The three day workshop on Bhutan’s Tree Species Conservation Project concluded on 13th October 2023. The event was honored by the esteemed presence of His Excellency Dasho Secretary from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
The participants celebrated the achievements of Bhutan’s Tree Species Conservation Project. In the course of the three days workshop, participants received trainings on IUCN Red Listing methodology where the participants subsequently reviewed and assessed regional and national red listing priority species found in Bhutan including the endemic species.
11th October 2023: National Biodiversity Centre in collaboration with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and The Millennium Seed Bank commenced a three day workshop on Tree Conservation Project with the main objective to present and celebrate the achievements of the Bhutan’s Tree Species Seed Conservation Project, assess what remains to be achieved and to contribute to the Red Listing objectives of the project as well as to discuss on future ex situ conservation of the flora of Bhutan.
Bhutan’s “Trees Seed Conservation Project” is part of a Global Tree Seed Bank Program intended to safeguard 5000 of the world’s rarest, most threatened and useful tree species, funded by the Weston Foundation. Specifically, the work of seed banking aims to conserve the seed of wild plant species to protect them from extinction, provide material for research and to enhance knowledge about the methods for successful species recovery and restoration of the plant’s communities.
Over the course of the project period till September 2023, the team has achieved the seed collection of 197 woody species with 262 accessions. Moreover, seed collection of 29 species of herbs with 34 accessions has also been collected and gene banked at the Centre for the long-term conservation and research. The workshop was attended by more than 25 participants representing various key biodiversity conservation related agencies and institutions including Department of Forest and Park Services, College of Natural Resources, Sherubtse College, Department of Water as well as foreign counterparts Dr. Kate Hardwick and Jack Plummer from Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Dr. Dinesh Kumar Agarwala from Botanical Survey of India and Dr. Madhu Shudhan Thapa Magar from Department of Plant Resources, Nepal.
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 the fruit of the Sapphire Berry tree (Symplocos paniculata). The oil is traditionally extracted from the fruit using a gentle artisan process akin to virgin olive oil.
Pangtse Makhu has a full bodied, nutty aroma and yellow-green colour. The deep colour indicates the presence of phytonutrients and antioxidants.
For generations, Pangtse oil was prepared from dried Sapphire berries by women and youth in the villages of Punakha. The process involved grinding the berries, preparing a paste, which is then heated in a traditional basket and finally pressing the oil with a stone press. The process is cumbersome and involves hard physical labour, but the sale of oil provided additional income and improved the livelihood of farmers. Pangtse Makhu is produced under Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) regime in Bhutan with support from UNDP CO Bhutan and the GEF Small Grants Programme.
Every year, on September 18, World Bamboo Day is celebrated to advocate for the eco-friendly and sustainable qualities of bamboo, such as its rapid growth, minimal water and pesticide requirements, and its ability to be harvested without harm to its root system. It seeks to raise awareness about the myriad applications of bamboo, spanning from construction and furniture crafting to textiles and culinary uses. Additionally, the day underscores the economic potential of bamboo for both communities and businesses, as industries based on bamboo can generate employment and income opportunities worldwide.
It acknowledges the cultural significance of bamboo in diverse societies, recognizing its integral role in traditional crafts, music, and rituals. Moreover, by serving as a habitat for various wildlife species, celebrating bamboo underscores the critical need to conserve bamboo forests for biodiversity. The occasion also encourages advancements in research and innovation within bamboo-related industries, and it promotes collaboration among governments, organizations, and individuals to champion the responsible cultivation and utilization of bamboo resources.
Let us all come together and celebrate the versatility and sustainability of Bamboo!
