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The 2021 Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for the Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve (JKSNR) outlines mitigation strategies for two primary project activities: the restoration of alpine meadows and the installation of water pipes to revive dry waterholes. The plan ensures compliance with both the Royal Government of Bhutan's laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP), particularly where WWF standards are more extensive regarding non-title land users and community consultation. The ESMP details specific environmental risks—such as waste generation, soil erosion, and habitat degradation—and provides a comprehensive framework for occupational health and safety (OHS), worker accommodation, and monitoring to ensure the project supports Bhutan's goal of remaining carbon neutral and increasing climate resilience.

The ESMP for Biological Corridor 2 (BC-02) in Bhutan outlines mitigation strategies for four 2021 projects: water supply for the Kamichhu range office, a Black-necked Crane observation deck, and maintenance of forest offices in Gangtey-Phobji and Khotokha. The plan focuses on managing waste, ensuring worker health and safety (including COVID-19 protocols), and preventing human-wildlife conflict. It mandates compliance with 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 non-title land users and community consultation.

The 2021 ESMP for the Social Forestry Extension Division (SFED) outlines the management of environmental and social risks associated with maintaining 107.42 hectares of plantation across nine protected areas and biological corridors in Bhutan. It specifies mitigation measures for worker safety, waste management, and soil erosion, while ensuring compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures. The plan details a budget of 3.5 million ngultrum and assigns implementation to the Green Bhutan Corporation Limited.

The 2021 ESMP for the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS) outlines mitigation strategies for four primary activities: restoring 20 hectares of alpine meadows, restoring 30 hectares of grassland, constructing 320m of river bank protection on the Keyjurong stream, and building a breast wall for staff quarters. The plan prioritizes worker health and safety, waste management, and soil erosion prevention, with a total budget of Nu. 3,528,813.00. Implementation is overseen by a BFL focal person and monitored through field reports and photographic evidence, ensuring compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan laws and WWF's more extensive Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures.

The ESMP for Biological Corridor 5 (BC5) outlines the environmental and social safeguards for planned 2021 activities, specifically the improvement of salt licks at Rikhey, Demola, and Deori. The plan identifies potential risks such as increased poaching, waste generation, and worker safety, providing specific mitigation measures and monitoring frameworks. It emphasizes compliance with 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 rights and community consultation.

The ESMP for Biological Corridor 4 (BC 4) in Zhemgang, Bhutan, outlines mitigation strategies for three primary activities planned for 2021: the inventory and relocation of salt licks for the endangered golden langur, the restoration of grasslands in Malaya and Duenmang, and the roofing of an existing building in Tingtibi. The plan identifies potential risks such as worker health and safety, waste management, and increased poaching, prescribing specific mitigation measures and monitoring schedules. It mandates compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures, with the latter prevailing in cases of discrepancy, particularly regarding the rights of non-title land holders and community consultation requirements.

A review of snow leopard research from 1904 to 2020 reveals that while publications have increased exponentially since the 1970s, knowledge is concentrated in a few hotspots, covering less than 23% of the species' range. Research is heavily skewed toward ecological surveys of abundance and distribution, with significant gaps in social science, disease ecology, and empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of conservation interventions.

The 2021 ESMP for the Pema Gatshel Divisional Forest Office focuses on the construction of the BC 5 office at Pelzomthang. It identifies minimal environmental and social risks, such as noise, dust, and waste generation, and outlines specific mitigation measures and monitoring protocols. The plan ensures compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures, with the latter prevailing in cases of discrepancy regarding land use and community consultation.

The 2021 ESMP for Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary (JWS) outlines mitigation strategies for five key activities: staff quarter construction, waterhole and salt lick improvement, lowland grassland restoration, river embankment construction, and outpost maintenance. It integrates Bhutanese national law with WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP), prioritizing the more stringent WWF standards in cases of discrepancy, particularly regarding compensation for non-title land users and community consultation. The plan details specific risks such as increased poaching at improved waterholes, human-wildlife conflict in elephant habitats, and occupational health and safety for workers, providing a structured monitoring framework and a dedicated budget of USD 3,330 for mitigation measures.

The ESMP for Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary (PWS) outlines mitigation strategies for four primary activities planned for 2021: patrol route maintenance, construction of an office retention wall, improvement of natural waterholes and saltlicks, and lowland grassland management. The plan integrates Royal Government of Bhutan laws with WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures, prioritizing the latter in cases of discrepancy, particularly regarding non-title holders and community consultation. PWS is highlighted for its conservation significance, serving as the easternmost limit for spotted deer and sal forests, and the westernmost limit for the golden langur. The ESMP details specific environmental risks—such as noise, air pollution, and erosion—and social risks, including worker health and safety and human-wildlife conflict, providing a structured monitoring framework and occupational health and safety standards for implementation.

