Bhutan for Life

The Board members to the Bhutan for Life fund is currently in the field visiting BFL project sites as a part of the 15th Board of Trustees Meeting. The team visited the @Royal Botanical Park, Lampelri and the @White-bellied Heron Conservation Centre changchey, Tsirang, part of RSPN Bhutan. The visit is accompanied by the Director, Department of Forests and Park Services and the Project Coordination Unit (PCU). World Wildlife Fund WWF Bhutan @green Bhutan corporation limited

The Short Documentary on the Bhutan for Life Impact for the last 5 years of its implementation. The video was launched during the 15th Bhutan For Life Board of Trustees Meeting in Thimphu today. We would like to thank all our implementing partners @Department of Forests and Park Services , development partners Green Climate Fund World Wildlife Fund DTGO Group of Companies Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Royal Government of Bhutan 10 Protected Area Networks, 8 Biological Corridors, Functional Divisions across the country for their support and commitment towards this shared mission. We would like to thank Jigme Dorji National Park, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park Wangchuck Centennial National Park Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary Phrumsengla National Park Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary Royal Manas National Park Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary, 8 Biological corridors and functional divisions for their video contributions from the field.

𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐞𝐜𝐨 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐚𝐭 𝐉𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐡𝐚 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 The Bougainvillea Garden or Langchenphu Recreational Park under Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the picturesque landscape overlooking the Chukarpo River and Langchenphu. This recreational park is designed to offer visitors an immersive experience in one of Bhutan's most biodiverse regions. The infrastructure offers eco-friendly and sustainable tourism activities while blending harmoniously with the natural surroundings. The Bhutan For Life program requires 80% of all households within the #protectedareanetworks to have increased access to nature-based employment and income-generating opportunities including #ecotourism, enhancing their resilience to climate change. Since its opening in July 2024, to the public, the park has welcomed approximately 200 visitors, including both locals and foreigners. The park benefits around 2,500 individuals including commuters and the local residents. The park features a spacious open deck, restrooms, open lawn, and plenty of cozy resting spots with benches. Lush Bougainvilleas, Jacaranda Mimosifolia, and Golden hedges line the park’s boundary, adding vibrant bursts of color and creating a serene, picturesque atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. This collaborative project between Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary and other relevant agencies based in Jomotsangkha is a wonderful example of how ecotourism can enhance both local well-being and #sustainabletourism in the region without undermining the conservation needs. Green Climate Fund World Wildlife Fund Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation Department of Forests and Park Services @jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary #ecotourism #SustainableEcoTourism

The final shortlisted candidate for the final selection process. The details about the final selection has been shared via your registered email address. If you have any queries regarding the shortlist results, you may contact HR team at +975-02-330978 or email at hr@bfl.org.bt during the working hours (9 AM-5 PM).

𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐙𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐏𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 As part of #Milestone9 of the Bhutan for Life (BFL) program, Bhutan is making significant strides in strengthening the #Anti-poaching and surveillance program. By the end of Year 2, SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) patrolling had been effectively instituted in 10 Protected Areas (PAs) including 8 Biological Corridors (BCs) and Royal Botanical Park in Bhutan. This initiative aims to prevent, combat, and monitor poaching, wildlife trade, and other illegal activities, reinforcing Bhutan's commitment to protecting its biodiversity. The national roll-out of SMART since 2016 strengthens Bhutan’s conservation efforts. First piloted in 2013, SMART has evolved into a core tool, enabling rangers to track patrol data, analyze poaching trends, and ensure more effective resource deployment. This has led to substantial improvements in how PAs manage and monitor poaching risks, while also supporting sustainable use of natural resources. Since 2019, Bhutan for Life Program has funded the implementation of #smartpatrolling annually across all PAs and BCs, ensuring that critical areas are constantly monitored. In 2024 alone, patrol teams have covered an incredible 1,034,941 km over 18,538 days and 8,981 nights, focusing on enforcing conservation laws and safeguarding wildlife. This Anti-poaching and surveillance program, coupled with #smarttechnology, is a major step towards eliminating illegal activities in the forests. As BFL progresses, SMART patrolling remains a key pillar of Bhutan’s commitment to zero poaching and safeguarding the natural heritage for future generations. #smartpatrolling #antipoaching #preventwildlifetrade Green Climate Fund World Wildlife Fund Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation Department of Forests and Park Services Picture Courtesy @JDNP, JKSNR, Paro Forest Division

