Climate Resilience Initiatives
a) Micro Hydro Rural Electrification
Tarayana Foundation piloted a 17kW micro-hydropower project in the remote village of Dali in Zhemgang district to provide access to clean energy and enhance economic opportunities. This initiative, managed by the community through a sustainable and participatory approach, was crucial for Dali, a village off the national grid and inaccessible during the monsoon season, requiring a six-hour walk from the nearest road.
The micro-hydropower project brought multiple benefits to the community. It provided reliable lighting, reduced the physical strain of daily tasks, and mitigated health hazards caused by smoke from traditional energy sources. Additionally, the availability of electricity enabled the operation of household appliances and small agricultural machinery, such as maize grinders and oil expellers, which improved food security and generated income for the villagers. Through this project, Tarayana not only addressed the immediate energy needs of Dali but also empowered the community with tools for sustainable development and economic growth.
b) Renewable Solar Energy
Solar Lighting: The Foundation facilitated the solar electrification of 504 households in 44 villages in 13 districts in collaboration with the Barefoot College of India, Rajasthan, and The Royal Government of Bhutan with support from the Asian Development Bank. Through this initiative, 35 semi-literate and illiterate women from rural areas were trained at Barefoot College. After the rigorous hands-on training, they returned as solar engineers and solar electrified their respective villages. They also built Rural Electronic Workshops (REW) to repair and maintain solar lighting units installed at the village level. The focal point was female staff from the Foundation and women from the communities trained in installing and maintaining solar panels for home lighting and charging mobile phones. Through the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme, the Foundation, using the same model, trained 20 more women to become solar engineers and solar electrified 200 households in 20 villages across eight dzongkhags. The Bhutan Foundation also supported the Foundation in replicating this model for 55 households in Wangdue district.
Solar Dryers: Solar dryers have been introduced to promote sustainable development and enable communities to generate income through improved food preservation techniques while reducing CO2 emissions. These dryers, designed as part of the Annual College of Science & Technology (CST) Challenge, were actively promoted in rural communities.
By utilizing solar dryers, farmers can effectively preserve excess produce for consumption during lean seasons, contributing to food sufficiency and enhancing nutrition. This technology not only helps reduce food waste but also creates income opportunities through the sale of solar-dried vegetables and fruits.
In addition, a solar dryer fabrication unit in Dagana has played a vital role in training the Women Self-Help Group in Tsento, Paro, on the usage and management of these dryers. This initiative has empowered women by equipping them with skills to operate the dryers, further fostering economic independence and promoting sustainable practices in the community. Overall, the introduction of solar dryers aligns with the Foundation’s commitment to enhancing food security, supporting local economies, and promoting environmental sustainability.
Solar Electric Fencing: The field officers have also facilitated the installation of solar electric fencing in many rural villages through the projects supported by the Rural Economy Advancement Programme (REAP II) and Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation to protect crops from wild animals. The Foundation has installed 215 kilometres of solar and electric fencing.
c) National Adaptation Plan of Action (NAPA II), addressing the Risk of Climate-Induced Disasters and Building National Resilience to Climate Change
The Foundation was the only CSO partner in the Second National Adaptation Plan of Action (NAPA II), to address the Risk of Climate-Induced Disasters and Building National Resilience to Climate Change. The objective of the NAPA Project was to enhance national, local, and community capacity to prepare for and respond to climate-induced multi-hazards to reduce potential losses of human lives, national economic infrastructure, livelihoods, and livelihood assets. The project focused on implementing climate-resilient water harvesting amenities in 35 villages in 4 districts. The interventions include community mobilization, training on watershed and land management, training on local organic climate change action and learning, planting of suitable plants around the water sources to improve water drainage, installation of rainwater harvesting tanks, construction of water reservoir tanks, training on financial literacy and formation of community water user committee. After the completion of the project, the Foundation was able to scale these activities in 8 more districts. Since the springshed management, community water management and access to clean drinking water have become essential components of the Foundation’s Holistic Community Development Model.