Bhutan

Promoting Eco Tourism and Nature Education in the Royal Botanical park

Background
The project supports the development of the Royal Botanical Park, a 47 km2 area of rich biological diversity along the Sinchula-Dochula-Helela range, into an outstanding locale for ecotourism and nature education to enhance public appreciation and love for nature.

It will constitute the “ecotourism and nature education” component of the Royal Botanical Park development plan – Phase I (2006-08). The other component “establishment of Royal Rhododendron Garden” is being funded by the World Wildlife Fund and the Sustainable Development Secretariat. The Royal Rhododendron Garden is planned to be established on about 125 acres of land under natural forest cover near the Visitor Information Center. The two components will, therefore, complement each other.

Objectives
The overall project objective is to conserve the Royal Botanical Park for its rich biological diversity and as an outstanding locale for recreation and nature education to enhance public appreciation and love for nature.

The immediate project objective is to promote ecotourism and nature education in the Royal Botanical Park.

Achievements & expected results

By the end of the project period, the project is expected to deliver the following outputs:

Output1: A fully equipped Visitor Information Center with adequate and trained staff

Output 2:    A network of eco-trek trails totaling more than 25 km developed
Output 3:   Vista points developed along the eco-trek trails

Output 4:   Demonstrate a new management model including private sector and NGOs