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The proposal aims to strengthen Bhutan's capacity for REDD+ and climate change initiatives by improving coordination between the Gross National Happiness Commission, the National Environment Commission, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests. Key objectives include developing a GCF REDD+ investment plan to increase private sector engagement, refining the Forest Reference Emission Level through new biomass equations and Permanent Sample Plots, and mainstreaming agroforestry. Additionally, the project focuses on strengthening forest fire management through risk assessments and hazard mapping, and piloting watershed development in three sites to recharge groundwater and revive drying water sources.

The briefing analyzes the intersection of climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, economic instability, deteriorating governance, and nuclear-armed geopolitical tensions in South Asia. It argues that these converging risks create non-linear dynamics that could lead to a systemic collapse or 'regime shift,' posing significant spillover risks to the global international system.

As of July 2020, 19 countries and the European Union have adopted net-zero targets. The document compares these targets across several dimensions: the coverage of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and domestic sectors, the target year for achievement, whether separate emissions reduction targets exist, the use of international GHG mitigation, and the legal status of the targets.

The document outlines a framework for establishing comprehensive net-zero targets, emphasizing the need for all-sector and all-gas coverage, the setting of separate emissions reduction targets to avoid over-reliance on carbon removals, and the importance of transparent communication and participatory design processes.

The guide identifies significant energy access gaps in South Asia, with 152 million people lacking electricity and 990 million lacking clean cooking as of 2018. It proposes that governments allocate 25% of stimulus budgets to renewables and target 30% localization of clean energy value chains. Key benefits cited include a GDP multiplier where every USD 1 invested in renewables yields USD 0.93 in additional growth, and the creation of 2 to 2.5 times more jobs than fossil fuel investments. The document recommends eight enablers for this transition, including the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies, a moratorium on new coal-fired power, and the adoption of cost-reflective tariffs.

The Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) outlines the safeguards and mitigation strategies for four key activities planned for 2020: Ramsar campsite development, bank protection for Dungtsho lake, boundary zonation, and the construction of a guard post. The plan ensures 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 identifies potential minor short-term impacts, primarily related to construction waste and worker health and safety, and assigns responsibility for monitoring and mitigation to the BFL focal person and contracted engineers.

The document outlines a site-specific management plan for the Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve (JKSNR) in Bhutan. It identifies four primary activity areas for 2020: the construction of eco-tourism structures along the Haa-Nubtsonapata trail, the improvement of five waterholes, the construction of a reserve head office and access road at Bjee, and the construction of a range office and staff quarters at Sombeykha. The plan assesses potential risks—such as noise disturbance, dust pollution, waste generation, and soil erosion—and prescribes specific mitigation measures, including the use of earplugs for workers, water-spraying on dry days, and a 'garbage-in and garbage-out' policy. It establishes a monitoring framework involving weekly field visits and quarterly reports to ensure compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures.

The Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary (PWS) outlines mitigation strategies for infrastructure and conservation activities planned for 2020 under the Bhutan for Life (BFL) project. The plan addresses potential risks such as noise, air pollution, waste generation, and human-wildlife conflict associated with the construction of a range office, waterhole restoration, and river bank protection. It mandates strict adherence to both Royal Government of Bhutan laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures, with the latter prevailing in cases of discrepancy regarding community consultation and compensation for non-title land holders.

The ESMP for Biological Corridor 8 (BC 08) in Bhutan outlines the environmental and social safeguards required for five planned activities in 2020: the construction of a Range Office, maintenance of an existing office, restoration of lowland grasslands, improvement of waterholes and salt licks, and combined zonation. The document provides a baseline of the area's high forest cover (over 99%), rich biodiversity including endangered species like the tiger and red panda, and the socio-economic dependence of local households on forest and livestock resources. It details specific mitigation measures for risks such as noise, waste, water contamination, and occupational hazards, while establishing a monitoring and stakeholder engagement framework to ensure compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan laws and WWF safeguard policies.

The document outlines a site-specific management plan for the Royal Manas National Park (RMNP) to ensure that infrastructure and conservation activities in 2020 comply with both Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP). It identifies seven key activities—including the construction of a Tiger Research Field Station and a guard post, and the restoration of lowland grasslands—and provides specific mitigation measures for risks such as waste generation, worker health and safety, and potential increases in poaching. The plan establishes a monitoring framework involving weekly field visits and quarterly reports to ensure compliance, with project funding contingent upon meeting these safeguard requirements.

The 2020 ESMP for Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary (JWS) outlines mitigation strategies for five key activities: the construction of a head office, improvement of waterholes and salt licks, restoration of lowland grasslands, river protection work, and maintenance of staff quarters. It integrates Bhutanese national law with WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP), prioritizing the more stringent WWF standards where discrepancies exist, particularly regarding compensation for non-title land users and community consultation. The plan details specific environmental risks, such as vegetation clearing and aquatic habitat disturbance, and social risks, including water-source conflicts between construction workers and local communities. Implementation is managed by BFL focal persons and contractors, with a monitoring framework involving weekly field visits and quarterly reports to ensure compliance.

