The Bhutan Foundation

🚨We're #Hiring🚨 We are hiring a Communications Officer in Washington, DC (hybrid). Be part of our mission to preserve and promote Bhutan's unique cultural heritage, environment, and development. If you’re passionate about making an impact through marketing, communications, and have a keen eye for design, we want to hear from you! 📧 Email your resume, cover letter, portfolio and references to jobs@bhutanfound.org. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. #CommunicationsOfficer #MissionDrivenWork #BhutanFoundation #DCJobs #HybridWork #Hiring

International Snow Leopard Day (October 23) is a time to raise awareness of these magnificent species, their habitat, and the communities that co-exist with them. The National Snow Leopard Survey 2022-2023 recorded a 39.5% increase in the snow leopard population compared to the previous survey in 2016. Bhutan’s strong conservation efforts, support from highland communities, and low levels of threats to the species have contributed to this positive outcome. To support the highland communities, we have been working closely with the government and the local communities to diversify their income and elevate livelihood options, such as improving the quality and marketability of yak products and supporting the annual Jomolhari Mountain festival to promote ecotourism in the region. By involving local communities in conservation, we ensure a harmonious coexistence between people and snow leopards. #SnowLeopardConservation #SustainableLivelihoods

The Wangduechhoeling Palace endured extensive structural damage due to weathering and lack of repairs, resulting in harm to its intricate woodwork and murals. Guided by the vision to preserve Bhutan’s tangible heritage while ensuring that traditional methods of construction were upheld, the restoration required a delicate balance between maintaining traditional building techniques and incorporating modern conservation practices. Training new artisans, painters, architects and carpenters in our conservation techniques became a parallel achievement of the project, helping to revitalize Bhutan’s centuries-old architectural skills. #WangduechhoelingPalace #WCP

Housed overseas in a private collection for over 50 years, a set of nine intricately carved slates depicting Guru Rinpoche's eight manifestations, Guru Tshen Gyed, and one of Guru Rinpoche has returned to Bhutan. Gifted to the Von Schulthess family by the Third Druk Gyalpo, these sacred artifacts were recently entrusted to the Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum, a heartfelt gesture by the Hoch and Oltramare families (descendents of the Von Schulthess family) The Palace Museum will soon open its doors to offer visitors a chance to engage with the collection in their ‘Lotus Born’ Gallery, a space that celebrates the artistic achievements of Bhutanese craftsmen To read more, check out the link below/ in our bio https://lnkd.in/giUSyWaQ #WangduechhoelingPalace #WCP

Exciting times ahead as Bhutan prepares to share the rich heritage of Wangduechhoeling Palace with the world! Honored to welcome some incredible guests this month to Bhutan's spiritual heartland. Stay tuned for more! 

What an honor for the Bhutan Foundation team to be at the Bhutan Innovation Forum to learn from some of the brightest minds in the world! Humbled to share the stage and discuss sustainability and the future of Bhutan. Grateful to contribute to conversations on how we can leverage sustainability and the core of our Bhutanese identity to propel Bhutan into a bright and sustainable future, including supporting the audacious, wonderful vision of the Gelephu Mindfulness City. Above all, maintaining Bhutan’s core values and authenticity of our living culture. Thank you to all who have attended our side session on wellness and traditional Bhutanese medicine.

Meet the Dagala Yak Cooperative, a resilient community of 39 yak-rearing households with over 2,400 yaks! 🐂 Livestock is the backbone of Dungdro and Wangdro chiwog in Dagala Gewog, where harsh weather limits agricultural support. To boost their livelihoods, the cooperative, in collaboration with the National Highland Development Center, has launched a project to diversify yak products. Twenty-seven herders have been trained in making Tomme and Gumdel cheese with hygienic processing. With a new cheese-making facility underway, they're set to bring these unique highland products to market! Our Small Grants Program proudly supports this initiative. #HighlandCommunities #YakFarming #BhutanFoundation #CommunitySupport #SustainableDevelopment

The Guengaling Community Cooperative has kicked off a 4-day Sustainable Beekeeping Training in partnership with Samtse Dzongkhag Livestock Sector and Norgaygang Gewog! 🐝🌿 37 participants, including 13 youth and 24 farmers, are learning essential skills in modern beekeeping—hive management, eco-friendly queen rearing, pest control, sustainable honey harvesting, and more. At the end of the training, over 35 households will receive beehives to start their beekeeping journeys! 🌸🍯 This initiative, supported by our Small Grants Program, is more than a livelihood project—it’s about rural revitalization, reversing migration, and building a stronger, more sustainable community. #SustainableBeekeeping #CommunityDevelopment #SmallGrantsProgram #BhutanFoundation #RuralRevitalization #EmpoweringCommunities #BeeKind For more info: https://loom.ly/KfiqEnk

Happy Blessed Rainy Day! 🌧✨ This special Bhutanese holiday marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of autumn. It is believed that all natural water is sanctified today, making it the perfect time for purification, cleansing, and renewal. Let’s take this moment to wash away the past and welcome the blessings of nature. Wishing everyone peace, prosperity, and fresh energy for the days ahead. The Bhutan Foundation wishes you a joyous and blessed day! #BlessedRainyDay #Renewal #BhutaneseTradition #NatureBlessings #BhutanFoundation

Harnessing the power of technology and research, the signing of a grant agreement with the College of Science and Technology (CST) marks a significant step towards addressing key community challenges through innovation. By engaging innovators and local communities, this partnership aims to co-create impactful solutions that tackle human-wildlife conflict and improve the lives of children with disabilities. One project will develop an AI-based Smart Animal Intrusion Detection System to protect farmers in Zhemgang from wildlife damage, while another will focus on creating low-tech assistive technology (AT) devices to support children with disabilities. Through these initiatives, the collaboration is not only fostering innovation but also paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future.