NEWS
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.
In a rare sighting in Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, a Chinese Pond Heron (Ardeola bacchus) was spotted near Singye Dzong at a record altitude of 3600 m in Bhutan.
The presence of two adult White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis) in Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary, Sarpang was confirmed by a team of RSPN and Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary Forestry Officials on 26 February 2014.
The three-day training on Book-keeping and Silviculture Options to the Community Forest Management Group (CFMG) Members of lower Zhemgang was organized by Zhemgang Field Office in collaboration with the Block RNR Extension Forest Offices of lower Zhemgang from 15th February till 21st February, 2014.
25 January, 2014: 37 Black-necked Cranes (Grus nigricollis) were counted at Khayber (Rinchengang), Bayling (Below the Pear Tree, Lithongshing), Trashiyangtse . Between 08.18 am to 08.27 am about 37 BNCs were seen feeding in the dry paddies feeding on the grain droppings. This area is a popular non-roosting feeding area for the BNCs in Trashiyangtse. The BNCs usually come to this area at 5 am from roosting areas in Bumdeling.
The management team of the new Community-based Sustainable Tourism (CBST) Group of Phobjikha was given a 5 days training on basic office management from 23rd to 27th January 2014 at the RSPN headquarter in Thimphu. The management team was formed as a requirement of the CBST business plan for establishment of a CBST Group secretariat/ office.