The 2021 Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for Phrumsengla National Park (PNP) outlines mitigation strategies for four primary activities: maintaining the Thrumshingla Rhododendron Garden, repairing park infrastructure (HQ, range offices, and guard posts), fixing a retaining wall at the Ura head office, and improving alpine meadows. The plan identifies potential risks including wildlife disturbance, construction waste, and occupational health and safety hazards. It mandates compliance with 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. Implementation is managed by BFL focal persons and contractors, with monitoring conducted through weekly field visits and monthly reports.

The ESMP for Biological Corridor Six (BC 6) in Bhutan outlines the environmental and social safeguards for two primary 2021 activities: the construction of a Range Office at Warmrong and the restoration of waterholes at Wangshingla and Nysangla. The document provides a baseline of the corridor's geography, climate, and biodiversity, noting that BC 6 covers 270.80 km² and supports endangered species like the Red Panda and Sapria himalayana. It details specific mitigation measures for water access, noise, air quality, waste, and occupational health and safety, with a total budget of Nu. 5.175 million for activities and an additional Nu. 60,000 for mitigation. Implementation is led by BFL focal persons in coordination with the Department of Forests and Park Services (DoFPS) and WWF safeguards.

The document outlines a site-specific management plan for the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park (JSWNP) as part of the 'Bhutan for Life' (BFL) project. It establishes a framework to ensure that planned 2021 activities—including waterhole revival, infrastructure construction, and meadow restoration—comply with both Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) laws and WWF's more extensive safeguard policies. The plan identifies potential risks such as poaching, water quality degradation, and worker safety, providing specific mitigation measures and monitoring schedules for each activity. It also includes comprehensive occupational health and safety (OHS) standards and worker accommodation guidelines to be followed by contractors.

The ESMP for Wangchuck Centennial National Park outlines the environmental and social protections required for three specific 2021 activities: lowland grassland restoration, conservation awareness signage updates, and bark beetle infestation control. It integrates Royal Government of Bhutan laws with WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures, prioritizing the more extensive WWF standards where discrepancies exist, particularly regarding non-title land holders and community consultation. The plan details specific mitigation measures for risks such as forest fires, waste, and worker safety, and establishes a monitoring framework involving BFL focal persons and ESS officers.

The Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for Biological Corridor 3 (BC-3) outlines the safeguards and mitigation strategies for the Bhutan for Life (BFL) project. Focusing on the Tsirang Dzongkhag area for 2020 and 2021, the plan addresses activities such as the improvement of salt licks, waterholes, and lowland grassland restoration. It identifies potential risks including waste generation, worker health and safety, and increased poaching, providing specific mitigation measures and monitoring frameworks. The document also details comprehensive occupational health and safety (OHS) standards and worker accommodation requirements to ensure compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) laws and WWF International's social and environmental policies.

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 2021 ESMP for the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) outlines mitigation strategies for six key activities under the Bhutan for Life (BFL) project. These activities include ecotourism infrastructure development, improvement of salt licks and water holes, building maintenance, alpine meadow improvement, bio-engineering at Dungtsho lake, and waste management near a RAMSAR site. The plan emphasizes compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP), particularly where WWF standards are more extensive regarding non-title holders and community consultation. It details specific environmental risks—such as habitat disturbance and increased poaching—and social risks, including worker health and safety and community conflicts, providing a structured monitoring framework and a total budget of USD 185,500 for activities and mitigation.

The 2021 ESMP for Biological Corridor-3 (BC-3) focuses on the improvement of waterholes and salt licks to support wildlife. It outlines specific mitigation measures for waste management, worker health and safety, and poaching prevention, while ensuring compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures. The plan includes detailed occupational health and safety (OHS) standards and monitoring arrangements to be implemented by BFL focal persons and contractors.

The guide addresses the energy access gaps in South Asia, noting that the pandemic threatens to reverse development progress and increase extreme poverty. It emphasizes the need for improved electricity and clean cooking access across the region, with the exception of Bhutan and the Maldives, to ensure a sustainable recovery.

The Global Resilience Partnership (GRP), in collaboration with the UNDP and GEF, is seeking Expressions of Interest from organizations managing innovative finance mechanisms in fragile and conflict-prone regions. The initiative aims to support private sector solutions that address the 'triple threat' of COVID-19, climate change-induced extreme weather, and geopolitical instability. Selected organizations will receive grants, technical assistance from a multidisciplinary mentoring facility, and networking opportunities to improve the scale and effectiveness of their funds. Eligible mechanisms must be based in specific Least Developed Countries (LDCs), demonstrate a sustainable revenue model, and focus on the intersection of climate adaptation, food and water security, and disaster risk reduction.