Human-wildlife conflict for all times?

 

It has been over 14 years since the Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) strategy document was implemented, and over the years Bhutan has recorded an increasing number of threats from wildlife.

 

Looking at the overall reports till now, our conservationists appear to be taking a cautious approach to these issues. But the economic loss brought about by crop loss undoubtedly discourages our farmers from continuing farming—not to forget the farmers in Khandothang who stopped growing betelnuts and agricultural produce over time due to the risk from wild elephants.

representative image from online

 

Studies recognise that wild animals threaten farmers’ daily sustenance in and adjacent to protected areas through livestock depredation, crop damage, and loss of lives.

 

The HWC is hindering Bhutan's goal of food self-sufficiency and putting the conservation programmes at risk.

 

Here, I write about the voices of our farmers. A significant proportion of households observed to have experienced increasing HWC events in the last decade. Farmers attribute several reasons for the increase but the most frequently mentioned were: a decrease in forest cover with the major activities falling towards biological corridors, a ban on shifting cultivation; strict forest policies that support animals over human lives, prohibiting hunting animals; and religious sentiments.

Looking at the overall measures, some gewogs started measures of vermicomposting on waste and chain-linked fencing, use of heavy machines and fireworks - while some dzongkhags are chasing animals away—while some remain helpless.

 

The measures taken are short-lived. The issue of human-wildlife conflict has existed since the early days and a more profound measure is a must. 

(image credit: Lhakpa Quendren)

Youth groups inspire awareness and equality

Power of youth engagement

In a significant step towards raising awareness and empowering the youth of Bhutan, four dynamic and progressive youth groups—YPEER Bhutan, QUEER Voices of Bhutan, VAST Bhutan, and YDF-Young Volunteers in Action of Gelephu— have initiated a groundbreaking campaign for the nation's young generation.

Part of “ShiftBhutan Programme”, an innovative campaign accelerator, pioneered by Save the Children, the nationwide campaign focuses on, among others, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) and substance use disorders (SUD). With its targeted approach encompassing the age group of 14 to 25 years, this initiative recognises the pivotal period of adolescence and early adulthood.

By disseminating accurate, comprehensive, and age-appropriate information about SRHR and SUD, the youth groups are in action to foster a generation equipped with knowledge that will empower them to make informed decisions. In an era marked by rapid information exchange and technological advances, misinformation often thrives. The youths are particularly susceptible to misconceptions that can have far-reaching consequences. The “ShiftBhutan programme” combats this challenge head-on by providing a platform for honest conversations and education.

The campaign’s focus on SRHR underscores the importance of body autonomy, consent, and understanding relationships, enabling young Bhutanese to cultivate respectful and healthy interactions. Simultaneously, its emphasis on SUD delivers a critical message about the perils of substance abuse, fostering responsible choices that steer clear of potentially life-altering pitfalls.

It’s not just the message, but also the messenger that matters.

The collaboration among diverse youth groups demonstrates the potency of unity. With a unified voice, they amplify their impact, transcending boundaries and enabling a more comprehensive reach across the country. This collaboration sets an example of the power of collective action in tackling societal challenges, showcasing a nation where differences are embraced and harnessed for positive change.

The programme acts as a catalyst for cultural evolution, challenging norms and broadening perspectives.

The inclusion of QUEER Voices of Bhutan within the campaign speaks volumes about the commitment to inclusivity and representation. By addressing the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, this initiative takes a commendable step towards creating a more equitable society where everyone’s rights are recognised and respected.

Bhutan’s young people, armed with knowledge, can shape a future defined by health, equality, and informed decision-making. This innovative collaboration, therefore, deserves our praise, for the impact of knowledge-sharing, and the transformative potential of youth engagement.

(Kuensel - editorial)

Notice—that needs reflection of our society

 

...a need for holistic approach

 

The recent notification by Thimphu Thromde regarding limited working hours for construction sites in the city has sparked a debate on the optimal approach to economic growth and development in Bhutan.

