𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐡𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠

The Payment of Ecosystem Services (PES) Agreement Signing Ceremony for the Omchhu Watershed was successfully held today at Royal Institute of Governance and Strategic Studies (RIGSS), Phuentsholing, bringing together communities, stakeholders, and partners in a shared vision for sustainable conservation.

The programme was graced by Her Majesty Gyalyum Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, Founding President of the Foundation, whose presence added deep meaning to the occasion. The event featured Marchang and Zhabten, insightful technical presentations, vibrant cultural performances, and the historic signing of the PES Agreement between upstream and downstream communities, marking a powerful commitment to shared stewardship.

A joyful highlight of the programme was the cake-cutting ceremony honouring Her Majesty on the occasion of receiving the 22nd Soldier of Humanity Award (2025), celebrating her extraordinary and lifelong humanitarian service.

Her Majesty underscored the importance of collaborative and exemplary efforts in protecting ecosystems while strengthening community livelihoods.

A proud and inspiring step towards community-led conservation and a resilient, sustainable Bhutan.

This initiative is part of Living Landscape: Securing High Conservation Values in South Western Bhutan, funded by Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety and International Climate Initiative.

***Payment of Ecosystem Services (PES) is a sustainable, long-term financing mechanism that supports environmental conservation by recognising the value of nature’s services, such as clean water, healthy forests, and resilient ecosystems. Through PES, those who benefit from these services contribute financially to those who protect and manage them.

In this context, the PES agreement enables the continued protection of vital ecosystem services in the Omchhu Watershed while creating a shared responsibility between communities. It also offers residents of Phuentsholing Thromde a unique opportunity to become active stewards of Bhutan’s environment and long-term sustainable development through a small monthly contribution, ensuring that conservation efforts are both inclusive and enduring.