On the invitation of the Environment and Climate Change Committee, the Department of Forest and Park Services, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, presented on the carbon trading mechanism, environmental and social issues, and the way forward at the Lhen-Zom Khangzang, National Assembly yesterday.

The consultation meeting was held to discuss the environmental and social issues, and the way forward as the environment and forestry sector forms crucial aspects of Bhutan through its pivotal role in addressing global climate change, ensuring water resources for hydropower, drinking, and irrigation, timber, NWFPs, biodiversity, habitat for wildlife including endangered species, GDP contribution and employment. The forest cover of Bhutan stands at 69.71 percent. 

The presentation covered various issues, including habitat fragmentation and degradation, illegal collection and trading of Non Wood Forest Produce (NWFPs), wildlife poaching, illegal timber harvest, forest fires, timber export, forest pests and diseases, advocacy challenges on policies, acts and regulations, royalty revisions for timber and NWFPs, and human-wildlife conflicts, along with the carbon trading mechanism.

During the discussion, Committee members noted the inefficacy of the online forestry service due to its lack of automation and cumbersome procedures. They sought improvements. The DoFPS identified public illiteracy and the complex NDI login process as key issues, exacerbating the inconvenience. Physical evaluation clearances further lengthen processing times. Despite these challenges, the service has improved with reduced turnaround times. 

The Committee also discussed the community forest management plan and its advocacy requirements for local governments. They also stressed the need to increase the focus on eco-tourism in the eastern and central Dzongkhags and adjust modalities to enhance implementation and standards. Recognizing eco-tourism's importance to GDP, the Committee asked the DoFPS to propose a balanced approach that benefits the country while ensuring that the integrity of the environment is not compromised. The Committee also requested that the DoFPS submit in writing the inclusion of 24 identified timber species in India’s PQO ( Plant Quarantine Order) for curbing the environmental and social issues, royalty reforms for NWFPs, and other matters of national and public importance to aid in legislative support to the department.