Bhutan for Life Environmental and Social Management Plan for BC5

The Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for Biological Corridor 5 (BC5) in Bhutan outlines mitigation strategies for two specific 2022 activities: the construction of a retaining wall in Pema Gatshel and an electric fence at Choegar Dhuedhuel Phodrang Monastery. The plan ensures 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 land use rights and community consultation. It details baseline environmental conditions of BC5, which is primarily tropical broad-leaved forest, and provides comprehensive occupational health and safety (OHS) standards for workers.

• The Bhutan for Life (BFL) project is a 14-year initiative designed to secure biodiversity conservation, human well-being, and climate resilience in Bhutan by maintaining a network of protected areas and biological corridors.
• Biological Corridor 5 (BC5) covers 203.58 km2 and connects the Royal Manas National Park and Jomotshangkha Wildlife Sanctuary, consisting of over 95% broad-leafed forests.
• 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.
• Two specific activities were planned for 2022: a retaining wall in Gamazore, Khar gewog (budget Nu. 1,18,6997.26) to prevent road erosion, and an electric fence at Choegar Dhuedhuel Phodrang Monastery (budget Nu. 500,000) to reduce crop damage from wild pigs, sambar, and elephants.
• The ESMP identifies potential minor impacts for these activities, including noise disturbance, e-waste from non-functional fence materials, current leakage from energizers, and risks to workers' health and safety.
• The document mandates strict Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards, including a maximum noise exposure of 90 dB(A) for 8 hours, the provision of first aid boxes within 200m of any working place, and specific requirements for worker accommodation and sanitation.

APA

WWF International (2022). Bhutan for Life Environmental and Social Management Plan for BC5. https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/3zg8qv3u8x_BC05_ESMP.pdf

Chicago

WWF International. Bhutan for Life Environmental and Social Management Plan for BC5. 2022. https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/3zg8qv3u8x_BC05_ESMP.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=WWF International |title=Bhutan for Life Environmental and Social Management Plan for BC5 |date=2022 |url=https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/3zg8qv3u8x_BC05_ESMP.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 BC5}}, institution = {WWF International}, year = {2022}, url = {https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/3zg8qv3u8x_BC05_ESMP.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }