Environmental policy and administrative management

Soil erosion is by and large the most significant contributor to land degradation in Bhutan. The erosion processess include both natural geological and man-induced erosions. Because of its high and steep slopes, and location in a zone of orogenic (mountain building) activity, the landscape of Bhutan is naturally dynamic and therefore, natural or geological erosion is also common besides man-induced erosions. The project seeks cooperation through GEF and other donors as mentioned herewith, SGP is requested to assist US $ 49,289.60 to compliment the national programme of land degradation campaigning and carrying out soil conservation and protection measures. Therefore, the Thakor Neytang Tshogpa (TNT) approached GEF/SGP with the following rationale: 1. Assist in national land degradation campaigns; 2. Built in capacity of the local organization in the eight identified areas; 3. Assist in to facilitate institutional linkages to solicit monitoring and evaluation and assist other logistic requirements; 4. Create awareness amongst the farmers of the techniques of land management and its importance; 5. Atleast 50% of the farmers are able to use simple soil conservation technologies. All the project activities have been completed as per the financial and comprehensive report received by GEF SGP. Specific details of TNT Project Activities carried out in eight identified villages are: 1. Woongchilu, Nanong geog (5.5 acres): Plantation carried out with 40 fruit trees, 20 fodder trees, 32,490 leguminous shrubs and 20.31 kg of grass; 2. Moshi, Lumang geog (4.0 acres): Plantations carried out with 14 no. of trees, 89 fodder trees, 25,000 no. of leguminous shrubs, 6,050 live cuttings, 15.63 kg grass seeds, 3 kg of alnus seeds and 100 bamboo cuttings. 3. Tsangpo Thrimshing (16.0 acres): 6050 live cuttings, and 3 kg of alnus seeds. 4. Munangkhorla, Khaling (4.70 acres): 1,279 fruit trees, 841 fodder trees, 103 kg of grass seeds, 4 kg of Alnus seeds, 150 bamboo cuttings. 5. Cheya, Uzorong (11.0 acres): 67 fruit trees seedlings, 33 fodder trees, 59,050 leguminous and 36.91 kg of grass seeds; 6. Gongthung (Yangneer 9 acres): 80 fruit trees seedlings, 40 fodder trees, 47,770 leguminous and 22,9 kg of grass seeds. 7. Tokshingmang, Phongme (5.0 acres): 140 fruit tree seedlings, 68 fodder, 25,580 leguminous and 16.67 kg of grass seeds; 8. Danglingjab, Bidung (4.0 acres): 75 fruit trees, 36 fodder, 34,510 leguminous and 14.81 kg of grass seeds.

Bhutan