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 renamed Centre for Nublang Conservation & Development, Tashiyangphu. Native Poultry and Heifer Breeding Centre, Sertsam is now renamed Centre for Yubja Conservation & Development, Sertsam. This renaming aligns with NBC’s strategic goals and aims to enhance operational efficiency.
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 at the Royal Botanica Garden Serbithang boasts a spacious and convenient parking area, ensuring stress-free arrivals for you and your customers, one kitchen, dining room and a one balcony dining room with a scenic view. To rent the Botanical Cafe/for more information, contact at +975-2-351417/17505206.
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.
National Biodiversity Centre and Bhutan Biodiversity Portal would like to congratulate Karma Jamtsho, Karma Wangdi and Sherab Jamtsho for securing top three leading contributors during National Butterfly Week. Karma Jamtsho contributed 2890 observations of butterfly, thus securing the first position followed by Karma Wangdi with 1952 observations and Sherab Jamtsho with 1206 observations. The Center would like to kindly request the winners to contact National Biodiversity Center Facebook page or Bhutan Biodiversity Portal Page to receive their prizes. Field gears along with the certificates and guide books of various species will be awarded to the winners.
A total of 8,342 butterfly observations were contributed by 20 participants during National Butterfly Week held from 17th August to 31st August 2023. We would like to thank all the participants for the active participation during National Butterfly Week.
