Energy and Natural Resources Minister Loknath Sharma introduced the Biological Corridor Nine Bill of Bhutan 2023 in the National Council today. Following the Bill’s introduction, the members of the house expressed the need to provide support for the communities falling under the proposed biological corridor. The new biological corridor which will connect Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary to Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary will cover five gewogs of Trashi Yangtse and one gewog of Trashigang.
The energy and natural resources minister clarified the establishment of a biological corridor is not to cause inconvenience to the people. He added that it is to preserve the country’s environment.
As the declaration of a biological corridor restricts construction activities, and clearing the corridor for the installation of transmission lines, or any commercial activities, the members questioned the minister if the government will be providing any support for those communities falling in the biological corridor.
‘‘If the ministry can include the management plans under the rules and regulations to solve the challenges that the people falling under the proposed area will be facing, it will benefit us while deliberating the Bill,” said Ugyen Tshering, Chairperson of Natural Resources and Environment Committee.
Some also questioned the government if support had been given to those communities that are residing in the existing biological corridors.
‘‘The country already has eight biological corridors, this will be the ninth corridor. Hence, could you share the benefits and support provided by the government to those who are settled in these areas?,” said Leki Tshering, Thimphu MP.
‘‘After recognising the park, protected areas, and biological corridors, the livelihoods of the people in such areas remain affected as they aren’t able to carry out the activities as in the past. How will the government make the new biological corridor suitable for communities to start ecotourism and homestay business?,’’ said Kencho Tshering, Bumthang MP.
To this, the minister said that the people would be allowed to collect non-wood and other forest products to earn income.
He also added that construction using timber and stones will be allowed. However, people will not be allowed to carry out commercial activities.
‘‘This is not to harm and create problems for the people. They can do the activities they have been doing. In addition, we will put in efforts to support them to start ecotourism, community tourism, homestay, and campsites,” said Loknath Sharma, Energy and Natural Resources Minister.
The biological corridor nine is the only biological corridor in the extreme east of the country. It is expected to contribute to the constitutional mandate of maintaining 60 per cent forest cover, help in animal movement in Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary and Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, and benefit in securing conservation funds.
The National Assembly adopted the Bill during the summer session of the parliament.
Sonam Yuden and Karma Wangdi
Edited by Phub Gyem
