The Community Development program chiefly assists environmentally possible economic advantage programs for the local populace. It is being promoted through participatory mechanism to develop Phobjikha as an integrated conservation model in Bhutan, from which the lesson can be drawn to replicate in other parts of the country. Over the years, participation of local communities was found to be more effective and essential for creating enabling environment to implement projects and for long term sustainability. Therefore, since 1999, RSPN has been initiating programs that are environmentally viable and socially and economically beneficial at the same time.

Community Participation Mechanism

To represent local interests and enable effective participation of the local people in conservation, RSPN has supported establishment of a community organization called Phobjikha Conservation Area Programme Committee (PCAPC). The Committee comprises Geog representatives and Sectoral representatives. For the past few years, the committee has effectively addressed the local needs and issues and also outlined acceptable decisions from which local communities and biodiversity would benefit. Keeping in mind of gender parity and equal participation, women’s group has been formed within the committee.

Community Based Sustainable Tourism (CBST)

During the last few years, RSPN has helped establishing basic eco-tourism facilities like the Black-necked crane information centre and nature trails. It has been also working with the local communities to develop tourism products like handicrafts, marketing materials, horse riding, pack animal, etc. The Black-necked Crane Festival which has been carried out since last seven years forms an important part of CBST program. The program is currently being supported by UNESCO.

Alternative Energy
In an effort to minimize negative environmental impacts, an energy-efficient and environmentally viable source of energy has been introduced in Phobjikha since 2003. Till date, total of 205 households including local institutions and monasteries have been fitted with solar photovoltaic light. Financially supported by United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) and Solar Electric Light Fund of the USA, local people have been trained to repair and maintain system thereby ensuring sustainability and proper management of the system. One of the trainees is also being supported by RSPN to open a spare parts shop in Phobjikha.

Women in Water and Energy
Women in Water and Energy project have been initiated in Phobjikha and Limukha in punakha with financial assistance from ICIMOD/UNEP. The main goal of this project is to promote equal gender participation in conservation activities and alternative energy technologies. Some of the new technologies introduced include solar dryer, solar water heater, improved one pot hole mud stove, improved mud cooking stove with metallic chimney and back boiler, parabolic solar cooker, sprinkler irrigation, water harvesting plastic tank, improved metal cooking stove, family hydro, peltrics, etc.

Environment and Health
Environment and Health project has been initiated help develop facilities for waste management. The installed facilities include waste dumping pits and garbage bins in the prime areas of Phobjikha. RSPN conducts annual awareness programs and trainings related to sanitation and waste management with Non-Formal Education learners, students and other local residents. It has also built one public toilet and a model toilet in Gangtey and Tabeding to educate general residents on sanitation.