Bhutan for Life Environmental and Social Management Plan for BC-02

The ESMP for Biological Corridor 2 (BC-02) in Bhutan outlines mitigation strategies for four 2021 projects: water supply for the Kamichhu range office, a Black-necked Crane observation deck, and maintenance of forest offices in Gangtey-Phobji and Khotokha. The plan focuses on managing waste, ensuring worker health and safety (including COVID-19 protocols), and preventing human-wildlife conflict. It mandates compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP), with the latter prevailing in cases of discrepancy regarding non-title land users and community consultation.

• The Bhutan for Life (BFL) project is a 14-year initiative designed to maintain Bhutan's carbon neutrality by increasing forest cover and enhancing the socio-economic wellbeing of communities through climate-informed natural resource management.
• In cases of discrepancy between national laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP), the WWF SIPP prevails, particularly regarding the eligibility of non-title holders for compensation and the requirement for extensive community consultations.
• Biological Corridor 2 (BC-02) covers 2769.32 hectares and connects Jigme Dorji National Park and Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, serving as a habitat for focal species including tigers, red pandas, clouded leopards, and Rufous-necked hornbills.
• Socio-economic surveys of 82 households in the corridor indicate that 77% of respondents are engaged in agriculture, with wildlife crop depredation—primarily by sambar and wild pig—identified as the primary agricultural issue by 75% of respondents.
• Four specific activities are planned for 2021: water supply to the Kamichhu range office (Nu. 0.50 million), construction of a Black-necked Crane observation deck (Nu. 0.140 million), maintenance of the Gangtey-Phobji Forest Office (Nu. 0.756 million), and maintenance of the Khotokha Forest Office (Nu. 0.418 million).
• Environmental and social risks for the 2021 activities are categorized as 'Minor' and 'Short term', with primary concerns being waste generation, worker health and safety (including COVID-19), noise disturbance, and dust production.
• The ESMP mandates strict occupational health and safety (OHS) standards, including the provision of personal protective equipment (helmets, gloves, boots, and reflective vests) and the prohibition of 'hot-bedding' in worker accommodations.
• Implementation and monitoring are managed by the BFL focal person in BC-02, with disbursement of project funds contingent upon full compliance with safeguard requirements.

APA

WWF International (2021). Bhutan for Life Environmental and Social Management Plan for BC-02. https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/39ayaa4f7a_BC2_ESMP_2021.pdf

Chicago

WWF International. Bhutan for Life Environmental and Social Management Plan for BC-02. 2021. https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/39ayaa4f7a_BC2_ESMP_2021.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=WWF International |title=Bhutan for Life Environmental and Social Management Plan for BC-02 |date=2021 |url=https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/39ayaa4f7a_BC2_ESMP_2021.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{wwfinternational2021bhutan, author = {{WWF International}}, title = {{Bhutan for Life Environmental and Social Management Plan for BC-02}}, institution = {WWF International}, year = {2021}, url = {https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/39ayaa4f7a_BC2_ESMP_2021.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }