Environmental and Social Management Plan for Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park for 2026

The 2026 ESMP for Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park (JSWNP) outlines mitigation strategies for three planned projects: the revival of Dawar Tsho lake, a 2-hectare plantation at Rani Camp, and maintenance of the Adha Guard post office. Categorized as a 'Category B' project, the BFL initiative focuses on site-specific, reversible impacts. The plan mandates strict adherence to 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 and community consultation. Key mitigation measures focus on waste management, occupational health and safety (OHS), and the prevention of water contamination. Implementation is overseen by BFL focal persons and supervising engineers, with a structured grievance redressal mechanism available to stakeholders.

• 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 easily mitigated.
• Three specific activities are planned for JSWNP in 2026: the revival of Dawar Tsho lake in Tingtibi Range (Nu. 150,000), a 2-hectare plantation at Rani Camp (Nu. 500,000), and maintenance of the Adha Guard post office and staff quarters (Nu. 1,000,000).
• The project must comply with both Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP); where the two differ, WWF's SIPP takes precedence, particularly regarding the rights of non-title land users and the requirement for extensive community consultations.
• JSWNP is the third largest Protected Area in Bhutan, covering 1,730 sq.km across five districts (Trongsa, Zhemgang, Wangdue Phodrang, Tsirang, and Sarpang) and supporting over 4,000 residents across 561 households.
• Specific environmental and social risks identified for the 2026 activities include waste generation by workers, occupational health and safety risks, water contamination, and potential grazing conflicts at the Rani Camp plantation site.
• A multi-tiered Grievance Redressal Mechanism (GRM) is established, allowing stakeholders to report issues through the BFL-specific mechanism, the WWF Grievance Mechanism, or the GCF Independent Review Mechanism.

APA

WWF International (2026). Environmental and Social Management Plan for Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park for 2026. https://www.worldwildlife.org/documents/2498/9.JSWNP_ESMPY8_2026.pdf

Chicago

WWF International. Environmental and Social Management Plan for Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park for 2026. 2026. https://www.worldwildlife.org/documents/2498/9.JSWNP_ESMPY8_2026.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=WWF International |title=Environmental and Social Management Plan for Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park for 2026 |date=2026 |url=https://www.worldwildlife.org/documents/2498/9.JSWNP_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 Singye Wangchuk National Park for 2026}}, institution = {WWF International}, year = {2026}, url = {https://www.worldwildlife.org/documents/2498/9.JSWNP_ESMPY8_2026.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }