In a significant stride towards regional development, Bhutan has unveiled three major initiatives aimed at enhancing farmers’ livelihoods, advancing inclusive education, and promoting renewable energy across South Asia. The projects, totaling over USD 9.7 million, were launched on December 9 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Charter Day under the auspices of the SAARC Development Fund’s (SDF) social window.
The first initiative, titled “Livelihood Enhancement of Small-scale Fish Farmers and Nutrition Security of Rural Populations in the SAARC Region through Aquaculture Development,” seeks to revolutionize aquaculture practices and improve nutritional outcomes in Bhutan and five other SAARC member states—Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. With a budget of USD 3.97 million, predominantly funded by the SDF, the project is spearheaded by India’s ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture and will be implemented by Bhutan’s National Research and Development Centre for Aquaculture. Key objectives include identifying innovative aquaculture technologies, constructing essential infrastructure such as feed mills and hatcheries, and delivering targeted training programs to empower women and small-scale farmers.
Parallelly, Bhutan is addressing educational disparities through the “Partnership for Quality Inclusive Early Childhood Development and Basic Education” project. Valued at USD 4.79 million, this three-year endeavor is a collaboration between the SDF and Save the Children, with the latter managing the project alongside Bhutan’s Department of School Education and the Ability Bhutan Society. The initiative aims to create inclusive and high-quality learning environments for all children, including those with disabilities. Efforts will focus on training educators and caregivers, establishing supportive learning settings, and fostering partnerships among stakeholders to ensure sustainable advancements in early childhood education.
Addressing the growing energy demands and environmental concerns, Bhutan is also embarking on the “Production of Commercial Biogas from Household Waste” project. Allocated USD 948,616, this two-year project is a joint effort between the SDF and local partners, led by the Bhutan Ecological Society. In collaboration with the Department of Environment and Climate Change and Thimphu Thromde, the project will establish a biogas plant in the capital. The facility will convert biodegradable waste into commercial-grade biogas and biofertilizers, providing a cleaner alternative to liquefied petroleum gas for urban cooking and contributing to the nation’s renewable energy goals.
Finance Minister and SDF Governing Council Member, Lekey Dorji, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in achieving these ambitious goals. “SAARC stands as a symbol of resilience and unity, embodying the desire of its member states to work collectively for progress and mutual benefit,” Dorji stated. “Reaffirming our commitment to economic connectivity and human capital development, we shall embrace the immense potential of the region.”
Jamal Uddin Ahmed, Officer-in-Charge of the SDF, highlighted the fund’s pivotal role in fostering regional development. “With over 90 projects implemented across 15 thematic areas, SDF’s initiatives reflect our unwavering commitment to social progress, economic growth, and poverty alleviation across South Asia,” Ahmed remarked during the launch event.
Established in April 2010 and headquartered in Thimphu, the SDF boasts a capital base exceeding USD 701 million. The fund has been instrumental in supporting various sectors, including health, education, agriculture, water, sanitation, and renewable energy throughout the region. SAARC itself, founded on December 8, 1985, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, continues to serve as a vital platform for collaboration and collective advancement among its member states.
As Bhutan spearheads these transformative projects, the nation reinforces its dedication to sustainable development and regional solidarity, paving the way for a more prosperous and equitable South Asia.
