𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟖𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥, 𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐚, 𝐆𝐚𝐬𝐚

The National Biodiversity Centre (NBC) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock participated in the 8th Royal Highland Festival held in Laya, Gasa Dzongkhag, from 23 and 24 October 2025. The festival, initiated under the visionary guidance of His Majesty The King, celebrated the unique culture, resilience, and livelihoods of Bhutan’s highland communities and their vital contribution to the culture and tradition.

NBC in partnership with the CSI Market showcased several biodiversity-based products developed through bioprospecting and Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS), demonstrating how Bhutan’s biodiversity can be responsibly used to promote conservation, nature-based enterprises, and rural livelihoods. For NBC, the festival provided a valuable platform to interact with local highlanders, nature enthusiasts, and international visitors.

NBC’s participation reaffirmed its commitment to community-based conservation, bio-innovation, and strengthening the link between culture, nature, and sustainable development in Bhutan. Highland communities from ten Dzongkhags also showcased a range of livestock, agricultural, and forest-based products reflecting their deep connection with nature, rich traditional knowledge, and self-reliant way of life.