Bio-diversity

Niddupchhu Lhakhang under Chubu Gewog is one of the oldest monasteries in Punakha and is about four hours walk from the nearest road head. The monastery has about 30 monks. The Lahakng is the main seat for performing local tshechu, kuchoe, kurims and dubchens. The monastery is beautifully located at the hilltop near the Niddupchu drupchu (holy water) and water sources of the nearby communities. The current concerns are massive use of fuel wood for cooking for monks and during local kurims and dubchens. They annually consume over four truck loads of fuel wood annually. Other major concern is destruction of forests nearby and negatively affecting the Niddupchu drupchu and community water sources. To negate these problems Gomo Neykhor Netang Tshogpa (GNNT) will be carrying out the following activities through GEF-SGP: Protection of Niddupchhu drupchhu Protection of community water sources Water management and supply Organic vegetable production (fencing, green house and seeds and training) Training and plantation of 3000 trees Reduction of fuel wood consumption through use of electric cookers (three 150 litre electric cookers) Waste management

Bhutan