Divisional Forest Office, Tsirang

13/09/2026

The 4th Annual Community Forest Networking Group (CFNG) Meeting was convened on 9th September 2026, bringing together the Chairpersons of 45 approved Community Forests (CFs) under Divisional Forest Office, Tsirang. The day-long programme was graced by the Chief Forestry Officer, Tsirang, and attended by 7 forestry Officials from three Range offices. The meeting was coordinated and facilitated by Mr. Tshedar Tshedar, Section head, FRPMS with the aimed to strengthen collective efforts towards sustainable management and utilization of community forest resources, ensuring that present needs are met without compromising the ability of future generation’s needs. The institutionalization of the CFNG was further strengthened by providing a common platform for the 49 CFMGs to share experiences, identify challenges, and collectively plan for the sustainable production, utilization, and marketing of CF products.

The CFO highlighted the advantages of CFs, particularly in facilitating access to timbers and firewood for bonafide use. He further cautioned that opportunities to obtain RBHT from SRF may become increasingly limited in the coming years, underscoring the importance of strengthening CFs as a reliable source of forest products for rural communities. The meeting also discussed challenges affecting the effective implementation of planned CFNG activities, including the need for performance-based financial incentives for committee members, followed by drawing of annual work plan (2026-2027). It was agreed that the CFNG would address such challenges collectively through consensus-based decision-making and, where necessary, decisions supported by a broad majority, thereby facilitating timely implementation of agreed activities.

Department of Forests and Park Services

08/09/2026

A total of 37 B.Sc. Sustainable Development students, accompanied by Mr. Tashi Dhendup, Module lecturer from the College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan, were on block day program at the Divisional Forest Office, Tsirang, to gain practical insights into the Powkhola and Kuchi-Darachhu PES schemes, the third PES initiative instituted in Bhutan. Mr. Cheten Dorji aka Ceeten Dor-g from the Divisional Forest Office delivered an overview of the Tsirang PES scheme, highlighting its implementation experiences, key challenges, and future pathways for securing a sustainable and reliable water supply for Damphu Municipality. In addition to PES and its implementation modalities, community-based ecotourism initiatives were also introduced as an important approach to promoting sustainable livelihoods while supporting environmental conservation.
The presentations were followed by an in-depth and interactive question-and-answer session between the students and senior forestry officials, led by the Chief Forestry Officer. The discussion covered the current status of the PES scheme, implementation challenges, community participation, institutional arrangements, and potential strategies for ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply for Damphu Municipality under TSIRANG DZONGKHAG.
The programme provided the students with valuable practical exposure to the application of PES as a nature-based approach to watershed and water-resource management. The Tsirang PES scheme is considered a viable mechanism for addressing emerging water-related challenges, protecting critical water sources amid increasing population and development pressures, and promoting long-term water security. It also demonstrates how environmental conservation can be integrated with community participation and socio-economic development to support sustainable resource management in Bhutan.

Department of Forests and Park Services
College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan
Tsirang Dzongkhag Administration

27/08/2026

Upon receiving a request for technical support from the Dunglagang Gewog Administration, the Divisional Forest Office, Tsirang, led by the Chief and supported by technical staff from Tsirang Range, conducted joint detailed field assessments on 26th August 2026. The assessment covered three proposed water-source protection sites—Pulamidangra and Balukholcha in Hatidungana, and Upper Lhamoilum. The team also assessed the Pemaling Community Forest (CF) plantation site covering 1.8 ha in Lhamoilum Chiwog, as well as two proposed bioengineering sites at Hatidunga in Norjangsa and Drangreybumaed Chiwog under Dunglagang Gewog.
The technical assessment included detailed site inspections, field measurements, evaluation of existing site conditions, and preparation of cost estimates for the proposed water-source protection and bioengineering interventions, particularly in landslide-affected areas. The assessments were undertaken to ensure that the proposed interventions were technically sound, site-specific, environmentally appropriate, and feasible for implementation.
The planned activities in Dunglagang Gewog are funded under the CAR-LG Project for the fiscal year 2026–2027.
Department of Forests and Park Services
Tsirang Dzongkhag Administration
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26/08/2026

The inauguration of the 4000 meters chain-link fencing work was held on 25/8/2026 at Pangthang Chiwog under Patsaling Gewog. The program began with a Lhabsang Trusel conducted by the Gewog Lam, followed by the formal opening of the chain-link fencing work by the Chief Forestry Officer.
The program was attended by community members, the Tshogpa, forestry officials from Mendrelgang Range, and officials from the Divisional Forest Office,Tsirang. The chain-link fencing initiative is funded through the IKI Living Landscape Project, WWF Bhutan, and Tarayana Foundation, with the aim of supporting communities in mitigating human-wildlife conflict and promoting coexistence between people and wildlife.

