Environmental research

The project seeks to gradually but drastically reduce fuelwood consumption in North Trashigang. The project is based on the fact the local people can be made aware on their environmental problems and its adverse consequences, and take timely action to address these problems through joint community efforts. The project involved local community in launching this effort to reduce the use of fuel wood in institutional cooking. The five sites, including a nunnery, have been successful and the demonstration of this technology by religious institution seems to be particularly effective. According to the project evaluation carried out by the Royal Institute of Management, the improved stoves have generated great interest in pursuing improved cook stoves in the community households including among local district administrators. The local vendors suggest for a smaller version of cooking stoves suitable for the local household. The technology: The technology has proved fuel-efficient as per the evaluation report although concrete data of the fire wood used was not found in black and white. But, in the words of the wood supplier, he had complained that there was reduction in the supply order from the vendors. Environmental Benefit: There is a marked reduction in the consumption of firewood. The reduced use of firewood is reducing pressure on local forests, which are a major source of firewood in the area. Livelihood: The institutions in which these stoves have been installed, including the Nunnery, may be saving money on the less number of purchase of firewood and saving time in collecting it. This implies that they have more time and resources to dedicate time on meeting their needs on the other areas. In respect of health and hygiene the benefits are obvious as the community institution kitchens are smokefree and are inhaling less smoke thereby improving their health and hygiene. The technology is easy to operate and kitchens are cleaner than the traditional times of using the open stoves. Capacity Building: The project has built capacity of the BYDA. In the past, youth oriented cultural activities were its main focus, but, this project has helped them to move beyond to other areas such as the Environmental Friendly Measures and creating awareness about the adverse effects of environment around them. There was awareness created among the local religious institutions about the green environment and how neglect of environment conservation affect their lives if timely measures are not undertaken.

Bhutan