Category: Biodiversity News

In an effort to strengthen the research culture and get updates on technological advancements, the National Biodiversity Centre (NBC) organised talks on Molecular tools in systematics and conservation and mollusc research in the Country. The talk on molecular tools was delivered by Associate Professor Rose Andrew from the University of New England, New South Wales, Australia, while an update on Mollusc research was given by Prof. Em. Edi Gittenberger from the University of Leiden, the Netherlands, both of whom are currently in the country. The talk was attended by more than 30 staff members of the NBC and relevant organisations in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock around Thimphu.

Associate Prof. Andrew covered topics ranging from the history of systematics; new tools and insights in systematics, specifically emphasising systematics as an integrative science progressing parallel with the advancements made in Microscopy, Chemistry, Ecology, Genetics and Genomics; application of molecular/genetic data in conservation genomics and biodiversity conservation strategies in the light of changing climate; and the past and new genomic techniques applicable in wide range of biodiversity conservation and ecological research.

Prof. Em. Gittenberger has been involved in collaborative Mollusc research in the country with NBC and other organisations (e.g. Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forestry Research and Training, College of Natural Resources) since 2012. While the team has documented more than 100 mollusc species in the country to date, Prof. Em. Gittenberger updated that more than 300 species are expected to occur. Except for one species described prior to the current collaborative research, the National Reference Collections for Molluscs hosted at the NBC proudly houses all the holotypes of the new species described from Bhutan and 1000s of specimens for future research.

The National Biodiversity Centre under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and the Cottage and Small Industry (CSI) Market are participating together in the Bhutan Agrifood Trade and Investment Forum (BATIF) to promote “Bioprospecting” as Nature-based Solution (NbS). The event, scheduled from May 15 to 19, 2024, at Children’s Park in Changlimethang in Thimphu, aims to raise awareness in the Bioprospecting field.

Considering Bhutan’s diverse array of undiscovered flora and fauna, attached to its traditional knowledge (TK), there is potential to introduce consumer-friendly alternative natural products, offering a wide range of choices for consumers, particularly in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. This transition is anticipated to offer Bhutan an opportunity to take advantage of its untapped biodiversity.

At the heart of our effort lies a collective effort to showcase success stories and products from partners engaged in Bioprospecting, demonstrating their success stories and experiences. As the fair commenced with an encouraging turnout on its first day, we urge all visiting guests to seize the moment, visit our stall, and utilise this platform to make informed decisions.

The guests are encouraged to visit the stall to investigate the significance of why, what, and how Bioprospecting holds potential in Bhutan. At our stall, we offer insights into Bioprospecting methodology and inspiring narratives of community-led environmental conservation initiatives and their benefits, all presented through audio-visual presentations. Moreover, visitors will have access to Bioprospecting policy frameworks and other references that support community involvement in environmental conservation.
For those eager to delve deeper into the Bioprospecting realm, a dedicated space has been created for panel discussions, where our experts stand ready to provide guidance and insight. You are invited to our stall to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange ideas, and explore the possibility of forming partnerships in the field of Bioprospecting.

A two-day workshop on “Bioprospecting as a Nature-Based Solution for Green Mountain Livelihoods,” led by National Biodiversity Centre (NBC) and International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) involving relevant stakeholders was held on 22nd to 23rd April 2024 in Paro. The event’s overall objective was to advance the use of bioprospecting as a Nature-based Solution (NbS) to promote sustainable livelihoods. The workshop was attended by 28 participants from different government agencies, NGOs, startups, the private sector, ABS community groups, Corporations and educational institutions.

The workshop explored challenges and opportunities in bioprospecting for livelihood promotion, developing a scaling strategy with a focus on capacity-building for local government and gender-responsive, climate-smart business development. Insights and recommendations from the workshop will shape policies to maximize socio-economic benefits while conserving biodiversity in mountain ecosystems.

ICIMOD, with help from partners in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal, is leading the Himalayan Resilience Enabling Action Programme (HI-REAP). The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) funds this initiative to boost climate resilience in Asia. HI-REAP work to create a regional environment for greener and more inclusive climate-resilient paths. It gives advice on policy and practice and sets up the right frameworks for new solutions. A big part of HI-REAP is Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) like watershed management, restoring land and nature, bioprospecting, and reducing disaster risks. ICIMOD and NBC explore bioprospecting to improve livelihoods in mountain areas.