Bhutan for Life Environmental and Social Management Plan for Social Forestry Extension Division

The 2021 ESMP for the Social Forestry Extension Division (SFED) outlines the management of environmental and social risks associated with maintaining 107.42 hectares of plantation across nine protected areas and biological corridors in Bhutan. It specifies mitigation measures for worker safety, waste management, and soil erosion, while ensuring compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures. The plan details a budget of 3.5 million ngultrum and assigns implementation to the Green Bhutan Corporation Limited.

• The project will maintain 107.42 hectares of plantation area in 2021 across nine sites, including Bumthang, Sarpang, Mongar, Pemagatshel, Tashigang, JKSNR, JWS, and JSWNP, focusing on sites requiring first and second year maintenance.
• A total budget of 3.5 million ngultrum is allocated for the maintenance of these plantations, with no separate budget required for environmental and social safeguard (ESS) mitigation measures as they are integrated into the total activity cost.
• In cases of discrepancy between Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) 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.
• Implementation of the plantation maintenance is assigned to the state-owned enterprise Green Bhutan Corporation Limited (GBCL), which must incorporate the ESMP into its contract with the respective Park Authority or Biological Corridor.
• Potential environmental and social impacts are rated as 'Minor', with mitigation measures including the use of bioengineering structures for soil erosion, prohibition of waste burning, and the provision of alternative grazing areas for local communities.
• The plan mandates strict occupational health and safety (OHS) standards, including the provision of personal protective equipment (helmets, gloves, boots, and reflective vests) and specific requirements for worker accommodation, such as a minimum of 1 meter between beds.

APA

WWF International (2021). Bhutan for Life Environmental and Social Management Plan for Social Forestry Extension Division. https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/3kuk98as0b_SFED_ESMP_2021.pdf

Chicago

WWF International. Bhutan for Life Environmental and Social Management Plan for Social Forestry Extension Division. 2021. https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/3kuk98as0b_SFED_ESMP_2021.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=WWF International |title=Bhutan for Life Environmental and Social Management Plan for Social Forestry Extension Division |date=2021 |url=https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/3kuk98as0b_SFED_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 Social Forestry Extension Division}}, institution = {WWF International}, year = {2021}, url = {https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/3kuk98as0b_SFED_ESMP_2021.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }