long White-bellied Heron (WBH) conservation meeting with the stakeholders was organized on 8 April, 2014 in Mendhagang Geog Centre, Punakha.
The kick-off meeting with the stakeholders for Green Public Procurement in Bhutan was held on 31 March 2014 in the conference hall of the Royal Society for Protection of Nature, Thimphu. A cross sectorial strategy for sustainable industrial competitiveness, GPP in Bhutan is expected to scale-up public demand for environmentally and socially preferable goods, services and infrastructure, and support the achievement of Gross National Happiness and ‘The Middle Path’.
Tashitse Higher Secondary School at Wamrong, Tashigang celebrated the 2014 World Water Day (WWD) on 22nd March. The school’s main objective for the celebrating such an important day was to sensitize the students and general public of Wamrong town on importance of water and how it can be well-managed.
While the world observed the Earth Hour on 29th March 2014, several RSPN members trekked the Lungchutse Hiking Trail (3.5 Kms) which is about 2 hours travel time (one way). The highest point on the trail was about 3569 meters above sea level. The team trekked from Dochula Pass, climbed towards the Lungchutse Lhakhang (highest point on the trail) and then descended towards Yusipang via the Tashigang Gonpa covering 9.2 kms.
Environmental Conservation is the responsibility of all people, from all walks of life.
As a part of imparting knowledge about the importance of environmental conservation and with the Royal Society for Protection of Nature’s mission of “inspiring personal responsibility and actively involvement of the people of Bhutan in the conservation of the Kingdom's environment through education, research and sustainable livelihood opportunities” a one day environmental education and awareness program was conducted for the monks of Gangtey Goenpa in Phobjikha. A total of 30 monks and two teachers attended the program.
Zhemgang Field Office in collaboration with the Bjoka Block RNR Extension Forest Office and Bjoka Bamboo Craft Cooperative Group organized three-day training on Technical Skills on Bamboo and Cane Products to the women members of Bjoka Bamboo Craft Cooperative Group from 11th March till 22nd March, 2014. It is a part of ADB funded project on “Improving Gender-Inclusive Access to Clean and Renewable Energy in Bhutan”.
On 22nd March the world will celebrate the World Water Day (WWD). The theme for this year’s WWD is “Water and Energy”. This year’s theme resounds the wisdom of His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan when he said "Water is to us what oil is to Arab,"
Just as the locals started sowing potatoes for the year, the last group of Black-necked Cranes consisting of two adults and a juvenile, left for their summer breeding grounds yesterday, i.e. 13th March 2014 at 1015 hrs. The BNCs have spent the past five months in the cold valley of Phobjikha valley in Wangduephodrang. The first group consisting of 10 adults migrated from the valley on 9th February 2014, following which, groups ranging from 2 to 50 cranes left the valley on various dates.