The ESMP for Biological Corridor 2 (BC 2) outlines the environmental and social safeguards for specific 2020 activities, including the construction of a range office, improvement of waterholes and salt licks, and the management of RAMSAR sites. It identifies potential risks such as waste generation, worker safety, and human-wildlife conflict, providing detailed mitigation measures and monitoring schedules to ensure compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP).

The Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for Biological Corridor 5 (BC5) outlines the mitigation strategies for planned 2020 activities in the Pema Gatshel and Samdrup Jongkhar districts of Bhutan. The project, part of the broader 'Bhutan for Life' (BFL) initiative, focuses on habitat enrichment through waterhole and saltlick improvement and the construction of river protection walls to prevent flooding. The ESMP identifies potential risks such as waste generation, worker safety, and increased poaching, prescribing specific mitigation measures and a rigorous monitoring framework involving BFL focal persons and ESS consultants. 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 and community consultation.

The Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for the Royal Botanical Park (RBP) outlines the mitigation strategies for four planned activities in 2020 under the Bhutan for Life (BFL) project. These activities include lowland grassland enrichment, zonation and pillar fixation, river bank protection, and the improvement of salt licks and waterholes. The plan prioritizes waste management, worker health and safety, and the prevention of poaching, while ensuring compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP). Implementation is managed by BFL focal persons and contractors, with a structured monitoring and reporting framework involving ESS consultants and the Project Coordination Unit (PCU).

The Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for Biological Corridor 1 (BC 1) outlines the framework for mitigating adverse impacts resulting from the construction of a beat office and the improvement of waterholes and salt licks in 2020. BC 1, a 149 sq. km area between Jigme Dorji National Park and Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve, supports endangered species including the Tiger and Snow leopard. The plan 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 rights and community consultation. Key mitigation strategies include noise and dust control for construction, increased patrolling to prevent poaching at waterholes, and strict waste management to protect nearby streams. Implementation is managed by BFL focal persons and contractors, with funding for the beat office at US$71,600 and waterhole/salt lick improvements at US$4,761.9.

The Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for Biological Corridor 3 (BC 3) outlines the mitigation strategies for planned 2020 activities under the Bhutan for Life (BFL) project. The plan focuses on the restoration of waterholes, salt licks, and lowland grasslands across the Sarpang and Tsirang Dzongkhags. It identifies potential risks such as increased poaching, waste generation, and worker safety, providing specific mitigation measures and monitoring schedules to ensure compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP).

The ESMP for Phrumsengla National Park (PNP) outlines mitigation strategies for five key activities planned for 2020: the construction of a range office and staff quarters, restoration of waterholes and salt licks, building a river protection wall, implementing combined zonation across 905 km2, and maintaining an in-situ Rhododendron Garden. The plan prioritizes waste management, worker health and safety, and the prevention of wildlife habitat disturbance. 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. Implementation is overseen by BFL focal persons and monitored through a tiered reporting system involving ESS consultants, the Project Coordination Unit (PCU), and WWF US.

The Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for Biological Corridor 4 (BC 4) outlines the mitigation strategies for three primary activities planned for 2020: the construction of a range office in Shingkhar, the rehabilitation of six waterholes and salt licks, and the restoration of 16 hectares of lowland grasslands. 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 stringent regarding non-title land users and community consultation. The document details specific environmental risks, such as noise and waste from construction, and social risks, including occupational health and safety and potential conflicts between temporary workers and local communities. It defines a monitoring framework involving weekly field visits and quarterly reports to ensure safeguards are met before project funds are disbursed.

The document outlines a site-specific management plan for Jigme Dorji National Park (JDNP) to ensure that BFL project activities—including infrastructure maintenance, renewable energy installation, and habitat restoration—comply with both Royal Government of Bhutan laws and WWF social safeguards. It identifies potential risks such as construction waste, methane emissions from biogas plants, and community conflicts over resource rights, providing specific mitigation measures and a monitoring schedule for 2020.

The ESMP for Biological Corridor 6 (BC 6) outlines the environmental and social safeguards required for habitat restoration activities planned for 2020. BC 6, covering 270.80 km² and primarily consisting of forest, connects the Sakteng and Jomotshangka Wildlife Sanctuaries. Planned activities include the restoration of 1 hectare of lowland grassland and 2 hectares of salt licks and waterholes. The plan identifies potential risks such as forest fires, poaching, and conflicts with local communities over the removal of fences around waterholes. Mitigation measures include controlled burning, community consultations, and religious offerings to appease local deities. Implementation is managed by BFL focal persons and monitored through field visits and reports to the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) and WWF.