Bhutan for Life Environmental and Social Management Plan for Biological Corridor 4

The Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for Biological Corridor 4 (BC 4) in Bhutan outlines the safeguards and mitigation measures for ecotourism development at Zarkabla in 2022. The project, part of the broader 'Bhutan for Life' (BFL) initiative, focuses on creating a high-end recreational fishing product along the Drangmechu River. Planned activities include constructing two toilet/bathroom units, establishing a drinking water supply, and clearing a camping site, with a total budget of Nu. 0.650 million. The ESMP identifies potential risks such as workers' health and safety, waste management, and illegal fishing, prescribing specific mitigation actions and monitoring schedules to ensure compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP).

• The Bhutan for Life (BFL) project is a 14-year financial initiative designed to maintain Bhutan's carbon neutrality by increasing forest cover, enhancing community socio-economic wellbeing through climate-informed resource management, and strengthening the management of the Protected Area System (PAS).
• Biological Corridor 4 (BC 4) is the largest biological corridor in Bhutan, covering 594 sq.km with an elevation range of 228-4570 masl, and supports 94 species of vascular plants, 25 mammal species, and 150 bird species.
• The 2022 planned activities at Zarkabla focus on 'Mahseer High End Recreational Fishing' and include the construction of two toilet/bathroom units (Nu. 553,378), drinking water supply (Nu. 80,000), and clearing/levelling of a camping site (Nu. 16,622), totaling Nu. 0.650 million.
• The ESMP identifies three primary potential environmental and social impacts for the Zarkabla activities: workers' health and safety, waste generated from workers' campsites, and the risk of illegal fishing.
• To mitigate social and environmental risks, the project mandates that WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP) prevail over Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) legislation in cases of discrepancy, particularly regarding the eligibility of non-title holders for compensation and the requirement for extensive community consultations.
• The project implements a strict Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) framework, requiring contractors to provide personal protective equipment (helmets, gloves, boots, and reflective vests) and maintain first aid kits within 200m of any working place.

APA

WWF International (2022). Bhutan for Life Environmental and Social Management Plan for Biological Corridor 4. https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/3o1o74p0gv_ESMP_BC4.pdf

Chicago

WWF International. Bhutan for Life Environmental and Social Management Plan for Biological Corridor 4. 2022. https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/3o1o74p0gv_ESMP_BC4.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=WWF International |title=Bhutan for Life Environmental and Social Management Plan for Biological Corridor 4 |date=2022 |url=https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/3o1o74p0gv_ESMP_BC4.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{wwfinternational2022bhutan, author = {{WWF International}}, title = {{Bhutan for Life Environmental and Social Management Plan for Biological Corridor 4}}, institution = {WWF International}, year = {2022}, url = {https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/3o1o74p0gv_ESMP_BC4.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }