22/08/2026
22nd August 2026
Following the data gap assessment meeting held on 17th August 2026 for the forest certification process and the field visits made to DFO Bumthang and Paro, a team comprising experts from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), an officer from the Forest Resources Planning and Management Division of the Department, officials from Bhutan Shingzo Limited (BSL) and Bhutan Ecological Society (BES) visited DFO Thimphu.
Prior to the field visit to Ngabiphu Scientific Thinning site under Chang Gewog, a presentation on the DFO Management Plan with focus on High Conservation Values and the scientific thinning action plan was delivered by Mr. Lhaba, the Planner of the division to facilitate identification of potential data gaps for the certification process.
Upon reaching the Ngabiphu thinning site, the FSC experts observed timber extraction using cable crane and interacted with the contractor and the workers engaged by BSL. The discussion covered various aspects related to forest certification, including workers’ safety, remuneration, technical skills, and working arrangements between the Department and Bhutan Shingzo Limited.
While the Department already has robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for various forest management regimes, the certification process is expected to help identify existing gaps and further strengthen forest resource management through a more holistic and sustainable approach.
Beyond the official engagement, the visit also provided an opportunity to meet and listen to our Chief, Kinley Tshering, a respected figure who is regarded as one of the most knowledgeable, humble and supportive senior officers. Having served in DoFPS, he later joined BTFEC and is now contributing his expertise to Bhutan Shingzo Limited.
A closing meeting to discuss on key observations from the three thinning sites is scheduled on 24th August 2026 in Thimphu
