TENZIN LHAKI | Thimphu
Bhutan continues to reinforce its position as a global leader in biodiversity conservation through a comprehensive and integrated approach that links environmental protection, sustainable livelihoods, and cultural values. The status report covering the period from 2023 to 2025, released by the National Biodiversity Centre (NBC) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, outlines significant progress made in conserving genetic resources, strengthening institutional systems, and promoting sustainable use of biodiversity across the country.
Biodiversity forms the foundation of life on earth, underpinning ecosystem services that provide food, clean water and air, medicine, soil fertility, timber, and resilience to climate change. In Bhutan, conservation efforts are deeply rooted in traditional beliefs, socio-cultural practices, and the philosophy of Gross National Happiness, which collectively guide the country’s development trajectory. These values have contributed to Bhutan maintaining one of the highest levels of biodiversity protection globally.
Bhutan currently maintains 69.71 percent forest cover, with 52 percent of its total land area designated as protected areas. This extensive conservation network supports more than 11,000 documented species of flora and fauna, including plants, insects, mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles. The country is also rich in agricultural and medicinal plant diversity, with over 300 medicinal plant species and more than 55 priority crop species distributed across diverse agroecological zones ranging from subtropical lowlands to alpine regions.
Recognizing biodiversity as a cornerstone of sustainable development, Bhutan ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1995 and adopted its first Biodiversity Action Plan in 1997. These milestones led to the establishment of the National Biodiversity Centre, which now serves as the national repository for genetic resources and the secretariat for national biodiversity strategies and action plans. Guided by a vision of effective conservation, sustainable use, and equitable benefit-sharing, NBC works to enhance food security, rural livelihoods, environmental well-being, and Bhutan’s contribution to global biodiversity conservation.
A major pillar of NBC’s work during the reporting period has been the conservation of animal genetic resources. Established in 2005, the Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) Program focuses on conserving and sustainably utilizing Bhutan’s indigenous livestock breeds through both in- situ and ex-situ approaches. Early support from donor-funded initiatives, particularly the Integrated Livestock and Crop Conservation Project, strengthened national capacity by upgrading the National Animal Genebank and expanding on-farm conservation activities. Over time, the program has developed strong expertise in animal gene banking, coordinated community-based conservation, and promoted sustainable use of priority livestock breeds.
The program benefited from several key initiatives, including the High-Altitude Northern Areas of Bhutan (HANAS) project, which focused on conserving Jakar sheep, and the Asian Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative (AFACI), which supported value enhancement of indigenous livestock. Important milestones included the validation of semen cryopreservation protocols in 2011, regular submission of national reports on animal genetic resources to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), management of national livestock data through the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (DAD-IS), and the establishment of a functional DNA
laboratory.
In conservation activities, initiated in 2008, have emphasized community participation, breed purification, and capacity building to address emerging threats to traditional livestock breeds. During the reporting period, notable achievements included the establishment and operationalization of Saphag pig breeding units in multiple locations, evaluation of indigenous Nublang cattle populations in Haa Dzongkhag, and identification of strong in-situ conservation sites based on farmer commitment and cultural significance.
Additional activities included feasibility studies for conserving native poultry breeds in Punakha, livestock inventory and breed documentation exercises in Tsirang and Dagana, and expansion planning for indigenous pig and poultry conservation in collaboration with youth groups and farming communities. These efforts aim to safeguard animal genetic diversity while supporting rural livelihoods and sustainable agricultural development.
Complementing in-situ initiatives, Bhutan has continued to strengthen ex-situ conservation systems. The National Animal Gene Bank, established in 2005, preserves the genetic diversity of indigenous livestock breeds and currently maintains over 27,000 semen doses and DNA samples.
Advances during the period included embryo cryopreservation of Nublang cattle, expanded germplasm collection of native goats and sheep, improved cryopreservation capacity, and gap analyses to prioritize future collections. A significant milestone was achieved in avian genetic conservation through tissue preservation of the critically endangered White-bellied Heron. The installation of a new liquid nitrogen plant further enhanced long-term conservation capacity.
Strategic partnerships were established with national and international companies for research and product development using native plant species, including citrus, medicinal herbs, and juniper. These collaborations emphasized ethical sourcing, community participation, and market linkages, generating income for local communities and contributions to the Bhutan ABS Fund.
The National Herbarium of Bhutan continued to serve as the country’s only permanent scientific repository for plant specimens. Established in 1998 and operational since 2003, it houses approximately 21,388 specimens representing 3,993 species.
The Royal Botanical Garden at Serbithang further strengthened ex-situ plant conservation and public education. Infrastructure upgrades improved visitor experience and conservation capacity, while nationwide plant collection expeditions expanded seed and live plant accessions. A major achievement was the conservation of native orchids through micropropagation, with over 1,600 orchid plantlets maintained for conservation, education, and livelihood opportunities. The garden also supported national events and initiated revenue-generating activities to enhance financial sustainability. Overall, the 2023–2025 Status Report reflects Bhutan’s sustained commitment to conserving biodiversity through integrated policies, strong institutions, community participation, and scientific research, reinforcing biodiversity’s role in supporting livelihoods, cultural heritage, and sustainable development
