By September this year, the Thimphu Ecological Park, located below Changangkha Lhakhang, will become more user-friendly.
This improvement will be achieved through Revitalisation of Ecological Park project, which was launched on World Environment Day by Her Majesty Gyalyum Tseyring Pem Wangchuck.
The restoration work will be carried out soon by Thimphu Thromde with funding support from the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation (BTF).
Developed in 2016, the 10.77-acre Park features large stretch of wetland that harbour diverse species of flora and fauna and serve as a water reservoir and carbon sink.
The wetland hosts 130 plant species, 61 percent of which are herbaceous plants and 21 percent shrubs. It is also home to the endangered bird species Gallinago nemoricola, commonly known as the wood snipe.
Her Majesty Gyalyum Tseyring Pem Wangchuck has directed the BTF and Youth Development Fund (YDF) to spearhead the revival initiatives.
Thimphu Thromde is tasked with implementing comprehensive measures to revive the park’s local bird and micro-vertebrate populations.
To carry the works, the thromde developed action plan covering biodiversity conservation and habitat restoration, ecological resilience and climate adaptation, community engagement and well-being, and urban green infrastructure and sustainable development.
Why revitalisation?
Thimphu Thromde’s chief environment officer, Sonam Wangchuk, said that the overall state of the Eco-Park indicated a need for more consistent maintenance, better infrastructure, and enhanced safety measures to make these public spaces more usable and enjoyable for residents.
Currently, the Park has worn-out footpaths, outdated facilities, unkempt gardens, and inadequate lighting for safety.
Sonam Wangchuk said that better facilities would be implemented under this project, including the development of footpaths and ramps, sitting benches, a proper entry gate, toilets, and a gazebo.
The waterway and the ponds will be maintained and visitors will witness hedges, fruit trees, and ornamental gardens.
The restoration work is expected to cost Nu 2.463 million.
BTF’s managing director, Dr Karma Tshering (PhD), said that after the completion of the restoration work, BTF and YDF would co-manage the park with support from the Thromde. “BTF will allocate some funds annually to ensure the sustainability of the park.”
Officials are confident that the park will become more vibrant than before under the leadership of Her Majesty Gyalyum Tseyring Pem Wangchuck.
Her Majesty is the recipient of “Champion of Rising Leaders Award” by Teton Science School for dedication to environmental conservation and for inspiring and nurturing the next generation of environmental leaders.