25/08/2026

The ecological survey, rapid vegetation assessment, and Siltimbur (Litsea cubeba) fruit production assessment across Semjong, Patsaling, Barshong, Phuntenchu, and Sergithang Gewogs under Tsirang Dzongkhag Administration were successfully completed on 23rd August 2026. The assessment was carried out from 10th to 23rd August 2026 by 15 technical staff from Tsirangtoe, Mendrelgang, and Tsirang Ranges under the Divisional Forest Office, Tsirang. A total of 50 belt transects were surveyed, comprising 10 transects in each gewog, while Siltimbur fruit production assessments were conducted along 15 selected transects to evaluate fruit availability and production potential.

The assessment was funded through the IKI Project under WWF Bhutan and implemented by the Tarayana Foundation in collaboration with the Divisional Forest Office, Tsirang, under the Department of Forests and Park Services. The collaborative assessment brought together technical expertise and field-level knowledge to generate reliable baseline information on Siltimbur resources and their production potential across the five gewogs.

The baseline data generated through the assessment will serve as a critical foundation for the Tarayana Foundation to develop a comprehensive Siltimbur management plan, supported by a business plan for the sustainable management, utilization, processing, and value addition of Siltimbur resources. The findings are expected to guide evidence-based resource management, strengthen sustainable harvesting and utilization practices, and identify opportunities for value-chain development and local enterprise. Overall, the initiative is expected to contribute to the sustainable management and utilization of Siltimbur resources while enhancing livelihood opportunities, promoting local economic development, and supporting the long-term socio-economic well-being of communities in Tsirang Dzongkhag.
Department of Forests and Park Services
Tarayana Foundation
WWF Bhutan

20/08/2026

Khuchi Khola, Tsirang

16/08/2026

12/08/2026

Fare thee well, Gem Tshering Sir. The memories and moments we have shared will always hold a special place in our hearts and be cherished for years to come. Your presence, kindness, and wisdom will truly be missed. Wishing you a peaceful and fulfilling retirement, Sir, and a beautiful, happy life ahead filled with good health, joy, and many wonderful adventures. You have left behind memories that we will carry with us always. Until we meet again, fare thee well, Sir. 🙏

04/08/2026

Batasey Non-Wood Forest Product (NWFP) Group in Kilkhorthang Gewog, Tsirang, has diversified its traditional broom-making practices into a range of value-added products. Through capacity-building training, the group learned to produce durable outdoor brooms, soft indoor brooms, hand-held whisk brooms, and specially packaged brooms for religious and ritual purposes.
The group was also provided with professional tools, packaging equipment, branded materials, and a broom-drying shed to improve product quality, durability, packaging, and market appeal. In addition, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was developed to guide sustainable harvesting, production, quality control, and enterprise management.
These initiatives are expected to enhance product value, reduce waste, expand access to urban and retail markets, and generate better income opportunities for local communities while promoting sustainable forest resource management in Tsirang. The aforementioned capacity development, post-harvest technology and other imperative equipment's were funded by the Royal Government of Bhutan during the 2025–2026 fiscal year.

Department of Forests and Park Services
Tsirang Dzongkhag Administration

04/08/2026

The C2C Strategy for Dunglagang and Pastaling geog is now officially in place for implementation in the field. We sincerely thank Department of Forests and Park Services for its guidance and timely approval of the C2C strategy. We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to WWF Bhutan and IKI Living Landscape Project for their continuous financial support. With the implementation of the C2C strategy, the planned interventions in these priority geogs are expected to make a significant positive impact on local communities by reducing human-wildlife conflict incidents, strengthening conservation efforts, and improving community livelihoods.