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The Workshop on Ethical and Effective Community Engagement is currently underway in Thimphu from 9 – 10 July 2026. The two-day workshop is jointly organized by the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation (BTF), the Department of Forests and Park Services (DoFPS), the Ethical Conservation Alliance (ECA), and the Snow Leopard Trust (SLT).
The workshop brings together conservation practitioners, government officials, youths, and partners to strengthen ethical, inclusive, and community-centred approaches to conservation. The sessions are facilitated by renowned conservation experts Dr. Charudutt Mishra and Dr. Koustubh Sharma from SLT.
The opening session featured remarks from Dr. Karma Tshering, Managing Director of BTF; Mr. Karma Tenzin, Director of the Department of Forests and Park Services; and Dr. Charudutt Mishra, Executive Director of SLT, highlighting the importance of building trust, respect, and meaningful partnerships with communities in achieving long-term conservation success.
Throughout Day 1, participants reflected on their experiences in community engagement and explored the PARTNERS Principles, with a focus on Presence, Transparency, and Respect. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, participants examined how conservation interventions can be designed, negotiated, and implemented in ways that are ethical, inclusive, and responsive to local contexts.
The workshop reinforces Bhutanβs commitment to conservation that not only safeguards biodiversity but also empowers communities as valued partners in protecting the nationβs rich natural heritage.Β
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