In a significant boost to Bhutan’s conservation efforts, the Mongal Ecology Centre (MEC), a dedicated non-governmental organization from Mongolia, donated fifteen motorcycles to the Department of Forest and Park Services (DoFPS) on November 13. This generous contribution forms part of MEC’s ongoing Rally for Rangers initiative, aimed at equipping forest rangers with the tools they need to protect Bhutan’s rich natural heritage.
This latest donation marks the second phase of MEC’s commitment to supporting Bhutanese forest rangers, following an initial gift of fifteen motorcycles in 2022. The initiative was inspired by MEC’s executive director, Badral Yondon, during a visit to Mongolia’s national parks. Yondon recounted encountering a ranger whose personal motorcycle had broken down, highlighting the dire need for proper equipment and government support.
“What began as a simple effort to assist one ranger has blossomed into a broader mission,” Yondon explained. “We initially funded motorcycles for rangers in Mongolia, but soon recognized that similar challenges exist globally. This led us to extend our support to countries like Argentina, Nepal, Peru, Bhutan, and Namibia.”
The recent donation to Bhutan was made possible through the collective efforts of fifteen individual donors, each contributing to the acquisition of a motorcycle. Prior to the official handover, these donors had the unique opportunity to ride through Bhutan’s national parks, experiencing firsthand the landscapes that benefitted from the 2022 donations.
Steve Zuschin, a passionate outdoorsman and motorcycle enthusiast, was among the contributors. “Supporting environmental preservation through motorcycles deeply resonated with me,” Zuschin stated. “Bhutan’s dedication to conserving its natural resources is admirable, and I’m proud to contribute to that mission.”
Zuschin, who revisited Bhutan this year, was particularly moved by the tangible difference the motorcycles made. “Hearing rangers discuss how these bikes have enhanced their patrols and conservation efforts was truly inspiring,” he added.
Nidup Gyeltshen, a forest ranger with DoFPS, highlighted the practical benefits of the motorcycles. “These vehicles have significantly increased our patrol efficiency, especially in remote and rugged areas where traditional vehicles cannot operate,” Gyeltshen noted. “They enable us to respond swiftly to threats like poaching and illegal logging, ensuring better protection for our forests and wildlife.”
The distribution of the motorcycles was celebrated in a special ceremony where each bike was handed over to a ranger by one of the donors. The Rally for Rangers initiative is conducted in collaboration with Langur Ecotravels, a local eco-tourism company, further strengthening the partnership between conservation efforts and sustainable tourism.
The impact of MEC’s support extends beyond mere transportation; it symbolizes international solidarity in the fight to preserve Bhutan’s pristine environments. As forest rangers continue to safeguard the nation’s biodiversity, initiatives like Rally for Rangers play a crucial role in empowering those on the front lines of conservation.
With ongoing contributions and support, the Mongal Ecology Centre and its partners are set to make even greater strides in protecting Bhutan’s natural treasures, ensuring that future generations inherit a thriving and vibrant ecosystem.
