European Union offered over Nu. 300 million to Bhutan to mainstream climate change in the Renewable Natural Resources (RNR) sectoral policies and programmes.
The contribution is being made under the EU Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA) programme.
The agreement to this effect was signed between the EU Ambassador to Bhutan, Joao Cravinho, and the Gross National Happiness Commission Secretariat.
The GCCA is an initiative of the EU that strengthens dialogue and cooperation in developing countries on climate change and adaptation.
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“I think Bhutanese people can be very confident that they will have a close friend working alongside them in the form of EU in what may be a difficult process,” said the EU Ambassador, who is in the country for a visit.
The money is expected to enhance Bhutan’s resilience to climate change by mainstreaming the issue into the sectoral plans and programs and help people adapt to its impact.
The Minister of Agriculture and Forests, Dr.Pema Gyamtsho, said Bhutan would like to ensure farms infrastructures are actually improved with appropriate structural changes to accommodate unforeseen weather patterns.
“We will also be looking at promoting varieties of crops or farming practices that are more climate resistance,” said the Minister.
The GCCA was launched in 2007 by the European Commission. It is funded by EU member states and the Commission with Overseas Development Assistance and Fast Start Climate Finance. It helps countries that have least resources in adapting to climate change.
EU has been a strong development partner of Bhutan since 1980.
