Conservation and Sustainable Management of Buli Wetland
Buli wetland (27°09?937?N,90°49.087?E), is one of the low altitude wetlands of the Bhutan Himalayas located at 1670 meters above sea level (masl) which falls above the Siwalik range of 1200 masl. The wetlands comprise both natural and manmade. The natural wetland include a sacred lake called Buli Tsho (1.5 hectares) and marshlands (12 hectares). The manmade wetlands are mostly paddies. These wetlands form major component of the watershed (1330 hectares) and play an important role in the hydrology of the local ecosystem. The traditional conservation values and norms of sacred groove and forests adds value and complements contemporary conservation of the watersheds. The local community, comprising 90 households (600 people) and non-native residents including few institutions such as school and monastery depend fully on the watershed. Agriculture and livestock rearing is the mainstay of the people, with rice and maize as the major staple crops. However, over the years the wetland and its rich biodiversity has come under pressure from human encroachment and developmental activities.
Preliminary study show that Buli watershed is ecologically rich with diverse flora and fauna. 90 species of birds were recorded with Sharp-tailed sandpiper (Calidris acuminata) adding to Bhutan?s bird list as a new record. The area documented about 30 species of mammals. In terms of flora, 65 tree species, 70 shrubs and 102 herb species were recorded. The dominant tree species include Castanopsis with occurrence of rare and primitive species of Altingia and Taxus species.
The Royal Society for Protection for Nature (RSPN) in collaboration with the local community is working towards conservation and long-term sustainability of the watershed. Possibly, Buli wetlands can be one of the national Ramsar sites in the future. To promote community ownership and develop local capacity for the management of the watershed, Buli Environment Management Group (BEMG) is being instituted. The members interacted with Wetland Management Team Phobjikha (largest wetland in the country) through a study visit and are trained in group management. RSPN and the BEMG is working on the Management Plan of the watershed and carrying out priority environment friendly and sustainable development actives.
Preliminary study show that Buli watershed is ecologically rich with diverse flora and fauna. 90 species of birds were recorded with Sharp-tailed sandpiper (Calidris acuminata) adding to Bhutan?s bird list as a new record. The area documented about 30 species of mammals. In terms of flora, 65 tree species, 70 shrubs and 102 herb species were recorded. The dominant tree species include Castanopsis with occurrence of rare and primitive species of Altingia and Taxus species.
The Royal Society for Protection for Nature (RSPN) in collaboration with the local community is working towards conservation and long-term sustainability of the watershed. Possibly, Buli wetlands can be one of the national Ramsar sites in the future. To promote community ownership and develop local capacity for the management of the watershed, Buli Environment Management Group (BEMG) is being instituted. The members interacted with Wetland Management Team Phobjikha (largest wetland in the country) through a study visit and are trained in group management. RSPN and the BEMG is working on the Management Plan of the watershed and carrying out priority environment friendly and sustainable development actives.
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Project Snapshot
Grantee:
Royal Society for Protection of Nature
Country:
Bhutan
Area Of Work:
Biodiversity
Grant Amount:
US$ 47,500.00
Co-Financing Cash:
Co-Financing in-Kind:
US$ 49,100.00
Project Number:
BHU/SGP/OP5/Y4/CORE/BD/2014/03
Status:
Satisfactorily Completed
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SGP Country office contact
Tenzin WANGCHUK
Email:
Ms. Tshering Yangtsho
Email:
Address
UN House, Peling Lam (Street), Kawajangsa, Thimphu, P.O. Box No. 162
Thimphu, Bhutan, 11001
Thimphu, Bhutan, 11001
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