 

While the Facebook post has an almost equivalent ratio of acceptance and dissatisfaction—sharing my personal reflection on the working hours mentioned.

 

The rationale behind this decision is to mitigate noise pollution, it is imperative to analyze this policy in the context of Bhutan's evolving economy and global trends in 24-hour work environments.

 

Bhutan, known for its Gross National Happiness index, is undergoing a transition towards a more robust economy. However, its unique socio-cultural fabric must be considered when implementing policies. While working 24 hours may align with global economic trends, Bhutan's emphasis on work-life balance and community values necessitates a nuanced approach. The concern of noise disruption, although valid, should be addressed through technological innovations and effective urban planning.

Allowing round-the-clock work can indeed boost economic growth by enabling more productivity and catering to a diverse workforce. Australia's example of 24-hour industries demonstrates how carefully planned shifts can maximize productivity without adversely affecting social cohesion. Research also supports this notion, indicating that countries with flexible working hours tend to experience improved economic performance due to increased labor utilization.

 

Nonetheless, Bhutan's economic growth must be inclusive and mindful of its citizens' welfare. The reliance on daily wage earners from Bhutan and India highlights the importance of ensuring fair compensation and decent working conditions. The government should focus on implementing policies that create sustainable jobs and provide adequate support for workers, including those who seek overtime opportunities.

 

Furthermore, the contrast between late-night parties and restricted construction hours raises questions about consistency in policymaking. Striking a balance between individual freedom and societal well-being is crucial. Rather than outright opposing 24-hour work, the government should consider regulating it within specific sectors and under strict noise-control measures.

 

Bhutan's journey towards economic recovery requires a holistic approach that respects its cultural values while embracing global economic trends. The call for 24-hour work availability is valid but should be implemented strategically, considering noise concerns and the need for balanced growth. Effective policies can ensure that economic development benefits all citizens, fostering an environment where progress coexists with Bhutan's cherished traditions.

Bhutan’s organic goal on track?

 ... Bhutan’s organic goal on track?

In 2019, Bhutan embraced the ambitious goal of becoming the world's first 100 percent organic nation by 2020 to make agriculture more sustainable and establish a resilient, productive organic farming system while preserving the environment.

The goal, which was announced with the initiative of the National Organic Flagship Programme (NOFP) under the National Organic Programme (NOP), was later deferred to 2035. 

More than four years later, there are doubts about the goal of increasing organic production, employment opportunities, developing enterprises, and import substitution. 

There are talks about closing down the NOFP already. 

The agriculture and livestock minister Yeshey Penjor, however, said that both programmes have been streamlined.

The government reallocated Nu 650 million for the NOFP of the 1 billion planned initially, but the budget for NOP is not known, says an official from the programme.

The streamlining of the programme is expected to enhance organic production, and its marketing, strengthen organic regulatory system, and sustainable livelihood. 

What is achieved? 

Advisor at the Organic Sector Development, NOFP, Kesang Tshomo, said that the 100 percent organic target included food crops, livestock, and forest products with a coordinated plan and investment. But the investments were not sufficient until 2020. 

She says that earlier that programme’s focus was on developing educational and advocacy materials, building an enabling environment and support systems, training for staff and farmers, and developing organic regulations, and standards and certification guidelines for farmers and the private sector. 

Between 2019 and 2020, with an investment of Nu 97 million, 1,418 metric tonnes of total produce worth Nu 167 million were produced and sold within Bhutan.

Due to the pandemic, the number of organic commodities was reduced from 12 to three — buckwheat, ginger, and turmeric—at a budget of Nu 377 million.

Currently, 110 farm co-operatives and 696 farmer's groups are involved in organic production and marketing in the country, of which 415 are agricultural farmer groups and 23 are agricultural cooperatives, according to the Department of Marketing Cooperatives. 

In the next Plan, the ministry aims to strengthen technical support in the form of research and technology development, organic regulation and certification capacity development to meet international demand and requirement, and accreditation of the Bhutan Organic Guarantee system, among others. 

