In a step towards enhancing child nutrition and transforming the country’s agricultural sector, the Prime Minister, Dasho Tshering Tobgay, and the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Dr QU Dongyu, jointly launched the One-Egg, One-Child Initiative and the Bhutan AgriSustain Fund in Thimphu. The One-Egg, One-Child Initiative aims …
Read More »MOICE and MOH talk about measures to help sex workers
When asked during the Meet the Press about rising economic hardships pushing more individuals, including underage students, into sex work for survival, government officials outlined existing interventions and plans for them. MoICE Secretary Tashi Wangmo said that the government remains focused on creating economic opportunities for citizens through various programs …
Read More »Bhutan’s disaster resilience funding unaffected by World Bank sanctions on RIMES
The World Bank’s recent sanction against the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for Africa and Asia (RIMES) over integrity violations in the Bhutan Hydromet Services and Disaster Resilience Regional Project will not impact Bhutan’s ability to secure disaster preparedness funding, according to the Finance Minister, Lekey Dorji. Lyonpo Lekey …
Read More »Tackling Bhutan’s Air quality issues
The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources (MOENR) Gem Tshering addressed growing concerns over Bhutan’s air quality, particularly the rising levels of particulate matter and the main sources of air pollution. This fine pollutant poses significant health risks when inhaled over prolonged periods. It was said that the recommended annual …
Read More »Yoeseltse and Samrang identified for airstrip development: MoIT
During the Meet-the-Press session, the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT), Chandra Bahadhur Gurung, provided an update on the ongoing feasibility studies for airstrip development in Bhutan. Yoeseltse in Samtse and Samrang in Samdrup Jongkhar have emerged as the most viable locations following a series of assessments. Lyonpo Chandra outlined …
Read More »National Survey’s full report shows massive scale of lead exposure in everything from Jinlabs to household items
Last year the National Blood Lead Level Survey report released a preliminary report of a few pages on lead contamination in a wide range of everyday items, including religious artifacts, kitchenware, spices, and household items. However, the full report is now out on 2,400 samples across ten categories, which found …
Read More »Bhutan secures USD 20 million GEF LDCF Grant for Urban Climate Resilience Project
The Global Environment Facility (GEF), a multilateral fund committed to tackling biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution, has approved a USD 20 million grant under its Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) for Bhutan’s Enhancing Climate Resilience of Urban Landscapes and Communities in the Thimphu-Paro Region (ECRUL) project. With additional co-financing …
Read More »Sex workers seek safety, economic empowerment and decriminalization of the sex trade
Sex workers in Bhutan face many challenges that make them among the most vulnerable groups in society. Widespread stigma associated with their profession often leads to social isolation, discrimination, and an increased risk of violence. Limited access to healthcare and difficulty in reporting crimes leave them exposed to exploitation and …
Read More »Yak farming in Bhutan under threat
Yak farming is a vital part of highland communities in Bhutan, supporting over 3,000 households with essential income and sustenance. Yaks provide products, like dry cheese, meat, butter, milk, and wool, and enable access to valuable resources such as cordyceps and herbal medicines. However, the future of yak farming is …
Read More »Rising temperatures in Bhutan leading to warmer winters
You may have heard your parents or grandparents say that this winter is not cold like the winters of years past or you yourself may have noted a warmer winter this year and everybody is right if one looks at the data. The National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) …
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