A four-day workshop aimed at enhancing environmental and social risk management among rangers concluded yesterday in Paro.

Organized by WWF-Bhutan in collaboration with the Department of Forests and Park Services (DoFPS), the workshop was part of the Prevention of Extirpation of Musk Deer in Bhutan project, which was launched in August this year.

The workshop brought together rangers from various divisional forest offices, parks, and DoFPS who are directly involved in implementing the musk deer conservation project. As frontline conservationists, these rangers play a vital role in ensuring the success and sustainability of the project.

The training was designed to deepen their understanding of environmental and social risks that could arise during project implementation and to equip them with strategies to manage these challenges effectively.

Throughout the workshop, participants explored how certain activities might unintentionally impact local communities or the ecosystems. They were guided through real-world scenarios that highlights risks such as strained relationships between rangers and communities during patrols, social tensions caused by exclusion of key stakeholders and economic marginalization resulting from ineffective livelihood programs.

The training also addressed community resentment linked to enforcement activities and the physical dangers they face during wildlife patrols.

In additional to risk management, the workshop covered essential topics like grievance redress mechanism, the ranger code of conduct, and basic first aid training to enhance safety during field operations.

By the end of the workshop, rangers gained practical tools and insights to help them navigate complex social and environmental dynamics in their conservation work. WWF-Bhutan and DoFPS emphasized that empowering rangers with these skills is crucial not only for protecting endangered species like the musk deer but also for fostering trust and cooperation with local communities.

This initiative reflects a growing commitment to inclusive and responsible conservation practices that balance ecological goals with the wellbeing of people living in and around protected areas.