• 1. To integrate the approach of HCVs into the national land use and planning systems to ensure conservation of HCVs in the areas without legal protection
• 2. To ensure sustainable management of natural resources based on scientific management principles in the areas outside the protected areas network system by developing integrated climate-smart management plans for nine divisional forest offices in the project landscape
• 3. By 2028, at least nine High Conservation Value Areas (HCVAs) are put under management regime
• 4. By 2028, the population of indicator species in the project landscapes is secured
• 5. By 2028, the average annual household income of the target communities has increased by 60 percent

The core approach of this project is securing HCVs in the southwestern Bhutan and its integration into the national land use planning system. By the end of the project period, it is envisaged to have integrated the HCVs approach into national land use zoning guidelines and national land use policy of Bhutan. Besides, at least nine HCVAs will be established and managed in the nine project landscape districts in the southwestern Bhutan to ensure long-term conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services.  

Through the concept of HCVs, the project aims to contribute towards improving the livelihood and enhance household income of the target communities in the project landscapes. The critical conservation-livelihood challenges such as human-wildlife conflict (HWC) and water related issues will be key areas among others that this project will focus on. 

The project covers nine districts in southwestern Bhutan, namely Thimphu, Paro, Haa, Samtse, Chukha, Dagana, Tsirang, Sarpang and Zhemgang constituting a total area of 9967.45 km2 (equivalent to 996,745 ha) outside the protected areas and biological corridors. These areas are home to rich biodiversity including magnificent species which includes tiger, Asian elephant, red panda and hornbill. These project landscapes are also hotspots for human-wildlife conflicts and prone to pressures such as forest fires and illegal activities.

• Tarayana Foundation

• Department of Forests and Park Services

• National Land Commission Secretariat

• Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock 

• Ministry of Finance 

• Tarayana Foundation

• Department of Forests and Park Services

• National Land Commission Secretariat 

‘This project is part of the International Climate Initiative (IKI). The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) supports this initiative on the basis of a decision adopted by the German Bundestag.’