Policy gaps identified between development and environmental conservation

World Bank assesses environmental risk management in Bhutan

YK Poudel

Bhutan's environmental conservation framework lacks clarity in considering the impacts of development projects on habitats, the link between biodiversity laws and development is fragile and gaps have been identified in the biodiversity management plan.

These are some of the challenges related to the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable management of living natural resources.

An overall assessment (OA) report titled “Bhutan: General Assessment of the National Framework for Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts of Development Projects” produced by the World Bank was launched on June 13.

Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) include studies on the assessment and management of environmental risks and impacts, labor and working conditions, dealing with resource efficiency and the management of pollution, health and safety of communities, land acquisition, restrictions on land use and involuntary resettlement of indigenous populations. people, safeguarding cultural heritage and stakeholder engagement in information disclosure.

Presenting the overall assessment, World Bank Principal Environmental Specialist Joe Tuyor said the World Bank would support policy reforms and governance mechanisms for managing environmental and social (ES) risks.

“Biodiversity laws and policies, adequate protection and participation plans are assets for Bhutan,” he said. “The country's designated national agency should include guidelines for EIA, including project selection, appraisal and initiation. »

He said: “Bhutan’s biodiversity laws contain provisions to protect ecologically sensitive areas, but there are several gaps that need to be filled. »

The OA's recommendations, he said, for building systems that address these risks are actionable, incremental and identify areas where progress can be made in terms of policies, procedures and resources, and where a Coordination between agencies is necessary to address shared risks.

Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR) Secretary Karma Tshering said the comprehensive assessment is a crucial tool that evaluates Bhutan's existing political, legal and institutional systems to address risks and impacts .

“National policies and programs have helped Bhutan maintain 52 percent of the total area under protected areas and 69.71 percent forest cover, achieving a carbon neutral state,” he said.

World Bank Resident Representative Adama Coulibaly said the assessment report will enable various agencies in Bhutan with similar mandates to work collaboratively and use the recommendations.

“Bhutan has comprehensive policies on social risks and impacts, which are supported by the Constitution. These assets can be well defined to achieve long-term sustainable impacts,” he said.

Bhutan has achieved remarkable economic growth while maintaining its reputation as an environmentally conscious nation, moving from a least developed country to a lower-middle income country in 2023. Bhutan's dependence on With regard to its natural resources, with the ambition to double its GDP by 2029, is focusing on sectors such as agriculture, mining, tourism and infrastructure, as outlined in its 13th Plan.

Over the years, Bhutan has faced several environmental problems such as air pollution and municipal waste management problems.

So far, policies and laws such as the National Environmental Protection Act of 2007, the Bhutan Forest and Nature Conservation Act of 2023 and the Bhutan Environmental Assessment Act of 2000 played a key role in national efforts.

With financing and technical support from the World Bank, Bhutan is making economic progress in vital sectors, including food security and agricultural productivity, human capital, sustainable hydropower, transport and connectivity, agricultural interventions. emergency and disaster resilience.