Bio-diversity

The proposed project will be implemented by the monk body of Thrigoen Pema Woeling Gonpa, Trashi Yangtsi in collaboration with the local communities. This project is proposed to promote the conservation of local plant biodiversity resources by demonstrating the sustainable use of this resource in an innovative way, yet based on the traditional knowledge. This expected outcomes of the project are: Contribution to sustainable livelihood of the socially and economically disadvantaged clergy/monk body at Thirgoen Pema Woeling, Tashiyangtse and the community through the sale of tea produced from local plant by using traditional tea making knowledge; promote appreciation and awareness of the value of the local biodiversity resources to the monk body and local community; and promote people-centric conservation. Currently, despite the availability of the raw material (Prunus sp./Lhakai Leetong) and traditional knowledge (TK) associated with making local tea using this local plant species, these resources which have the potential to promote livelihood as well as conservation of the resources, is neither recognized nor promoted. While on the other hand, tea is the basic commodity consumed by all Bhutanese, especially more so by the monk body and is mostly imported. Furthermore, lack of recognition of the value of this plant species and the traditional knowledge associated with tea-making is leading to under valuation of these resources (biodiversity and TK) and thus increasing the risk of being lost. This proposal thus aims to contribute to SGP s overall goal to supporting local community actions in addressing the loss of biodiversity and TK associated with Biodiversity by promoting sustainable use of these resources. This project also aims to support SGP s initiatives in developing the weaker/economically-disadvantaged sections of the society by building their capacity to generate income through sustainable use of their local biodiversity. This proposal is also in line with the national initiative to promote community-based and people-centric conservation approach. Project objectives 1. Promote conservation of local biodiversity through promotion of sustainable and innovative use. 2. Build the capacity of the local monk body and the community in product development (tea-making using their traditional knowledge) and marketing.

Bhutan