This program is targeted at catalyzing a green and nature-based economy that contributes to economic growth while generating environmental and social benefits. This aligns with Bhutan’s development principles and values of Gross National Happiness and the country’s commitment to carbon neutrality. Nature-based solutions and nature-based enterprises, for example, nature and wildlife tourism and other related solutions, will be explored and promoted to protect and enhance nature while creating employment, diversified livelihood opportunities, and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The program will target towards addressing societal challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, water insecurity, and the impacts of natural disasters. It will be aimed at generating benefits for both local communities and contributing to national economic growth. Green and low-carbon development solutions will be catalyzed to deliver large-scale climate, biodiversity, resilience, and inclusion benefits. While focused on the Living Landscape (landscape outside the protected area network) and urban places as key areas, the program will also take a larger landscape approach (at district and regional levels) and support peri-urban areas and surrounding ecosystems to drive circular economic approaches and bring resource efficiency. It will work with strategic cities, sub-national and national governments, and urban actors to plan and implement sustainable solutions across energy, buildings, transport, food, and waste.

The integration of nature-based solutions in urban and peri-urban areas is expected to generate multiple environmental benefits, such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity enhancement, and land and water restoration enhancing ecosystem services. Under this activity framework, innovative financing mechanisms and bankable nature solution models to draw investments will be leveraged.