AGP Executive Report

Waste & Sanitation: Jomotsangkha’s first landfill at Jangsa is now operating, shifting waste away from open pits and cutting foul smells as residents start separating recyclables and using the scheduled collection truck. Plastic & Infrastructure: Project DANTAK and The Green Road signed an MoU to use processed waste plastic in road resurfacing, starting with 6.5 km on the Phuentsholing–Thimphu highway and targeting completion within 90 days. Biodiversity & Livelihoods: A Genye Community Mushroom Management Plan is helping sustain the Matsutake trade, with scheduled collection, documentation rules, and a security-deposit system that rewards timely harvesting. Climate & Land Restoration Diplomacy: India’s Bhupender Yadav met Bhutan’s Lyonpo Younten Phuntsho at UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia, focusing on agroforestry, climate-resilient agriculture, and transboundary biodiversity and ecosystem restoration. Mining Governance: Bhutan is moving to strengthen mining compliance through a new Mines and Minerals Bill, including progressive penalties and expanded digital monitoring using satellite imagery and drones. Agriculture Resilience: Crop and livestock insurance is delivering early relief to Bhutanese farmers and herders affected by weather and wildlife, with new enrollments under the National Crop and Livestock Scheme. Pollution Control Oversight: The Royal Audit Authority has directed DECC to operationalise the Taba Material Recovery Facility in Thimphu within three months. Environment Reputation: Bhutan was ranked the world’s quietest country for 2026 in the Noise-Free Nations Index, tied to low traffic and extensive protected, forested areas.

Waste Management & Accountability: Bhutan’s Royal Audit Authority has directed the Department of Environment and Climate Change to operationalise the Taba Material Recovery Facility in Thimphu within three months, pushing faster action on recycling infrastructure. Wildlife & Ecotourism: Jigmeling’s Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Sarpang is opening to visitors, adding safer enclosures, railings and footpaths while continuing its rescue and human-wildlife conflict response. Conservation & Training: Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan told trainee forest officers (including Royal Bhutan Forest Service participants) that development and environmental conservation must go together, with forests and biodiversity central to ecological security and net-zero goals. Tourism & Environment Branding: Bhutan was ranked the world’s quietest country for 2026 in the Noise-Free Nations Index, with forests, low density and controlled tourism policies cited as key reasons. Regional Trade & Connectivity: Coverage also points to Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City push—an economic hub plan designed to preserve Bhutan’s environment and culture—alongside related infrastructure like the planned Gelephu International Airport.

Waste Management & Circular Economy: The Royal Audit Authority has ordered Bhutan’s Department of Environment and Climate Change to operationalise the Material Recovery Facility at Taba in Thimphu within three months, pushing faster sorting and recovery of plastic and other recyclables. Wildlife & Ecotourism: Bhutan’s Jigmeling Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Sarpang has opened to visitors, adding safer railings and footpaths while continuing rescue and rehabilitation for animals including crocodiles, bears, deer, wild boars, birds and tortoises. Conservation Leadership: Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan urged forest officers to balance development with environmental conservation, stressing ecological security, livelihoods, and net-zero goals—alongside respect for community traditional knowledge. Quiet Nature & Tourism Pressure: Bhutan was ranked the world’s quietest country for 2026 in Go2Africa’s Noise-Free Nations Index, with forests, low vehicle density, protected areas and controlled tourism cited as key reasons. Human–Wildlife Coexistence: A feature highlights how wildlife increasingly fears humans, underscoring the need for safer, smarter approaches to reduce conflict and protect animal behaviour.

Wildlife & Human-Wildlife Conflict: A new report highlights how fear of humans is reshaping wildlife behaviour, with lions in Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans described as living in a “landscape of fear” due to human pressure. Conservation Science: In Nepal’s Bardia National Park, drone footage captured a rare “tiger daycare” where one tigress babysits five cubs while another hunts, offering fresh clues on how cooperation can emerge in the wild. Bhutan Environment & Public Access: Bhutan’s Jigmeling Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Sarpang has opened to visitors, adding safer viewing areas and footpaths while continuing rescue and conflict response work. Waste & Circular Economy: The Royal Audit Authority has directed Bhutan’s DECC to operationalise the Taba Material Recovery Facility in Thimphu within three months. Noise & Sustainable Tourism: Bhutan was ranked the world’s quietest country for 2026, with its low vehicle use, forested terrain, and controlled tourism policies credited for keeping noise down. Wildlife Habitat Restoration: Assam’s elephant habitat recovery project targets invasive alien plants and converts cleared biomass into biochar to support native vegetation recovery. Community & Biodiversity: A Gandak gharial recovery effort in India focuses on correcting public fear and confusion between gharials and mugger crocodiles to protect one of the world’s rarest reptiles.

