Climate Change Adaptation Initiatives
Despite Bhutan’s status as a net carbon sequestrator, its fragile mountain ecosystem and the well-being of its people are increasingly threatened by the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. The Environment and Climate Initiative at Tarayana Foundation is dedicated to empowering local communities through sustainable environmental management and the development of climate resilience strategies.
Our mission is rooted in reducing the climate-related vulnerability of communities, with a primary focus on climate change adaptation and mitigation, biodiversity conservation, sustainable land and water management, disaster risk reduction, and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods. We also place great emphasis on knowledge sharing, capacity building, and policy advocacy to ensure comprehensive and long-lasting impacts.
To achieve these goals, we integrate traditional ecological knowledge with modern innovative practices, prioritizing the inclusion and empowerment of local communities. By ensuring their voices are heard and respected in environmental management decisions, we aim to create a more equitable and sustainable future.
Our approach is strengthened through partnerships with local communities, government agencies, research institutions, the private sector, and international organizations. These collaborations are vital in advancing our initiatives and amplifying their reach.
Recognizing the limited capacity of rural communities to adapt to climate-induced risks, we have introduced a range of green and nature-based solutions. These include fuel-efficient stoves, biogas systems, solar dryers, solar lighting, rainwater harvesting systems, micro-hydro projects, gravity goods ropeways, the establishment of a bamboo institute, and the promotion of eco-friendly construction methods. These initiatives have not only enhanced the quality of life for residents but also provided essential skills and increased awareness of climate-related issues.
By actively embracing and promoting these green technologies, the community is playing a crucial role in driving continuous development and progress, creating a resilient future that honors both tradition and innovation.
a) Springshed Management
Springshed Management has become a central focus of the Tarayana Foundation in recent years, addressing the critical issue of drying springs in Bhutan. These springs are essential for providing water for drinking, irrigation, wildlife, and other domestic and commercial needs. However, due to the impacts of climate change, deforestation, and land-use changes, many of these vital water sources are drying up, leading to water scarcity and affecting the livelihoods of local communities.
To tackle these challenges, the Foundation has been proactive in strengthening community water governance by encouraging community involvement in managing water resources. This effort has led to the formation of 45 water user groups, fostering collective responsibility and local stewardship over water resources. Additionally, the Foundation has installed 40 rainwater harvesting systems to supplement water supply and has successfully rejuvenated or revived 24 springs out of the 54 springs assessed, following ICIMOD’s springshed management guidelines. These efforts were funded by International Climate Initiative (IKI) project through WWF-Germany and City of Vienna Project through the Climate Resilient Water Management in Rural Bhutan project.
Tarayana’s springshed management program has made significant contributions to the revitalization of drying springs in the mountain region, ensuring a sustainable water supply for local communities. These initiatives not only address the immediate water needs of communities but also build resilience against future climate-related challenges, ensuring that local communities have sustainable access to this crucial resource. The program’s participatory approach, which involves local communities in every step of the process, has empowered these communities to take ownership of their water resources. Additionally, by influencing policy and fostering regional collaboration, the program has set a model for sustainable water management in mountainous regions.
Overall, the springshed management program is a crucial component of Tarayana’s broader efforts to promote sustainable development and resilience in rural Bhutan.
b) Sustainable Land Management
Sustainable Land Management (SLM) aims to efficiently utilize agricultural land for food, feed, and fiber production to meet the needs of a growing population, while preserving the long-term productivity of the land and its ecosystem services. It is an important tool for addressing a number of challenges, including climate change, land degradation, and food security. By adopting SLM practices, we can help to ensure that our land resources are healthy and productive for generations to come.
SLM technologies encompass practices such as
1) Hedgerows establishment
2) Stone bund construction
3) Orchard basin making
4) Agriculture Land development
5) Landslide stabilization (Plantation of trees and bamboos)
6) Construction of check dams (Stone and log)
7) Establishment of agro-forestry (Hedgerows, stone bunds & fruit tree plantation) Multilayer plantation
8) Soil fertility improvement (Compost making, vermin compost and improvement of traditional FYM through use of EM, BAMS, bio-fertilizer etc)
9) Promotion of cover crop to keep soil covered and also to provide additional benefit to farmers (Mustard, Wheat etc) in SLM sites
Some of the key principles of SLM:
• Balancing economic, social, and environmental considerations: SLM takes into account the needs of people, the environment, and the economy. This means finding ways to use land that are profitable, but also that don’t damage the environment or harm communities.
• Maintaining or enhancing the productive capacity of land: SLM practices aim to keep land healthy and productive so that it can continue to be used for generations to come. This includes things like improving soil health, conserving water, and protecting biodiversity.
• Adopting practices and technologies that are appropriate for the local context: There is no one-size-fits-all approach to SLM. The best practices will vary depending on the climate, soil type, and other factors.
• Agroforestry: This practice combines trees and shrubs with crops or livestock. It can provide a number of benefits, such as improving soil fertility, providing shade and shelter for livestock, and producing additional income for farmers.
c) Eco-san Toilet
Tarayana Foundation initiated constructing 64 eco-san toilets to tackle the pressing sanitation needs in water-stressed communities. These innovative toilets are designed as closed systems that do not require water, making them particularly well-suited for regions where water is scarce. Unlike traditional pit toilets, which can contaminate groundwater and pose health risks, eco-san toilets offer a superior, environmentally friendly alternative.
The design of these toilets is grounded in the principle of recovering and recycling nutrients from human waste. By converting excreta into compost, eco-san toilets turn what would otherwise be waste into a valuable resource for agriculture. This compost can be used to enrich soil, improve crop yields, and reduce the dependence on chemical fertilizers, which are often expensive and harmful to the environment.
Beyond their environmental benefits, these toilets play a crucial role in promoting hygienic practices. By providing a safe and sustainable sanitation solution, they help prevent the spread of diseases, improve overall health, and enhance the quality of life in these communities. The adoption of eco-san toilets also encourages a shift towards a circular economy, where waste is viewed as a resource, contributing to both sanitation and sustainability. Through this initiative, the Foundation is not only addressing immediate sanitation needs but also fostering long-term resilience and environmental stewardship in water-stressed areas.