Recently, the country adopted the Geographical Indication initiative that would help manage the organic certification of products. 

Challenges 

The national organic agenda lacks sufficient resources to achieve its goals. Despite efforts to translate the organic vision into reality, in the present context, the challenges in the organic agriculture vision are aplenty. 

Lack of certification, thus the export market is still topping the list. 

Kesang Tshomo said that food security is a priority compared with the achievement of organic targets. “Without the government and consumer support, the farmers cannot bear the responsibility of meeting the national target.”

The country today has only four internationally-certified products namely—lemon grass oil, edible flowers, ginger, and blue pine essential oil.  Additionally, there are 65 products certified by Bhutan Organic Standard. These products certified by Bhutan Food and Drug Authority are accepted only in Singapore for the current exports.

She said that farmers are not yet benefited from organic premiums and certification. The ministry supports the certification that is costly for the farmers. 

To achieve the organic goal, Bhutan also aims to discontinue the use of harmful chemicals in the field. There are several allegations about the overuse of harmful chemicals in the field.

Fertilisers and pesticides are still imported to facilitate the production of basic food and cash crops to ensure food security and income generation. 

The National Soil Services Centre and National Plant Protection Centre import the chemicals, and the supply and distribution of agrochemicals is monitored by Bhutan Food and Drug Authority.

(Kuensel, Aug 22)

https://kuenselonline.com/bhutans-organic-goal-on-track/

Digital dawn: Navigating Bhutan's evolving media landscape

 

Navigating Bhutan's evolving media landscape

Once cherished, now cast away,
Newspapers' fate in Bhutan's light sway.
Once news founts of old, now dues weigh,
Struggles abound in the digital day.

Printed pages, dwindling score,
Future unknown, they explore.
Digital shift takes profits to shore,
Challenges mount, even more.

Online ads usurp revenue's reign,
Diminished earnings, a worrisome bane.
Newspapers' destiny's hard to explain,
Print's presence wanes online's gain.

Page-turning sounds fade from sight,
The screens' glow takes the reading flight.
A changing era, as shadows alight,
Newspapers' challenges come to light.

Yet journalism's spirit perseveres,
The watchdog role endures through the years.
Methods adapt amidst shifting gears,
Society's guardian, amidst its peers.

Their power to report, unveil,
Truth's quest, stories to prevail.
Informed we stand, as they set sail,
Newspapers' importance, we hail.

AI edited 

Indo-Bhutan ties to strengthen economic growth and renewable energy

… Ambassador Sudhakar Dalela and Vetsop Namgyel at Bhutan Echoes

 

 

 

With Bhutan undergoing a major transformation, India shall remain committed to enhancing the economic development of Bhutan, this was shared during Bhutan Echoes by Sudhakar Dalela, Ambassador for India to Bhutan on August 5.

 

As the Bhutan Echoes brought together various participants from around the world, the question of India-Bhutan friendship and a way forward was raised.

 

It was for the first time the question of economy and development was brought in during a literary festival.

 

The moderator, Namgay Choden who is a climate solution strategist asked the ambassador of Bhutan to India, major general Vetsop Namgyel and ambassador of India to Bhutan Sudhakar Dalela on the transformation and economic growth in Bhutan.

 

Vetsop Namgyel said that Bhutan and India share its ties culturally for centuries with political relationship since 1949. “Over the decades, major developmental activities have taken place in Bhutan. The first five-year plan was a support from India to start the developmental activities in the country.”

 

Ambassador Sudhakar Dalela said that the way forward for Bhutan in its economic ties has already began with India’s involvement in ICT connectivity, expansion in renewable energy and green hydrogen, and skills development through Desuung skilling projects and Gyalsung project.

 

“As we set our compass towards the future, we shall stay updated to new reality, technological advancement and other sectors,” he said.

 

The development may come at the cost of Bhutan’s pristine environment as the forest coverage has already declined from 71.13 percent to 69.71 percent in 2023. As the moderator questions on the environmental front, the ambassadors ascertain renewable energy growth over non-renewable energy.

