Bhutan Launches Ten (10) new Bioprospecting Products developed under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Framework

15 June 2026: The National Biodiversity Centre (NBC), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, tin partnership with SC Branding Studio and ten start-ups/scale-ups launched today ten new premium bioprospecting products developed under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework at the Brand Bhutan Event Centre in Thimphu.

A total of ten bioprospecting products were unveiled, including:

1. Red Rice Vinegar (Dru Mar Dzey Khu) by B-Herbal Glow
2. Duetshi-Revit: Amla Syrup by Touch From Heaven
3. Cordyceps and Herbs-Infused Chocolate Bars by Yiga Chocolate
4. Matsutake Soup by NTT Fengsi Production/Finn Food
5. Cordyceps Health Supplement by Pure Bhutan
6. Moringa Health Supplement by Gurjo Herbal Tea
7. Rhododendron Mindfulness Tea by Bhutan Healthy Tea
8. Moxa Sticks by The Mugwort Solution
9. Immunity Booster by Bhutan Blossoms
10. Matsutake Harmony Tea by B-Organic

The event was graced by His Excellency Lyonpo Younten Phuntsho, Ministry of Agriculture and Livetsock, and was attended by various government officials, private sector representatives, development partners, and local entrepreneurs to showcase Bhutan’s growing efforts in promoting biodiversity-based enterprises.

This initiative is a part of the “Scaling Bioprospecting as a Nature-based Solution for Green Mountain Livelihoods” project, implemented in collaboration with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and supported by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

During the first phase of the project, eight entrepreneurs successfully developed and scaled nine ABS products, which were launched last year. These products are now reaching both domestic and international markets, highlighting Bhutan’s potential in the global natural wellness industry. With the addition of the ten new products launched this year, the total number of ABS products has now reached 18.

Building on the success of the first cohort, the second phase supported ten entrepreneurs with technical assistance and mentoring, unique selling point testing, scientific testing, branding, product development, and market access. The products launched today reflect sustainability, ethical sourcing, and equitable benefit-sharing with local communities.

His Excellency,  Lyonpo Younten Phuntsho, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, highlighted the importance of linking biodiversity conservation with economic opportunities. He emphasized that the ABS framework ensures fair and equitable sharing of benefits with local communities, strengthening sustainable development and that they are stories of communities who have safeguarded these resources for generations, stories of entrepreneurs transforming local knowledge into innovation, and stories of Bhutan confidently bringing its unique natural heritage to the world.

Speaking about the country’s vision for the future, Lyonpo further stated, “Our vision is clear: to transform Bhutan’s rich biodiversity into a sustainable bioeconomy that creates livelihoods, empowers communities, rewards innovation, and strengthens conservation.”  While celebrating the achievements made so far, he reminded stakeholders that the real measure of success lies in the long-term sustainability of the products and that “The true measure of success will not be how many products we launch, but how many continue to thrive in the marketplace five, ten, or twenty years from now,” he said, calling for continuous innovation, strong branding, market expansion, and sustained partnerships.

The ABS agreements signed between entrepreneurs, the NBC, and community groups ensure that communities are not just suppliers of raw materials but active partners in the value chain. This  initiative is expected to enhance visibility for bioprospecting as a nature-based solution, attract investment, and encourage more opportunities across the country.

Moving forward, the National Biodiversity Centre aims to build on this momentum by expanding support to a more start-ups and scale-ups, further strengthening Bhutan’s green enterprise ecosystem. Bhutan remains committed to scaling up Access and Benefit Sharing practices and promoting ethical, sustainable sourcing, Bhutan is well positioned to establish itself as a leader in high value natural wellness products while ensuring long-term conservation of its rich biological resources.