Waste Management Oversight: Bhutan’s Royal Audit Authority has ordered the Department of Environment and Climate Change to operationalise the Material Recovery Facility at Taba, Thimphu, within three months—aimed at tightening plastics and waste handling. Quiet Environment Spotlight: Bhutan has been ranked the world’s quietest country for 2026 in the Noise-Free Nations Index, scoring 89.44, with the ranking linked to low vehicle numbers, dense forests, and controlled tourism. Wildlife & Ecotourism: Jigmeling Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Sarpang has opened to visitors, adding safer viewing areas and footpaths while continuing rescue and rehabilitation for species including crocodiles, bears, deer and tortoises. Conservation Capacity Building: The Bruce Bunting Scholarship for Environmental Leadership is supporting two Bhutanese candidates for MSc Natural Resources Management, backing skills in forestry, soil carbon, waste management and sustainable agriculture. Tourism Leadership: MICE Bhutan CEO Lizam Dorji was named PATA Face of the Future 2026, with the award highlighting leadership and sustainability in tourism development.

Waste & Circular Economy: The Royal Audit Authority has ordered Bhutan’s DECC to operationalise the Taba Material Recovery Facility in Thimphu within three months, pushing faster action on waste handling. Wildlife & Habitat: Bhutan’s Jigmeling Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Sarpang has opened to visitors, with safer enclosures and footpaths planned so ecotourism can support ongoing rescue and human-wildlife conflict response. Water Stress: A study reports 227 water sources are drying in Paro and Thimphu, raising alarms for local water security and planning. Conservation Leadership: The Bruce Bunting Scholarship is backing two Bhutanese professionals to pursue natural resources management and strengthen skills for sustainable stewardship. Tourism with Standards: Bhutan Amateur Athletics Federation is proposing a national certification system for running events, including course safety, medical plans, and environmental protection. Regional Trade (Context): Bangladesh and Bhutan are exploring expanded PTA product coverage and a possible free-trade agreement, alongside broader cooperation.

Wildlife & Ecotourism: Bhutan’s Jigmeling Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Sarpang has opened its 15-acre site to visitors, adding safer enclosures, railings and footpaths while continuing rescue and human-wildlife conflict response. Water & Climate Risk: A study flags 227 water sources drying up in Paro and Thimphu, raising fresh concerns for local water security. Forest & Biodiversity Leadership: Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan urged forest officers to balance development with conservation, stressing ecological security, livelihoods and biodiversity protection. Tourism Policy: Bhutan is expanding the 24-hour SDF waiver in Phuentsholing from September, allowing regional visitors to reach Milarepa Lhakhang and the Pachu Community Ecotourism Site via approved packages and licensed guides. Sustainable Tourism Recognition: MICE Bhutan CEO Lizam Dorji was named PATA Face of the Future 2026, spotlighting Bhutan’s push for tourism that protects environmental and cultural values. Conservation Skills: The Bruce Bunting Scholarship supports two Bhutanese professionals pursuing natural resources management, backing future stewardship of Bhutan’s environment.

Wildlife & Conservation: Bhutan’s Jigmeling Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Sarpang has opened its 15-acre facility to visitors, adding safer enclosures, railings and footpaths while keeping its core rescue and human-wildlife conflict response running. Tourism & Environment Management: From September, regional tourists using Bhutan’s 24-hour SDF waiver will be able to visit Milarepa Lhakhang and the Pachu Community Ecotourism Site near Phuentsholing—only via approved packages and with licensed guides—to spread benefits beyond Rinchending under a regulated system. Forests & Climate Leadership: Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan urged forest officers (including Royal Bhutan Forest Service trainees) to treat development and environmental conservation as partners, stressing ecological security, livelihoods, and respect for traditional knowledge. Local Governance & Community Participation: Bhutan’s Local Government election candidate registrations reached 3,696, but women remain underrepresented at 17.6%, highlighting a persistent gender gap at the grassroots level. Nature Spotlight: A week of global nature coverage included the red-headed trogon’s presence across Bhutan and the birth of red panda cubs at the Smithsonian’s conservation facility.

