News
Bhutan Laying the Foundation for its First Biosphere Reserve
In an important step towards environmental conservation and sustainable development, Bhutan is on its way to establish its first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Once designated, this will be a significant milestone for the country renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and commitment to Gross National Happiness.
Bhutan has been working towards developing a nomination dossier for establishing its first Biosphere Reserve for the last five years and has therefore, approached UNESCO for support. The UNESCO Office for South Asia has been supporting Bhutan in this endeavour by organizing two fact-finding missions.
In November 2024, a mission supported by Earth Network involving two experts- Dr. Miguel Clüsener-Godt, Senior Research Associate at the UNESCO Chair on Biodiversity Safeguard and Sustainable Development, University of Coimbra, Portugal and Dr. Günter Köck, Institute for Interdisciplinary Mountain Research, Innsbruck, Austria along with Ms. Srishti Kumar from the UNESCO Regional Office visited Bhutan to support the Department of Forests and Park Services of Bhutan in preparing the nomination dossier for Bhutan's first Biosphere Reserve. The mission included consultations with key stakeholders including the Ministry for Energy and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Education and the UN Resident Coordinator of Bhutan, as well as field visits to the proposed sites focusing on the ecological, socio-economic, cultural as well as developmental aspirations of the country.
One of the highlights of this visit included the launch of a Climate Science Literacy exhibition at the Lampelri Royal Botanical Park which forms part of the proposed site for Bhutan's first Biosphere Reserve.
What makes UNESCO's Biosphere Reserve crucial for Bhutan?
UNESCO Biosphere Reserves are models of sustainable development that integrate conservation, community participation, scientific research, education, and economic growth. Bhutan establishing its first Biosphere Reserve will enhance its global leadership in sustainability, with the country already known for its carbon-neutral status.
The proposed reserve spans 90 km³ in the Royal Botanical Park at Lampelri, connecting the Jigme Dorji and Jigme Singye Wangchuk national parks. This region, home to diverse ecosystems and rare species such as the snow leopard and red panda, will benefit from enhanced conservation efforts under the Biosphere Reserve Network.
The initiative aims to involve local communities, addressing challenges like youth migration for employment. By integrating local populations, Bhutan hopes to foster sustainable livelihoods while promoting conservation. The reserve will also strengthen the country's ability to mitigate climate change impacts and advance solutions for environmental challenges.
As Bhutan prepares to submit its official nomination to UNESCO in 2025, this landmark step can also serve as a model for other countries seeking to establish their own Biosphere Reserves.
The UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves which currently comprises of 759 sites in 136 countries aims to consistently expand and support countries that are working towards establishing their first Biosphere Reserves.
For more information, please contact
Benno Böer: b.boer@unesco.org