 

Vetsop Namgyel said that the Indian economy is fifth in the world that has been helping Bhutan grow through Digital Drukyul Platform. “Bhutan is a champion of environment – an exemplary nation being the carbon negative country. India has revamped the climate and environmental policies with major focus on renewable energy growth.”

Bhutan’s forest coverage decreased to 69.71 percent: NFI Report 2023

… the carbon sequestration capacity increased in the last six years

 

Bhutan’s forest coverage decreased to 69.71 percent in 2022 compared to 71.13 percent in 2016, according to the second National Forest Inventory launched on July 31, by the Department of Forest and Park Services (DoFPS) and Bhutan for Life Fund Secretariat.

The Energy and Natural Resources Ministry’s (MoENR) report states that the carbon sequestration capacity for Bhutan increased to 11 million tonnes from 9.6 million in the last six years.

MoENR Minister Loknath Sharma launched the report coinciding with the International Ranger’s Day. He also presented the International Ranger’s Award to the Division Forest Office, Sarpang.

Lyonpo said that Bhutan is regarded as a global champion of environmental conservation where rangers are a pivotal player. “At the risk of their lives and comfort, the rangers work to safeguard the diversity of life – for which the award is a way to preserve the pristine environment.”

He said: “Bhutan being a fast-developing nation, lots of environmental challenges are inevitable, and rangers hold a critical position securing the balance between development and conservation.”

With the launch of these reports, he said, Bhutan should be able to have informed decision and knowledge on growing stock, forest carbon and cost-effective decisions to combat climate change.

Three important reports: State of Forest Report 2023, the State of Forest Carbon Report, and the Forest Cover Mapping Report were launched yesterday.

Kinley Dem, deputy chief forestry officer of Forest Monitoring and Information Division, said that the second NFI is a part of periodic exercise to monitor the changes in the state of forest resources of Bhutan and guide in ensuring and maintaining forest coverage and policies in the 13th five-year plan.

 

She said: “In spite of the scarce resources, topography and harsh terrain in Bhutan, the inventory is a key exercise to monitoring the extent of forest, growing stock, carbon stock among others for better planning and management of forest through policy and interventions.”

 

The State of Forest Report 2023 reports a growing stock of 759 million cubic metre in standing form, a decrease by 20 percent since the last NFI in 2015.

 

Another important observation from the reports, she said, is the increased proportion of smaller sized trees, with more than 72 percent of the trees estimated to be below 30cm.

 

Bhutan recorded a total of 1,008 million trees and 523 million saplings are estimated to be found in Bhutan. The number of trees increased by 26 percent from 2015. 

 

Principal forestry officer, DoFPS, Dorji Wangdi said that the sequestration capacity of Bhutan’s forest has increased to 11 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from 9.6 million tonnes estimated in 2015.

He said: “Approximately 523 million tonnes of carbon are stored in forest ecosystem of Bhutan from the total carbon stock of 609 million tonnes as per the findings reported in the SoFC Report.”

According to him, the increase in the sequestration capacity of forest despite decrease of forest and forest carbon report is because of the increased rate of Basal Area Increment. “The total annual Basal Area Increment in last five years in Forest is 1.22 million metre-square for the entire Forest.”

Over 231 officials were involved in the conduct of NFI between July 2021 and 2022. The data analysis was done in between 2022 and 2023. The field crew collected 1,969 cluster plot of the total 2,424 cluster plots in the country.

 

Wangdue has the greatest area under forest cover (258,969.43 ha) followed by Zhemgang (223,067.45 ha) while Tsirang has the smallest forest cover of (54,380.94 ha).

 

The National Forest Inventory (NFI) is the systematic collection of data and information for assessment or analysis of forest resources at the national level.

The reports were published with technical support from the Soil Plant and Analytical Laboratory (SPAL), and National Soil Service Centre of Department of Agriculture funded by the government and Bhutan for Life Fund Secretariat, the REDD Readiness Proposal Project.

@Kuensel (YK Poudel)