Thimphu, Bhutan – 15 April 2026: The Department of Forests and Park Services, in collaboration with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Department of Livestock, National Land Commission Secretariat, and Local Government, successfully implemented a Training of Trainers programme on Tsamdro (traditional grazing lands) / Rangeland management planning, implementation, and monitoring from 13–15 April 2026 in Gaytala, Dagala Gewog, Thimphu.
The programme was made possible through financial support from ICIMOD, underscoring the Centre’s commitment to advancing sustainable rangeland management and strengthening Bhutan’s ecological resilience. ICIMOD’s contribution ensured the effective delivery of training modules, field demonstrations, and the development of practical management tools tailored to Bhutan’s highland context.
The programme brought together 29 officials from key agencies, including the Rangeland Technical Working Group, Heads of Departments, representatives from the Bhutan Yak Federation and Youth Development Fund (YDF), and local government leaders. In addition, local yak herders from Gaytala actively participated in field demonstrations, embedding traditional knowledge and lived experiences into the training.
Over three days, participants engaged in:
• Field-based demonstrations on fireline creation and session on prescribed burning, shrub removal, and juniper debranching.
• Guided tours and interactive sessions with yak herders to identify challenges such as shrub encroachment and water scarcity.
• Finalization of templates and drafting of a Tsamdro Management Plan for Gaytala chiwog under Dagala gewog.
This initiative marks a milestone in Bhutan’s rangeland governance, strengthening institutional capacity and equipping technical staff with practical skills to implement nationwide Tsamdro management planning. It reinforces the role of highland communities as custodians of Bhutan’s ecological resilience, cultural continuity, and border security.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Tashi Dorji, Rangeland Specialist at ICIMOD, emphasized that the programme reflects Bhutan’s commitment to holistic, site-specific rangeland management that balances ecological health, livelihood resilience, and cultural preservation, in line with His Majesty’s vision of honoring highland heritage and supporting pastoral communities.
