In a bold step towards safeguarding its urban landscapes, Bhutan has launched a six-year project aimed at bolstering the climate resilience of the Thimphu and Paro regions. The initiative, funded by the Global Environment Facility’s Least Developed Countries Fund, comes with a USD 20 million investment intended to shield over 146,000 residents from the escalating impacts of climate change.
A Proactive Response to Mounting Threats
With monsoon rains intensifying and riverine and surface water floods becoming increasingly common, both Thimphu and Paro face a growing risk of disasters. Adding to these challenges, the urban centers are also vulnerable to cyclonic threats from the Bay of Bengal that can occur before and after the monsoon season. Climate experts warn that if left unaddressed, such hazards could chip away at Bhutan’s economic progress—an estimated 1.4 percent decline in GDP by 2050 is projected due to climate-related damages.
Innovative Adaptation and Green Infrastructure
The project, known as “Enhancing Climate Resilience of the Urban Landscapes and Communities in Thimphu-Paro Region of Bhutan (ECRUL),” will implement a series of nature-based solutions and infrastructure upgrades designed to reduce climate risks. Key measures include managing watersheds and springs, reinforcing river corridors with urban forestry, and developing retention ponds, rain gardens, and urban wetlands to enhance stormwater drainage. In doing so, officials aim to reduce reliance on expensive engineered solutions over time and foster more sustainable, cost-efficient resilience.
Holistic Urban Revitalisation
Urban areas in Bhutan, despite being endowed with abundant water resources, face chronic drinking water shortages driven by seasonal fluctuations, quality issues, and uneven distribution. Rapid urbanisation and population growth have further strained existing infrastructure, disproportionately impacting women and vulnerable communities. In response, the initiative will focus on gender-responsive adaptation, incorporating citizen input and promoting climate-resilient entrepreneurship. A new climate resilience strategy under the Royal Commission for Urban Development is set to harmonise inter-agency efforts and boost coordination across sectors.
Empowering Through Data and Education
To guide future decision-making, the project will invest in advanced data systems, including a climate and geospatial information platform that provides sex-disaggregated data accessible to both central and local governments. In parallel, educational programs are slated for colleges and technical institutions to upskill planning professionals and the broader workforce. The Department of Workforce Planning and Skills Development will also undertake a comprehensive review of existing programs to identify opportunities for integrating urban resilience content.
Innovative Financing and Community Engagement
The initiative is not only a technical upgrade but also a call for innovative financing strategies that encourage public and private sector investment. As part of its long-term vision, the project will document traditional knowledge and develop a catalogue of nature-based solutions tailored for mountainous urban environments. Special attention will be given to engaging women, youth, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in the planning process, ensuring that the adaptation strategies are inclusive and far-reaching.
A Forward-Looking Blueprint
Officials highlight that integrating green infrastructure and nature-based solutions offers a double dividend—reducing climate risks while enhancing biodiversity and overall quality of life. “When implemented strategically, these solutions can reduce the need for costly engineered interventions over time, promoting sustainable and cost-efficient resilience,” a project report stated.
As Bhutan embarks on this transformative journey, the ECRUL project stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to climate adaptation and sustainable urban development, potentially serving as a model for similar efforts in mountainous cities around the world.
