In a decisive move to safeguard its vital agriculture and livestock sector against the escalating threats of climate change, Bhutan hosted a pivotal three-day workshop in Paro from November 6 to 8. The event, titled “Scaling-up Livestock Climate Action to Enhance Nationally Determined Contributions Phase II,” brought together approximately 40 key stakeholders from government agencies, research institutions, academia, and civil society organizations.
The agriculture and livestock sector, which employs a staggering 43.5 percent of Bhutan’s population, is highly susceptible to climate-induced challenges such as extreme weather events, pest infestations, shifting vegetation patterns, and ecological vulnerabilities. These issues were at the forefront of discussions during the workshop, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive climate action within the sector.
Organized by the Department of Livestock (DoL) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Bhutan, the workshop aimed to develop actionable strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate impacts. Dr. Tashi Yangzome Dorji, Director of the DoL, emphasized the critical nature of these efforts. “Strategizing climate action in the sector is crucial for a nation to achieve carbon neutrality,” she stated. “In Bhutan, agriculture and livestock production play a vital role in food security and poverty reduction.”
Participants delved into various aspects essential for effective climate action, including institutional arrangements, policy frameworks, data accessibility, and the long-term challenges and opportunities for implementing livestock-focused mitigation and adaptation measures. Discussions also covered climate finance opportunities and the capacity development needs of workers within the sector.
Highlighting the environmental concerns, the livestock sector is recognized as a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane from ruminants such as cattle, sheep, and goats. Addressing these emissions is paramount to Bhutan’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and its goal of maintaining a carbon-negative status while enhancing resilience against climate impacts.
Chadho Tenzin, Assistant FAO Representative for Bhutan, lauded the workshop as a “crucial platform” for fostering collaboration among relevant agencies to develop actionable interventions aligned with Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL) has set an ambitious target to boost the sector’s contribution to GDP from Nu 27 billion in 2022 to Nu 50 billion by 2029. This growth will be driven by a focus on high-value agriculture and livestock production, processing, and marketing.
Leki Choda, Planning Officer at the Policy and Planning Division of MoAL, highlighted the role of the Food and Nutrition Security Policy 2023 in balancing climate considerations within the sector. “Our policy addresses disaster-resilient agriculture, risk management, and climate-smart practices,” he explained. Key priorities include managing human-wildlife conflict, enhancing agro-meteorological services, promoting biogas and irrigation systems, and advancing climate-smart innovations.
Strategic initiatives such as the Low Emission Development Strategy for Food Security are being prioritized to transition from synthetic to organic farming methods and improve cattle productivity through enhanced feeding practices. These measures aim to reduce methane emissions and support both short-term adaptations and long-term sustainability.
The workshop concluded with key proposals to improve animal health and feed quality, introduce specific animal breeds tailored to lower emissions, and expand biogas production to replace imported liquefied petroleum gas. Experts from various fields, including facilitators from FAO Headquarters, underscored the potential of breed improvement to increase productivity while minimizing environmental impact.
Dr. Dorji reiterated Bhutan’s dual commitment to environmental sustainability and economic resilience. “While Bhutan remains carbon negative, our vulnerability to climate change demands proactive and strategic action in our agriculture and livestock sectors,” she affirmed.
As Bhutan prepares its third Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) report, due in 2025, the insights and strategies developed during the Paro workshop will play a crucial role in shaping informed and prioritized discussions across all relevant sectors. This collaborative effort underscores Bhutan’s dedication to sustainable development, ensuring that its agricultural and livestock sectors continue to support food security and economic growth while mitigating their environmental footprint.
