Environmental and Social Management Plan for Biological Corridor 04

The document outlines the management of environmental and social risks for two primary activities in Biological Corridor 04 (BC 4), Bhutan: the restoration of 4.58 hectares of grassland at Pirchen and the construction of a kitchen at the Zarkabla Ecotourism campsite. It establishes a framework for compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP), specifying that WWF standards prevail in cases of discrepancy, particularly regarding compensation for non-title land users and community consultation. The plan identifies potential risks such as accidental forest fires, construction waste, and occupational health and safety hazards, providing specific mitigation actions and a monitoring protocol involving field focal persons and the BFL Fund Secretariat. A detailed annex provides comprehensive Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards for workers, covering facility design, physical hazards, and accommodation requirements.

• Biological Corridor 4 (BC 4) is the largest biological corridor in Bhutan, covering 594 sq.km with an elevation range of 228-4570 masl. It supports 94 species of vascular plants, 25 species of mammal, and 150 species of birds, including the Tiger, Red Panda, and Black bear.
• The project identifies two primary activities for the period of January 2023 to June 2024: the restoration of 4.58 hectares of grassland at Pirchen (budgeted at Nu. 150,000) and the construction of a kitchen at the Zarkabla Ecotourism campsite (budgeted at Nu. 750,000).
• The ESMP mandates adherence to both Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) laws and WWF’s Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP). In instances of discrepancy, WWF's SIPP prevails, specifically regarding the eligibility of non-title holders for compensation and the requirement for extensive community consultations.
• Environmental and social risks for the Pirchen grassland restoration include accidental forest fires during debris burning, the growth of non-palatable species, and illegal wildlife hunting by workers. Mitigation includes controlled burning, regular weeding, and worker briefings.
• The construction of the Zarkabla kitchen presents risks including noise pollution, dust generation, and construction waste. Mitigation measures require that construction materials be covered during transport, the use of noise-reducing devices, and the prohibition of waste burning.
• The document establishes a strict Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) framework, requiring contractors to provide personal safety equipment (helmets, gloves, boots, and reflective vests) and ensuring that no underage workers or children are engaged.

APA

WWF International (n.d.). Environmental and Social Management Plan for Biological Corridor 04. https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/9mw7de3p1k_BC4_ESMP_2023.pdf

Chicago

WWF International. Environmental and Social Management Plan for Biological Corridor 04. n.d. https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/9mw7de3p1k_BC4_ESMP_2023.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=WWF International |title=Environmental and Social Management Plan for Biological Corridor 04 |url=https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/9mw7de3p1k_BC4_ESMP_2023.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{wwfinternationalndenvironmental, author = {{WWF International}}, title = {{Environmental and Social Management Plan for Biological Corridor 04}}, institution = {WWF International}, url = {https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/9mw7de3p1k_BC4_ESMP_2023.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }