Matchmaking Tools

› Problem Definition:

Bhutan has ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on 25 August 19951. The Sustainable Development Agreement with Netherlands and other bilateral and international contracts bind the country to take necessary steps in fulfilling its share in the preservation of biodiversity and the environment. The
Integrated Conservation and Development Program (ICDP) concept is based on the Royal Government of Bhutan’s policies of biodiversity conservation, rural economic development and decentralization. The 73rd session of the National Assembly (1995) ruled that the country must maintain not less than 60% of its area under forest cover. In its move towards conservation, the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) has established a system of protected areas, which cover 26% of its area.
Simultaneously, The RGoB emphasizes the need to enhance the economy of the not only the communities that live within but also those lying on the periphery and outside the protected areas system and calls for public participation in conservation.

› Project Description:

Phobjikha is increasingly becoming a favored destination for most tourists and national visitors alike. This has come with the challenge of maintaining and conserving the biodiversity and ecological richness of the valley that is becoming vulnerable to anthropogenic interventions. The valley encompasses one of the biggest habitats for the globally endangered Black-necked Cranes, which is one of the main attractions for visitors. With easy access and relatively light conservation rules and regulations in the area, (as compared to national parks) conserving this birds and its habitat has become a major challenge for conservation organizations.

In such a scenario, local people play a major role in the future of environment conservation in the area. Therefore integrating community needs with conservation objectives has become crucial for success of conservation. Alternative programs like the community-based sustainable tourism (CBST) offers livelihood
choices that is extremely important in the context of current situation where tourism is increasing inevitably in the area.
Economically, local people in Phobjikha still depend heavily on potato cultivation, which generates one time annual income. The national tourism policy characterized by fixed tariffs has failed to bring direct benefit to the local communities. CBST has the potential to bring the benefit directly to people at the grassroots level.

› Overall Objective:

Phobjikha valley as a model community-based sustainable tourism destination contributes to conservation of the natural environment, the protection of the crane habitat, conservation of culture, and at the same time contributes to socioeconomic benefits for communities in the valley.

› Implementing Strategy:

Major results of the first phase (lessons for sharing):

Building local capacity: 15 local individuals were trained in developing about 11 different types of handicrafts and souvenirs made out of local materials. This training proved successful and generated lot of interest among local people for tourism. Local people are now producing products on their own and RSPN has been helping to market it. It is also expected to create self employment among the community.

Establish coordination with stakeholders: Perhaps one of the major lessons or achievements of this project relates to establishing coordination and linkages with the stakeholder of the project like the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB). By enhancing coordination with TCB, RSPN has been able to obtain technical support in activities like architectural designing of tourist campsite and viewpoint/resting shed. The designs are now ready for developing the structures. Such coordination mechanisms have not only helped in terms of resource sharing but help avoid duplications and overlaps.

Visitor centre enhancement: The visitor centre is a hub of tourism activities catering to information and facilities for visitors. Linking other activities like the product development has helped enhance the facility
in the centre. Through the product development training for local communities, RSPN has been able to enhance the products in the souvenir shop (within the centre). This will also help sustain the management of the visitor centre in the long run.
Facilities like spotting scope for observing birds like the Black-necked cranes have been installed in the visitor centre. This has attracted more visitors in the centre and helped reduce encroachment in the wetland, an important natural ecosystem in the area (for observing the cranes).

Ecotourism guide: Ecotourism guide for Phobjikha has been developed. The guide gives comprehensive information on various cultural and nature tourism facilities and services available in the valley. Such a guidebook is very useful in terms of marketing and raising awareness among visitors.