Bhutan became a party to and ratified the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1995 by the 73rd session of the National Assembly, recognizing the importance of biodiversity to humankind and its own goal of environmentally sustainable development and committed leadership in environmental conservation. The CBD is one of the most comprehensive international agreements, signed by 193 countries committed to the conservation and sustainable utilization of biological resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from access to biological resources. Bhutan also signed the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing in 2011 to enable meaningful ABS collaborations that will benefit the country and the people at large through regulated access to biological resources in the country. The National Biodiversity Centre was designated as the National Focal Point for Nagoya Protocol on access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilization at the 44th Commission meeting of the National Environment Commission.
Biological resources effectively conserved, sustainable used and benefits equitably shared for enhancement of livelihood, food security and environmental well-being of the country.
Effective conservation, sustainable utilization and equitable sharing of benefits arising from access and use of biological resources.
To become a premier institute on biodiversity in the country resulting in the effective management of biodiversity and maximizing the benefits from it as well as contributing to international efforts toward conserving biodiversity.
News and Events
The First Record of …
We are thrilled to share the first-ever record of Hemiorchis pantlingii in Bhutan. Hemiorchis pantlingii is a rare perennial her from the Zingiberaceae family, and was found in the lush forests of Smatse District during a botanical exploration in 2019. This remarkable species was discovered in shaded areas of a subtropical plantation forest of Shorea […]
New Variety of Musa …
Musa balbisiana, also known simply as plantain, is a wild-type species of banana. A new variety of this species, Musa balbisiana var. bhutanensis, has been discovered in Tingtibi, Zhemgang by Phub Gyeltshen and his team. Locals have been using this plant as fodder and vegetable for centuries, but now it has been identified as a […]
Final Consultation M …
The National Biodiversity Centre (NBC), under the Ministry of Agriculture and livestock (MoAL), is currently updating Bhutan’s fifth National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan (NBSAP). This plan serves as the national guiding framework for conserving biodiversity and promoting the sustainable use of biological resources. As a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Bhutan […]
NBC Welcomes Dr. Bar …
NBC is thrilled to welcome Dr. Barbara Meurer, GAICD, a Biodiversity and Bioprospecting Expert, as part of the Australian Volunteer Program in Bhutan. Dr. Barbara joined National Biodiversity Centre on March 3, 2025, and will be with us for the next three months. She will be providing training to the officials at the Bioprospecting Laboratory […]
Private Sector Consu …
The National Biodiversity Centre (NBC) conducted a Private Sector Consultation Workshop on 5th March 2024 at Hotel Legphel, Phuentsholing, as part of the ongoing revision of Bhutan’s Fifth National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP). The workshop aimed to raise awareness and sensitize private sector stakeholders on the importance of the NBSAP and their role […]
New Orchid Discovery …
The National Biodiversity Centre (NBC) is pleased to announce the discovery of a new orchid species, Zeuxine drukyulensis, from the warm broadleaved forests of western Bhutan. This discovery brings Bhutan’s Bhutan’s total recorded orchid species to 499, further highlighting the country’s rich floral diversity. Key Details: This significant discovery was made by Phub Gyeltshen and […]
Announcements
Change in Nomenclatu …
The National Biodiversity Centre (NBC) would like to notify that two conservation centers under the Animal Genetic Resources Program have been renamed as per the letter no: RCSC/HRMD/11/2024/4442. The changes are as follows: National Nublang Breeding Centre, Tashiyangphu is now […]
Embrace Nature’s E …
The National Biodiversity Centre would like to inform the interested individuals that the much awaited Botanical Cafe is now available for rent, providing the ideal backdrop for unforgettable moments while enjoying serenity of our botanical haven. The Botanical Cafe, located […]
The Centre launches …
The Centre is pleased to announce the monumental launch of Pangtse Makhu. Pangtse Makhu is a traditionally used cooking oil produced by small farming communities in the Punakha Dzongkhag and elsewhere where the plant is found. It is made from […]
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Bhutan Biodiversity Specimen Portal
A suite of user-friendly, web-based biological specimen data portal
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Status of the Biodiversity of Bhutan
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