February 14, 2025
TSIRANG – In an effort to restore degraded habitats of critically endangered white-bellied heron, the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) has planted trees on 42 hectares across six dzongkhags.
The initiative is part of a five-year project that began in July 2021, aiming to transform 50 hectares into thriving ecosystems.
The project “Developing Ecosystem-Based Solutions for Managing Biodiversity Landscapes in Bhutan” targets heron habitats in Punakha, Wangdue, Tsirang, Dagana, Trongsa, and Zhemgang.
In collaboration with Green Bhutan and private landowners, RSPN has restored 12.5 hectares annually along the Punatsangchhu and Mangdechhu basins. The remaining plantation is planned for completion this year.
RSPN’s Research Officer, Tshering Tobgay, said the project focuses on afforestation in degraded community forests and commercial plantations on unsuitable private land.
“About 90 percent of the trees are high-value timber species for house construction and furniture, while 10 percent are fruit trees to support wildlife and reduce human-wildlife conflict,” he said.
The plantation mainly includes native species such as teak, duabanga, jackfruit, jarul, amla, ghamari, mango, leucaena, bamboo, and pine trees, among others.
“Native species, such as pine trees, are crucial as white-bellied herons typically build their nests on them,” said Tshering Tobgay, adding that 8.5 hectares along Punatsangchhu-I, which were deforested, have been planted with chir pine trees.
This approach not only restores the land but also fosters an ecosystem where endangered species and other wildlife can thrive, he said.
The project identified degraded areas for restoration using the Ecosystem and Socioeconomic Resilience Analysis and Mapping (ESRAM) study—a data collection method that establishes a baseline for ecosystem-based adaptation planning.
The project aims to improve the livelihoods of communities near heron habitats through high-value commercial and fruiting trees with both ecological and economic benefits.
Devithang Community Forest in Sunkosh chiwog, Tsirang, with 28 community members, has planted teak and agarwood on two acres. The community sells mature trees to contractors and reinvests in high-value species.
“We have a community bank account to manage funds from the sale of wood to help members facing financial hardships by supporting them during deaths, natural disasters, and fire hazards,” said 61-year-old Harka Singh Chetri, Chairperson of the community forest.
The community has Nu 232,000 in the account, including the annual membership fee collection. “We provide loans of up to Nu 15,000 with a minimal interest of Nu 100 per Nu 1,000 per year to support members during difficult times,” he added. “We have already issued a loan to a member under this scheme.”
In 2021 and 2022, RSPN supported seven nursery sites in six districts, focusing on low-income communities, women’s groups, and those hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. A buyback mechanism for saplings was established to ensure consistent plantation in heron habitats.
With a budget of Euro 4.11 million, the project is funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety through the International Climate Initiative, with co-funding from Switzerland’s MAVA Foundation.
RSPN has provided communities with additional support, including a fish pond for heron feeding, an eco-campsite, and a power tiller for farming.
“We plan to convert our chiwog meeting hall into a guest house,” said Harka Singh, who also leads anti-illegal fishing efforts and monitors heron populations along the Sunkosh River. “RSPN has been instrumental in training us for homestays and ecotourism.”