Water Stress Watch: A new National Water Resources Inventory report says 18 water sources have already dried up in Paro and Thimphu, while 227 more are in the process—blamed on climate change, forest degradation/deforestation, natural calamities, and local development impacts. Wildlife & Ecotourism: Bhutan’s Jigmeling Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Sarpang has opened to visitors, adding safer enclosures, railings and footpaths while keeping its rescue and human-wildlife conflict response role. Tourism Access Update: From September, regional visitors using Bhutan’s 24-hour SDF waiver can travel beyond Rinchending to Milarepa Lhakhang and the Pachu Community Ecotourism Site via approved packages and licensed guides. Conservation Leadership: Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan urged forest officers to balance development with forest conservation, wildlife protection, biodiversity and livelihoods—linking ecological security to net-zero goals. Plastic Pollution Policy (Regional): Bangladesh introduced Extended Producer Responsibility rules shifting plastic packaging waste responsibility to producers, importers and brand owners—an approach many countries are watching as pollution pressures rise. Community Conservation (Regional): A report highlights how Gandak villagers are learning to protect gharials by correcting fear-driven confusion with other crocodiles. Local Governance Pipeline: Election Commission figures show 3,696 candidates registered for Bhutan’s local government polls, but women are only 17.6% of aspirants.

Water Security: A new National Water Resources Inventory report warns that 18 water sources have already dried up in Paro and Thimphu, while 227 more are in the process of drying—blamed on climate change, forest degradation/deforestation, natural calamities, and human activities like road work. Disaster Preparedness: Bhutan’s Thimphu earthquake drill (7.5 scenario) exposed gaps in emergency equipment and resource mobilisation, testing coordination among authorities, hospitals and responders. Tourism & Environment: Bhutan is expanding the 24-hour SDF waiver in Phuentsholing from September, letting regional visitors reach Milarepa Lhakhang and the Pachu Community Ecotourism Site via approved packages and licensed guides. Wildlife & Conservation Culture: The Gandak gharial recovery story highlights how communities are learning to protect the fish-eating gharial and reduce fear-driven confusion with mugger crocodiles. Local Livelihoods: Matsutake demand is rising in Japan, but exporters say limited supply is holding back orders; the Genye Matsutake Festival is drawing more visitors and boosting rural income. Governance & Inclusion: Local election candidate registrations show a sharp gender gap—women are only 17.6% of 3,696 registered candidates. Regional Development: Gelephu Mindfulness City and its Gelephu International Airport plans continue to position southern Bhutan as a growth hub, with stated aims to preserve environment and cultural ethos.

Development & Conservation: Vice President C P Radhakrishnan told trainee Indian Forest Service and Royal Bhutan Forest Service officers in Dehradun that development and environmental conservation can “always go hand in hand,” urging a balance between forests, wildlife, biodiversity, livelihoods and future needs. Water Stress in Bhutan: A National Water Resources Inventory report says 18 water sources have already dried up in Paro and Thimphu, with another 227 still drying—linked to climate change, forest degradation/deforestation, natural calamities and human activities like road work. Disaster Preparedness: Bhutan’s Thimphu earthquake drill tested a 7.5 scenario, exposing gaps in emergency equipment and resource mobilisation while coordinating hospitals and responders, with Nepal experts supporting. Tourism Rules at the Border: From September, regional visitors using Bhutan’s 24-hour SDF waiver can extend trips beyond Rinchending to Milarepa Lhakhang and the Pachu Community Ecotourism Site via approved packages and licensed guides. Wildlife & Community Conservation: In the Gandak basin, villagers are learning to protect gharials—rare fish-eating reptiles—after past fear and confusion with mugger crocodiles pushed the species toward decline. Running Events Standards: The Bhutan Amateur Athletics Federation proposes a national certification system for road, trail and mountain races, including course verification, safety/medical plans, emergency arrangements and environmental protection. Matsutake Pressure: Demand for Bhutanese matsutake is rising in Japan, but exporters in Genye say limited supply is holding back orders, raising sustainability concerns for mushroom-growing areas. Local Elections Participation: 3,696 candidates registered for Bhutan’s local government elections, but women remain underrepresented at 17.6%, highlighting a major gender gap in grassroots political participation.

Wildlife Recovery: A new push in the Gandak River basin is helping villagers distinguish gharials from mugger crocodiles, tackling fear-driven confusion that once pushed the critically endangered gharial toward further decline. Tourism & Sustainability Leadership: MICE Bhutan CEO Lizam Dorji has been named the Grand Winner of PATA’s 2026 Face of the Future Award, spotlighting Bhutan’s next-gen tourism leadership and its push to link business events with cultural and environmental responsibility. Water Stress in Bhutan: A National Water Resources Inventory report warns that 18 water sources have already dried up in Paro and Thimphu, with another 227 still drying—blaming climate change, forest degradation, deforestation, calamities, and some human activities. Tourism Access in Phuentsholing: From September, regional visitors using Bhutan’s 24-hour SDF waiver will be able to visit Milarepa Lhakhang and the Pachu Community Ecotourism Site via approved packages and licensed guides. Disaster Preparedness: A full-scale Thimphu earthquake simulation (7.5 scenario) exposed gaps in emergency equipment and resource mobilisation, with Nepal experts supporting the exercise. Forest-Linked Livelihoods: Matsutake demand is rising, but exporters in Genye say limited supply and sustainability concerns are holding back orders.

