The National Biodiversity Centre (NBC), in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC), UNDP Bhutan, and the Technical Working Group members (TWG) for the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan (NBSAP), successfully conducted the first regional consultation meeting for the Eastern Region. The consultation took place in Trashigang from 15-17 January 2025, bringing together key stakeholders from six eastern Dzongkhags (Trashigang, Trashi Yangtse, Mongar, Lhuentse, Samdrup Jongkhar, Pema Gatshel).
The objective of the consultation was to facilitate a ground-level and local government review and validation of the national targets, strategies, and actions within the NBSAP, while also identifying key challenges and opportunities for its implementation. The workshop featured focused discussions and brainstorming sessions to assess capacity-building needs, ensuring the development of a comprehensive capacity-building roadmap to support NBSAP implementation.
The workshop saw active participation from a diverse range of stakeholders, including dzongkhag sector heads (Agriculture, Livestock, Education, Health, Statistics, Land Record, Engineering, Environment, Planning) local government representatives (DT Thrizin, Gups, thromdes), community-based organizations, religious institutions, and regional and central programs from the six Eastern Dzongkhags.
This consultation marks the beginning of a series of four regional engagements aimed at strengthening NBSAP planning and implementation. Similar consultations are scheduled to take place in Trongsa, Punakha, and Paro in the coming months.
The Program is supported through the GEF Early Action Support and Umbrella Support.