Environmental research

Recommendated by the Project`s Evaluation Report, the grantees requested for an additional grant by NSC for a grant of US $ 15,000 to install 1520 improved stoves. This project is categorized as one of the best projects in Bhutan according to the Biennial Programme Review Report (BPR). The project demonstrated tangible community development and conservation benefits, strong community committment, very good potential for sustainability, high level of cost-efficiency and solid link to improvement of the global environment in Climate Change focal area. The capacity building component has been the thrust of the project and this feature has been realized through trainings that was received by every household in Tsirang. As qualified NGOs are a insignificant number in Bhutan, the Community-Based Organizations are encouraged to have capacity building as one of the project components in Bhutan. Based on the BPR, the beneficiaries reported at least 50% reduction in their fuel wood consumption, which means 3,800 tons of fuel wood is saved each year after the installation of improved smokeless stove in Tsirang. The social benefits are also equally profound with a cleaner kitchen and utensils, ability to keep the food warm longer and the reduced risks of smoke-related illneses. In addition, the technology involved was low cost and simple, making it easier for the local people to adopt it. Reason behind the Success Story: 1. Ability to make use of locally available raw materials for making the stove; 2. Strong support from the District Administration and technical assistance from the Ministry of Trade & Industries; 3. Eagerness to learn by the local people of Tsirang; 4. The technology involved was low cost and simple for local people to adopt it; 5. Carrying out in-country study tours among the SGP projects, organization of stakeholder workshops and exchanging lessons learned among the grantees.

Bhutan