Environmental and Social Management Plan for Jigme Kheser Strict Nature Reserve for 2026

The ESMP for the Jigme Kheser Strict Nature Reserve (JKSNR) outlines mitigation strategies for two primary activities planned for 2026: alpine grassland management in Lolithang and river embankment work at the JKSNR Head Office. Categorized as a Category B project, the BFL initiative aims to enhance climate resilience and biodiversity conservation in Bhutan. The plan details environmental risks such as forest fires and construction waste, social risks regarding worker health and safety, and the required mitigation measures, including the use of safety gear and waste disposal at the Anaphu landfill. It also defines stakeholder engagement, grievance redressal mechanisms, and monitoring arrangements to ensure compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan laws and WWF safeguard policies.

• The Bhutan for Life (BFL) project is classified as a Category B project because potential adverse environmental and social impacts are "site-specific, reversible and can be readily mitigated".
• Two specific activities require ESMPs for 2026 within the Jigme Kheser Strict Nature Reserve: alpine grassland management covering 30 hectares in Lolithang and river embankment work at the JKSNR Head Office.
• Alpine meadow restoration is necessary because climate change and reserve management have led to encroachment by "Juniper-Rhododendron Krumsholtz scrubs", which makes pastures inaccessible to wildlife and livestock and increases grazing pressure on remaining areas.
• The river embankment and culvert bridge construction at the JKSNR Headquarters are intended to "mitigate recurring flooding during the monsoon season" which damages roads and affects downstream settlements.
• In cases of discrepancy between the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP), the WWF SIPP provisions will prevail, particularly regarding compensation for non-title holders and community consultation requirements.
• A total budget of Nu. 40,000 is allocated specifically for environmental and social safeguard (ESS) mitigation, primarily for the procurement of safety gear for workers.

APA

WWF International (2026). Environmental and Social Management Plan for Jigme Kheser Strict Nature Reserve for 2026. https://www.worldwildlife.org/documents/2499/8.JKSNR_ESMPY8_2026.pdf

Chicago

WWF International. Environmental and Social Management Plan for Jigme Kheser Strict Nature Reserve for 2026. 2026. https://www.worldwildlife.org/documents/2499/8.JKSNR_ESMPY8_2026.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=WWF International |title=Environmental and Social Management Plan for Jigme Kheser Strict Nature Reserve for 2026 |date=2026 |url=https://www.worldwildlife.org/documents/2499/8.JKSNR_ESMPY8_2026.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{wwfinternational2026environmental, author = {{WWF International}}, title = {{Environmental and Social Management Plan for Jigme Kheser Strict Nature Reserve for 2026}}, institution = {WWF International}, year = {2026}, url = {https://www.worldwildlife.org/documents/2499/8.JKSNR_ESMPY8_2026.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }