The Gangtey-Phobji valley in Wangdue Phodrang, a winter habitat for the Black-Necked Cranes, has been facing risks of wetland destruction due to developmental activities. The area is designated as Ramsar site, meaning it is an internationally recognized wetland that provides essential habitat for the cranes. So, to protect and manage the wetland, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources launched a ten-year Action Plan recently.
Gangtey-Phobji Ramsar site is facing challenges from free-range grazing, drying up of water sources, vehicular movement, picnicking, use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agricultural land.
Officials said these factors have led to environmental pollution, loss of wildlife habitats and roosting sites.
Officials said if the Ramsar site gets damaged, the cranes may not return.
The cranes have helped in promoting tourism and improving livelihoods of the residents.
Kinley Gyeltshen, Gangtey Gup said “We have to conserve the Ramsar site properly. It is a winter habitat of Black-Necked Cranes. We are facing issues such as littering. When it rains, the waste is washed down to the Ramsar site where the Black-Necked Cranes stay”
Doley, a resident of Gangtey Gewog said “Dogs try to attack the cranes especially during the daytime and at night, it is the leopard. Therefore, this poses risks to the Black-Necked Cranes.”
Jamtsho, Phobji Gup said “Water sources are gradually drying up, which affects the habitat. If we do not protect the Ramsar site, I doubt the cranes will continue coming to these two Gewogs.”
Phub Dorji, Member of Parliament said “If waste is not managed properly, it will harm the Ramsar site and the environment.”
However, the situation is expected to improve.
An Action Plan for ten years for the protection and improvement of Ramsar site has been launched during the Gangtey Black-Necked Crane Festival recently.
There are more than 40 activities in the Action Plan including the implementation of spring shed management, landfill development and waste segregation.
The works will be implemented from next year.
Kaka Tshering, Offtg. Chief Forestry Officer of Wangdue Forest Division said “We are trying to institute payment for ecosystem service to cater all these services, whereby communities in and around this valley carry out this conservation activities. The hoteliers who benefit from this tourism sector, they will have to pay a certain amount to the local communities as an incentive. So, it is going to be a joint venture between local communities and tourism sector.”
The Gangtey-Phobji Ramsar site spans over 2300 acres, approximately equal to 1300 football fields.
Last year, more than 600 Black-Necked Cranes arrived at the site.
It is the largest of the three Ramsar sites in the country.
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
Edited by Tshering Zam
