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Rapa Quindlen
PUNTHOLIN – Following a survey on watershed management in the Puentholin Deka, the Talayana Foundation plans to implement nature-based solutions through Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES).
Puencuolin has been listed as one of the critical locations due to severe water pollution along the Wengchu River and the risk of natural disasters such as landslides and flash floods.
Dr Sangay Dorji, the foundation’s technical director, said the situation could have serious consequences for downstream water users, including health risks and economic losses.
“These payments encourage sustainable practices that protect watersheds, maintain biodiversity, manage land and capture carbon dioxide (carbon sequestration),” he said, adding that the community and Thromde had requested the introduction of the PES scheme during stakeholder consultations.
Under the Payment for Ecological Services program, upstream residents will receive financial incentives from the Puen Tso forest beneficiaries based on conservation outcomes, with expertise provided by the watershed and forestry departments and the Institute of Science and Technology.
Tashi Tshering Doya, a field officer in Chukha province, said the plan would be implemented in consultation with the forestry and watershed departments.
“We visited every village in Puen Tsholing after the one-week meeting to assess the situation,” he said. “Work will be carried out based on the findings.”
“Tarayana implemented a nature-based solution in Dwarka in Paro, which proved to be successful. The project not only solved the drinking water shortage problem but also benefited vegetable cultivation,” he said.
The project is also being implemented in Tading and Dopchen in Samtsi and Thimphu. Water pipes have been distributed to Haa, Dagana, Chirang and Sarpang and further implementation of the project is planned in these places.
The springstream interventions incorporate traditional knowledge and innovative practices, including traditional water filtration to promote clean water, sustainable land management and soil conservation, while also initiating PES to provide economic incentives for environmental stewardship.
Traditional watershed management approaches focus on large catchment areas and fail to address the problem of springs drying up. While protective fencing and afforestation can improve water quality and forest cover, they do not guarantee that water sources will be replenished.
The foundation believes that current temporary solutions, such as finding new water sources and building larger reservoirs, do not address the root causes of water depletion and are unsustainable.
The spring flow management program is part of the International Climate Initiative (IKI) launched two years ago to identify recharge areas and restore and revitalize dried-up springs and lakes.
The project aims to combat water depletion, improve livelihoods and promote peace and cooperation among communities that share water resources, which are essential for their well-being.
In Chukha, 11 of the 471 water sources have dried up and 89 are drying up, exacerbating water shortages. Pemagashel, Punakha and Wangdu are also facing shortages due to drying up of water sources. Of the 7,399 water sources in the country, 0.9% (69) have dried up and 25.1% (1,856) are drying up.
Recognising the severity of this problem, the Tarayana Foundation has taken action to support rural communities in restoring and rehabilitating vital water sources, which is critical for the sustainability of rural livelihoods,” said an official from the Tarayana Foundation.
As part of the 2024 World Water Week, “Crossing Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future”, the Talayana Foundation met with stakeholders in Puen Tsholing on September 29 to brief them on the PES program and discuss future directions.
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