Bhutan

Enabling activities for the preparation of Bhutan's Second National Communication to the UNFCCC

Bhutan ratified the Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC/UNFCCC) in August 1995. As part of its obligations under the UNFCCC, Bhutan submitted its Initial National Communication comprising an executive summary, GHG inventory, vulnerability assessment and national climate change action plan for mitigation of and adaptation to possible climate change effects at the Sixth Session of the Conference of Parties in November 2000. Bhutan also completed its First National Inventory on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and carried out basic training on developing a greenhouse gas inventory.

However, the Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment in the Initial National Communication was not very extensive and not based on any thorough technical or scientific studies. Since Bhutan is highly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change, it is important that it review the assessments carried out under the Initial National Communication, and also addresses the gaps and constraints identified during the Initial National Communication process. The Second National Communication will serve as an important planning tool by providing the information on climate risk to the development during the national and sectoral planning processes. Objectives of the project include:

• To enable the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGOB) to fulfill its reporting obligations with regard to the development of inventories of greenhouse gas (GHG) sources and sinks.
• To enable RGOB to fulfill its reporting obligations with regard to the identification of options for mitigating climate change thereby enhancing national capacity to identify, analyze, and formulate viable GHG mitigation measures.
• To enable RGOB to fulfill its reporting obligations with respect to its vulnerability to future climate change.
• To enable RGOB to fulfill its reporting obligations with respect to options for adapting to climate change.
• To enable Bhutan to prepare national plans for mitigation and adaptation for fulfilling its reporting requirements to the FCCC Secretariat.
• To enable RGOB to fulfill its reporting obligation with respect to communicating information under Article 12 of the FCCC

UNDAF Outcome	5: By 2012, national capacity for environmental sustainability and disaster management strengthened.
CT Outcome	5.1.4: National capacity to implement and report on international environmental conventions and agreements strengthened
CT Output	5.1: National capacity to address current environmental challenges and mainstream environmental concerns into policies, plans and programs enhanced.
Project Location	Thimphu
Project Duration	August 2007 - June 2011
Budget Outlay	US$ 405,000
Link to Workplan	Click on the icon to download