Bhutan for Life Environmental and Social Management Plan for Department of Renewable Energy (DRE)

The ESMP outlines the environmental and social safeguards for a 50kW solar power project in the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhutan, focusing on mitigating minor risks to vegetation, water quality, and local culture while improving energy access for 21 households.

• The project involves the installation of a 50kW Solar PV System at Nimathang to provide a reliable 3-phase power supply to 21 households, including community guest houses, Lhakhangs, and Tshamkhangs/Nomadic Huts, as part of the first phase of electrification for the Aja Ney community.
• Grid electrification was deemed technically infeasible for the Aja Ney community because the required transmission line would have to pass through the core zone of the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, where tree felling is strictly prohibited.
• The Aja Ney community currently relies on solar rooftops for basic lighting and mobile charging, but continues to use firewood for cooking and space heating, which poses health risks due to indoor pollution.
• The project site is located in the core zone of the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, an area characterized by cool broadleaf forests and home to species such as the Star anise and the terrestrial orchid Tsa-Awa-Doti.
• Potential environmental impacts are classified as minor and short-term, including noise disturbance, air quality degradation from dust, and waste generation. Mitigation measures include restricting work hours to 6am–7pm and prohibiting the burning of debris.
• To prevent water shortages during the six-month installation period, a separate water usage timetable will be developed in consultation with the local community to manage the increased demand from workers.
• The project budget is estimated at approximately Nu. 12.13 million, comprising Nu. 9.69 million for materials, Nu. 1.94 million for transportation and installation, and Nu. 0.5 million for administration.
• In cases of discrepancy between Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP), the WWF SIPP will prevail, particularly regarding compensation for non-title holders and community consultation requirements.

APA

WWF International (2021). Bhutan for Life Environmental and Social Management Plan for Department of Renewable Energy (DRE). https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/jyvlr9hwv_DRE_ESMP_2021.pdf

Chicago

WWF International. Bhutan for Life Environmental and Social Management Plan for Department of Renewable Energy (DRE). 2021. https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/jyvlr9hwv_DRE_ESMP_2021.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=WWF International |title=Bhutan for Life Environmental and Social Management Plan for Department of Renewable Energy (DRE) |date=2021 |url=https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/jyvlr9hwv_DRE_ESMP_2021.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{wwfinternational2021bhutan, author = {{WWF International}}, title = {{Bhutan for Life Environmental and Social Management Plan for Department of Renewable Energy (DRE)}}, institution = {WWF International}, year = {2021}, url = {https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/jyvlr9hwv_DRE_ESMP_2021.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }