Bhutan for Life Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for Biological Corridor 6

The ESMP for Biological Corridor 6 (BC 6) outlines the environmental and social safeguards for three planned activities in 2022: the maintenance of Beat Offices at Khaling and Thrimshing, and the construction of a traditional painting house for the Tshendaling Community Forest (CF). The document provides a baseline of BC 6's biodiversity—including 46 mammal, 107 bird, and 393 plant species—and details mitigation measures for noise, air quality, waste, and worker safety. It mandates compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) laws and WWF's Social and Environmental Safeguards Framework (SIPP), with the latter prevailing in cases of discrepancy regarding land use rights and community consultation.

• Biological Corridor 6 (BC 6) covers 270.80 km², with 46% located in Trashigang District and 54% in Samdrup Jongkar District. The area is characterized by high forest cover (99.28%) and an altitudinal range from 530 to 4300 meters above mean sea level.
• The corridor hosts significant biodiversity, including 46 mammal species (representing 24.5% of Bhutan's mammal species), 107 bird species (14.22% of Bhutan's records), and 393 plant species (7% of Bhutan's records). Notable mammals include the Red Panda, Red Tiger, Dhole, and Asiatic Elephant, all listed as Endangered.
• Three specific activities are planned for 2022 with a total budget of Nu. 2.7M: maintenance of the Khaling Beat Office (Nu. 1.3M), maintenance of the Thrimshing Beat Office (Nu. 0.900M), and material support for the Tshendaling CF furniture house (Nu. 0.500M).
• The project identifies minor environmental and social risks for the 2022 activities, specifically noise disturbance, air quality degradation (dust and emissions), waste generation, worker health and safety, and COVID-19 risks. Mitigation includes restricting work hours to 7am–7pm, water-spraying on dry days, and providing safety gear.
• In cases of discrepancy between Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) laws and WWF’s SIPP, the WWF standards prevail. Key differences include the SIPP's requirement for extensive community consultations and the eligibility of non-title holders for assistance or compensation if livelihoods are adversely affected.
• The ESMP mandates strict Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards, including the provision of first aid kits within 200m of any workplace, a maximum noise exposure of 90 dB(A) for 8 hours without protection, and specific requirements for worker accommodation such as separate sleeping and sanitary facilities for men and women.

APA

WWF International (2022). Bhutan for Life Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for Biological Corridor 6. https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/7cvz0x76d4_BC6_ESMP.pdf

Chicago

WWF International. Bhutan for Life Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for Biological Corridor 6. 2022. https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/7cvz0x76d4_BC6_ESMP.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=WWF International |title=Bhutan for Life Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for Biological Corridor 6 |date=2022 |url=https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/7cvz0x76d4_BC6_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 (ESMP) for Biological Corridor 6}}, institution = {WWF International}, year = {2022}, url = {https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/7cvz0x76d4_BC6_ESMP.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }