One of the project activity 'Environment Awareness Programme' in all the schools, is to create awareness about the GEF Small Grants Programme. All students and parents will be participating in the workshop.

The Royal Government of Bhutan (RGOB) has given top priority for the protection of Bhutan's forest and developed a Policy of maintaining 60% of the country under forest cover (National Forest Policy 1974) for all time to come. The importance of forest is also reflected in one of the RSPN's goals - "Conserve endangered species outside the protected areas system" (Strategic Plan 2004). As forest protection has become very essential in Bhutan and hence this project would further help conserve the natural forest of Bhutan.

The benefit would trickle down to both boys and girls in the school. The benefit would be more for girls as otherwise, they would be involved in collecting firewood from the forest which is a tedious job for them.

The capacity of community primary and lower secondary schools would be strengthened throug the government with the support from World Food Program (WFP). WFP has introduced facility not only provides feeding for children but also add nutrients in their diets. The GEF Small Grants programme would enhance this facility by providing fuel-efficient, user-friendly improved stoves and making a congenial environment in schools for the benefit of the rural children to study.

The community as a co-financer to the project, it is expected that respective school shall be responsible to transport all the required materials for the installation of the fuel wood efficient stoves from the Dzongkhag Head Quarter to their respective schools and help masons while installation of the stoves. Thus, local community would be contributing in kind.

With the installation of fuel wood efficient stoves, the firewood consumption will be reduced. And the reduction of firewood would definitely reduce the drudgery of the parents who has to contribute firewood for the school. The time saved can be focused to be utilized for other productive work that would increase their income and gradually the standard of living. With the reduction of forest deforestation, the watershed/s in the locality will be maintained and soil erosion will be controlled. Although at a micro level, the fossil fuel burning will be reduced and thereby reducing the greenhouse gas emission leading to global warming. The fuel efficient stoves are also expected to consume all the heat produced because of its structure, thus reducing the time for cooking. The stove also has the provision of smoke outlet and therefore, very less smoke is emitted around the kitchen improving the working environment in the kitchen and thus, reduces the health risks of the cooks. Besides, proper hygiene can also be maintained in the kitchen room with the use of such stoves.