To assist forest rangers and national parks in the country, an environmental NGO from Mongolia has given over 15 motorcycles to the Department of Forests and Park Services yesterday. The dirt bikes are expected to provide rangers with reliable transportation and help with their patrolling.
The motorcycles worth around USD 4,000 or almost Nu 400,000 each were provided by Mongol Ecology Center.
The bikes will come in handy since the national parks in the country are largely devoid of paved roads and often the only way to get around is by motorcycle or on foot. Rangers have to travel along the rough terrain while patrolling and chasing poachers.
“The bikes we have now are quite old, so this will able to make transportation a lot easier during the monsoon for foresters, especially in Chhuzom and Jigme Chhoeling Gewogs. With this, we hope to cover and monitor a wide range of forest area,” said Pema Rinchen, a ranger.
“Although we have old bikes, it becomes quite difficult during our patrols because they suddenly break down. So, the new bikes will help us reach all the remotest places and provide better public services,” said Lhapchu Tshering, another ranger.
According to the Founder of the Mongol Ecology Center, they are providing the motorcycle as part of their project – Rally for Rangers.
“We have this project to help the national parks and protect the crown jewels of the world. The reason for choosing Bhutan is that I first visited Bhutan in 2018 and I fell in love with Bhutan. I talked to my colleagues and we all agreed that Bhutan is a place we wanted to help,” said Ono Batkhuu, Founder of Mongol Ecology Center.
So far, through this project, the Mongol Ecology Center has donated 160 motorcycles in five countries.
Pema Seldon Tshering
Edited by Tshering Zam
