Category: Biodiversity News

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!

1 September 2023: A group of students and teachers from Khangkhu Middle Secondary School in Paro visited the Centre to learn and understand about existing biodiversity conservation programs as well as to learn about the diverse plant species within the Royal Botanical Garden.

During their visit, students were given a guided tour of the key facilities within NBC, including the Genebank, Molecular lab, Bioprospecting lab, Herbarium, and the Royal Botanical Garden. The students had the opportunity to interact with the experts and gain firsthand knowledge about the critical work carried out at (and by) NBC.

Further, NBC is committed to support educational and advocacy initiatives that foster an appreciation for environment and the importance of biodiversity conservation.

National Biodiversity Center and the Bhutan Biodiversity Portal team continued the Bhutan Biodiversity Portal awareness campaign at Mendrelgang Central School.

Bhutan Biodiversity Portal aims to encourage citizen science and active involvement in the conservation and generation of biodiversity information. By granting open and unrestricted access, the Portal enables individuals to explore and utilize biodiversity data freely.

Citizen science initiatives in Bhutan are increasing annually with major participation from youths. The contribution from young people is playing a major role in biodiversity documentation and data use in the country. Unfortunately, there is a general lack of awareness surrounding the Bhutan Biodiversity Portal, including its latest upgrades and newly added features.

The team from the National Biodiversity Centre and Bhutan Biodiversity Portal team raised awareness about the Bhutan Biodiversity Portal among the nature club members of Tsirangtoe Central School on 28th August 2023. During the session, the team emphasized the significance of the Portal and provided a visual demonstration of its various features.

Bhutan Biodiversity Portal is a unique repository of information on Bhutan’s biodiversity. It aims to encourage citizen science and active involvement in the conservation and generation of biodiversity information. By granting open and unrestricted access, the Portal enables individuals to explore and utilize biodiversity data freely.

Throughout its existence, the Portal has continuously evolved and incorporated user-friendly enhancements. Citizen science initiatives in Bhutan are increasing annually with major participation from youths. The contribution from young people is playing a major role in biodiversity documentation and data use in the country. Therefore, the present campaign aimed to inculcate an awareness on Bhutan Biodiversity Portal to the future leaders and conservationist of the country.