Environmental and Social Management Plan for Biological Corridor 03 (Tsirang) for 2026

The 2026 ESMP for Biological Corridor 03 (BC3) in Tsirang, Bhutan, outlines mitigation strategies for three primary projects: the construction of Golden Mahseer spawning infrastructure at Daga Rongchhu, nursery management for high-value timber at Damphu, and a 5-hectare bamboo plantation at Sirutar. Categorized as a 'Category B' project, the plan focuses on site-specific, reversible impacts. It mandates strict adherence to both Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) laws and WWF's safeguard policies, particularly where WWF standards are more extensive regarding non-title land users and community consultation. The plan includes detailed occupational health and safety (OHS) standards, waste management protocols, and a multi-tiered grievance redressal mechanism involving BFL, WWF, and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

• The Bhutan for Life (BFL) project is classified as a Category B project because potential adverse environmental and social impacts are site-specific, reversible, and can be readily mitigated.
• Three specific activities are planned for BC3 in 2026 and 2027: the construction of Golden Mahseer spawning and monitoring infrastructure at Daga Rongchhu (budgeted at Nu. 5,753,736), nursery management for high-value timber species at Damphu (budgeted at Nu. 3,830,000), and a 5-hectare bamboo plantation at Sirutar (budgeted at Nu. 1,250,000).
• In cases of discrepancy between national laws and project safeguards, WWF's Social and Environmental Safeguards Framework (SIPP) prevails, particularly regarding the eligibility of non-title holders for compensation and the requirement for extensive community consultations.
• Biological Corridor 3 (BC3) covers 407.69 km², with 84.50% located in the Sarpang Division Forest Office and 15.50% in the Tsirang Division Forest Office.
• The Golden Mahseer infrastructure project at Daga Rongchhu includes a guest lounge, caretaker's house, and a gazebo, with mitigation measures focusing on avoiding construction during the monsoon (June–August) and the heron breeding season.
• The Damphu nursery aims to produce 15,000 seedlings of local and endemic high-value timber species, such as Michelia doltsopha and Quercus griffithii, prohibiting the import of exotic seeds.
• The 5-hectare bamboo plantation at Sirutar will utilize species such as Bambusa balcooa, Bambusa tulda, and Dendrocalamus hamiltoni, with a requirement to maintain a 15-meter vegetation buffer strip from river banks.
• The project implements a comprehensive Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) framework, requiring contractors to provide safety gear (boots, jackets, gloves, masks), first aid kits, and decent living housing for laborers.
• A three-tiered grievance redressal mechanism is established: a BFL-specific mechanism for local reporting, a WWF Grievance Mechanism via a Project Complaints Officer, and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Independent Review Mechanism.

APA

WWF International (2026). Environmental and Social Management Plan for Biological Corridor 03 (Tsirang) for 2026. https://www.worldwildlife.org/documents/2489/3.BC3_Tsirang_ESMP_Y8_2026.pdf

Chicago

WWF International. Environmental and Social Management Plan for Biological Corridor 03 (Tsirang) for 2026. 2026. https://www.worldwildlife.org/documents/2489/3.BC3_Tsirang_ESMP_Y8_2026.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=WWF International |title=Environmental and Social Management Plan for Biological Corridor 03 (Tsirang) for 2026 |date=2026 |url=https://www.worldwildlife.org/documents/2489/3.BC3_Tsirang_ESMP_Y8_2026.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{wwfinternational2026environmental, author = {{WWF International}}, title = {{Environmental and Social Management Plan for Biological Corridor 03 (Tsirang) for 2026}}, institution = {WWF International}, year = {2026}, url = {https://www.worldwildlife.org/documents/2489/3.BC3_Tsirang_ESMP_Y8_2026.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }