The National Biodiversity Centre (NBC) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) and with support from Technical Working Group Members and UNDP Bhutan, successfully conducted the third regional consultation workshop on the Fifth National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP) in Punakha from January 27–29, 2025.
The consultation brought together participants from six dzongkhags: Punakha, Wangdue, Tsirang, Sarpang, Dagana, and Gasa: representing diverse sectors, including central programs, local government, civil society organizations (CSOs), and religious communities.
The NBSAP addresses a broad spectrum of national priorities, including biodiversity conservation, spatial planning, sustainable utilization, biosafety, pollution control, food and nutrition security, gender inclusion, resource mobilization, and urban planning. Given the cross-sectoral nature of these priorities, inclusive consultations are critical to ensure effective integration beyond the biodiversity and conservation sectors.
The development of the fifth NBSAP is supported through the Early Action Support Project and Umbrella Support Project implemented through the United Nations Development Program Bhutan.
The final regional consultation will take place in Paro, marking the completion of this nationwide stakeholder engagement process.