The World Bank has committed an additional 3.8 million USD to mitigate the impacts of climate change in Bhutan. The funding would be utilized in disaster reduction improvement projects such as improved weather forecasting system and a pilot program for climate resilience.
The grant is expected to help Bhutan develop a comprehensive climate resilience strategy. The World Bank’s vice president for South Asia Annette Dixon said the funding will help farmers by providing improved weather forecasting system and reduce impacts of bad weather events on crops. This year, Bhutan experienced unprecedented crop damage as a result of untimely shower and bad weather.
“Bhutan is exposed to climate change and weather related hazards, the World Bank is therefore investing in Hydromet projects to improve weather forecasting for farmers,” said World Bank’s South Asia Vice President, Annette Dixon.
Given that 90 percent of water that generate hydropower projects comes from watersheds, the agriculture minister said, preserving watersheds in the country remain a priority. Besides preventing flash floods, watersheds are also a source of drinking water.
“The World Bank is also helping us in this attempt and there are also other international agencies like the European Bank. We are not ignoring our watersheds but at times, our conservation priorities are being overshadowed by development activities,” said Lyonpo Yeshey Dorji.
Vice president Annette Dixon said preservation of watersheds was part of a broader agenda. The World Bank was looking at watersheds from a regional perspective, as it would have implications beyond the borders.
