Yangyel Lhaden

As human-wildlife conflicts escalate and forest ecosystems face increasing threats, the ‘Living Landscapes: Securing High Conservation Values (HCVs)’ project is making significant strides in biodiversity protection and community support.

Launched in 2020, this eight-year initiative is spearheaded by WWF Bhutan and the Tarayana Foundation, in collaboration with the government.

Covering 9,967.45 square kilometres outside the protected area system across nine south-western dzongkhags, including Thimphu, Paro, and Zhemgang,the project targets critical biodiversity areas, particularly wildlife corridors.

These regions, home to flagship species like tigers and elephants, face pressures from development, climate change, and human-wildlife conflicts.

The project’s annual report for 2023 highlights key achievements, including the implementation of measures to address the challenges faced in these areas.

Last year, a major milestone was the incorporation of HCV areas into the country’s National Land Use Zoning Baseline Report in 2023.

With endorsement from the Department of Forests and Park Services (DoFPS), HCV screening results were approved, followed by the National Land Commission Secretariat’s (NLCS) formal inclusion of HCVs into the national land zoning system.

HCV areas are places with important environmental, social or cultural significance. These areas are crucial for protecting biodiversity, endangered species, and supporting communities.

By the project’s conclusion, it aims to establish and manage nine HCV areas, ensuring long-term conservation of their biological, ecological, social, and cultural importance. “The project also seeks to improve community livelihoods by addressing key challenges like human-wildlife conflict and water issues, contributing to sustainable land management, and enhancing household income in the project areas,” the report states.

To enhance conservation efforts, the project delivered Nu 25.35 million worth of equipment, ranging from field gear to essential fire-fighting tools, filling critical gaps faced by forestry officials.

More than 230 officials also received training in advanced technologies, including drone operations, biodiversity surveys, and climate change vulnerability assessments.

Fire prevention initiatives have been strengthened through advocacy campaigns and a new training module for Bhutan’s Gyalsung National Service Programme, ensuring forest fire management is prioritised in national training.

Ecotourism facilities have been established in five divisional forest offices, creating eco-trails, camping sites, and visitor centres, benefiting over 21,740 community members. The Bermo Botanical Garden in Zhemgang has also been revitalised, enhancing its appeal as a recreational hotspot.

In addition, the project’s efforts have also addressed water security by incorporating nature-based solutions into water filtration and distribution systems in Paro.

The first-ever Biodiversity Assessment Report was published by the Paro Divisional Forest Office, documenting 333 plant species, 30 mammalian species, and 212 bird species.

Climate change remains a looming threat for the country’s landscapes. Last year, more than 6,200 residents from the project landscape were interviewed to assess the socioeconomic impacts of climate change. Following data collection, 18 officials from the DoFPS participated in a week-long Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment training in Nepal.

The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection through the International Climate Initiative.