Water Security Watch: A new National Water Resources Inventory report says 18 water sources have already dried up in Paro and Thimphu, with another 227 still drying—blamed on climate change, forest degradation, deforestation, natural calamities and human activity. Disaster Preparedness: Bhutan’s Thimphu earthquake drill (7.5 scenario) tested emergency coordination and exposed gaps in equipment and resource mobilisation, with Nepal’s experts providing technical support. Tourism With a Lighter Footprint: From September, regional visitors using Bhutan’s 24-hour SDF waiver can extend beyond Rinchending to Milarepa Lhakhang and the Pachu Community Ecotourism Site, via approved packages and licensed guides. Sustainable Tourism Leadership: MICE Bhutan CEO Lizam Dorji was named PATA Face of the Future 2026 Grand Winner, highlighting sustainable MICE growth tied to environmental responsibility. Wildlife & Forest Economy: Matsutake demand is rising, but exporters in Genye say limited supply is holding back orders; the Matsutake Festival is drawing more visitors and boosting rural income. Local Governance: 3,696 candidates registered for Bhutan’s local elections, but women remain underrepresented at 17.6 percent.

Water Security: A new National Water Resources Inventory report says 18 Paro and Thimphu sources have already dried up, while 227 more are in the process—citing climate change, forest degradation, deforestation, natural calamities and human activities like road construction. Tourism & Border Economy: From September, regional tourists using Bhutan’s 24-hour SDF waiver will be able to visit Milarepa Lhakhang and the Pachu Community Ecotourism Site near Phuentsholing during the Harvest Festival, but only via approved packages with licensed guides. Wildlife & Forest Products: Matsutake demand is rising in Japan, yet exporters in Genye say limited supply is holding back orders, raising concerns about sustainability in mushroom-growing areas. Disaster Preparedness: A full-scale Thimphu earthquake simulation (magnitude 7.5 scenario) flagged gaps in emergency equipment and resource mobilisation, with Nepal experts supporting the exercise. Governance & Participation: Bhutan’s Local Government election registrations show strong interest—3,696 candidates total—but women remain underrepresented at 17.6%.

Water Security: A new National Water Resources Inventory report says 18 water sources have already dried up in Paro and Thimphu, with another 227 still drying—blamed on climate change, forest degradation, natural calamities, and human activities like road construction, while many drying cases have no clear cause. Public Safety & Preparedness: A full-scale Thimphu earthquake simulation (7.5 scenario) with Nepal’s technical support exposed gaps in emergency equipment and resource mobilisation, testing coordination among authorities, hospitals, and responders. Energy & Renewables: Druk Green Power and JSW Neo signed a shareholders’ agreement for the 920 MW Punatsangchhu-III hydropower project, with construction aimed to start in late 2027. Wildlife & Livelihoods: Matsutake demand is rising, especially in Japan, but exporters in Genye say limited supply is holding back orders—raising concerns about sustainability of mushroom-growing areas. Governance & Justice: Bhutan’s Office of the Attorney General handled 1,014 cases in 2025–26, with drug-related offences the largest share, while growing legal complexity is stretching its workforce. Health & Community Support: Phuentsholing’s Happiness Center Aftercare Home highlights that rehab is only the start for people recovering from substance and alcohol use disorders, with relapse risk tied to stigma and lack of support.

Disaster Preparedness: Thimphu’s earthquake drill for a 7.5 scenario exposed gaps in emergency equipment and resource mobilisation, while testing how authorities, hospitals and responders coordinate; Nepal’s NSET provided technical support as Bhutan strengthens its Thimphu Earthquake Contingency Plan. Wildlife & Land Protection: Under India’s Project Tied Assistance, Bhutan approved a chain-link fencing programme to safeguard agricultural land from wild animals, aiming to cut crop losses and improve food security. Energy Transition: Druk Holding Investments is moving beyond hydropower by advancing structured geothermal exploration at 11 known hot spring sites, supported by the World Bank and partners, as part of its 10X roadmap. Climate Solidarity: Bhutan’s King expressed condolences to Assam flood victims and stressed that rising disaster frequency and severity reflect shared climate vulnerability, urging joint action. Budgeting for Risk: Thimphu district’s 2026-27 capital allocations factor in poverty, climate-related disasters, GNH indicators and transport needs, showing how climate risk is built into local planning. Trade & Imports: Bhutan’s trade deficit widened to nearly Nu 24bn in Q2 as imports rose, with fuel, food and telecom equipment driving the bill.