The formulation of the Bhutan for Life Annual Workplan and Budget 2025-2026 completes today. This three-day workshop brought together BFL focal persons from all the Protected Areas, Biological Corridors, Functional Divisions, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Finance and the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation. Participants presented their plans for the next one and a half years, reviewed progress to date, discussed the challenges faced, and highlighted measures taken to address those challenges. The workshop was graced by the presence of the Director of the Department of Forests and Park Services, the Executive Director of the Bhutan for Life Fund Secretariat, and the Managing Director of the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation. Green Climate Fund World Wildlife Fund

𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫-𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 The Bhutan for Life (BFL) Program places a strong emphasis on #gendermainstreaming by ensuring equal participation, addressing gender-specific vulnerabilities, and providing opportunities for both men and women to benefit from conservation activities. By integrating gender-sensitive approaches in all phases of the program, from planning to implementation, BFL recognizes that women and men face different challenges, particularly in rural and protected areas. Several gender-inclusive initiatives have been implemented. The Gangtey-Phobji Eco Camp, which is run by a six women and the Bja(Traditional Nomad Tent) Weaving Women Group in Naro Gewog under Jigme Dorji National Park (JDNP), Thimphu District, both of which provide income generation opportunities while supporting environmental sustainability. Additionally, the formation of a women-led snow leopard conservation group in Tsento, Paro, highlights women’s vital role in species protection. Moreover, women actively participated in Natural Dyeing training at Bayling, Langthil, under Trongsa District, enhancing their skills in eco-friendly practices. These projects showcase how BFL integrates gender mainstreaming into its activities, ensuring that women are at the forefront of conservation and economic development. BFL’s efforts are gradually breaking down barriers by providing opportunities for women to participate equally in conservation activities, reflecting Bhutan's larger commitment to gender equity. #gendermainstreaming #gender #genderequality Green Climate Fund World Wildlife Fund Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation Tarayana Foundation

Wishing everyone a Happy Blessed Rainy Day 2024. Thruebab Tashi Delek!

The Bhutan for Life Fund Secretariat would like to announce the result of shortlisted candidates (CID No) for the next round of selection for the position of Program Officer: The details about the next round of selection has been shared via your registered email address. If you have any queries regarding the shortlist results, you may contact HR team at +975-02-330978 or email at hr@bfl.org.bt during the working hours (9 AM-5 PM). We would like to thank everyone who applied for the position, and due to sheer number of applicants, we will not be able to reach out to individual candidates.

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐲 In an effort to protect the #livelihood of herders in the Merak Gewog, numerous land management interventions have been implemented in Sheteymey, a key catchment area for the Yudeyri stream. Landslides have posed a major threat to the tsamdro (grazing land) in the region, but through collaborative community efforts, sustainable solutions are now in place. Funded by Bhutan for Life Program and guided by the Sustainable Land Management Guidelines 2021, the project involved planting live cuttings, constructing check dams, and covering landslide-prone areas with green netting to stabilize the land. The milestone 12 of the Bhutan for Life Program focuses on enhancing #watershed conditions to promote climate resilience, wildlife conservation, and socio-economic development through the implementation of climate-smart protection and management strategies. Over 233 check dams were constructed, 5 hectares were planted with Viburnum, Salix, Rhododendron, and other species, and 0.5 hectares were covered with green netting. These efforts are helping reduce the risk of landslides and improve the long-term sustainability of the area, benefiting the residents of Merak, Radhi, and Phongmey gewogs. #SustainableLandManagement #CommunityResilience #protectinglivelihoods Green Climate Fund World Wildlife Fund Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation