The Next Generation Bhutan Foundation Annual Report 2016

Our nation’s vision can only be fulfilled if the scope of our dreams and aspirations are matched by the reality of our commitment to nurturing our future citizens.

—His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck Table of Contents

4 A time to invest in the Future: Letters from our Co-Chairs and President

8 Youth citizen scientists research how environment responds to climate change

10 Tiger, tiger, burning bright!

13 How solving a community problem can protect snow leopards

15 Bhutan’s history, my history: A student explains the importance of cultural heritage

16 Teaching the next generation of health-care workers

18 Young medical professionals take health care to mountains, glaciers, and beyond

21 Specialized training means better services for children with disabilities

23 How simple agricultural innovation can provide hope

24 How the young and old bring a community back to life

26 Civil society organizations play important role in youth participation

29 Our Partners

30 Bhutan Foundation Grants Fiscal Year 2016

34 Financial Overview

36 Ways to Give

38 Our Team Table of Contents

4 A time to invest in the Future: Letters from our Co-Chairs and President

8 Youth citizen scientists research how environment responds to climate change

10 Tiger, tiger, burning bright!

13 How solving a community problem can protect snow leopards

15 Bhutan’s history, my history: A student explains the importance of cultural heritage

16 Teaching the next generation of health-care workers

18 Young medical professionals take health care to mountains, glaciers, and beyond

21 Specialized training means better services for children with disabilities

23 How simple agricultural innovation can provide hope

24 How the young and old bring a community back to life

26 Civil society organizations play important role in youth participation

29 Our Partners

30 Bhutan Foundation Grants Fiscal Year 2016

34 Financial Overview

36 Ways to Give

38 Our Team A Time to Invest ...... in the Future In today’s Bhutan, we have many reasons to be proud and hopeful: our beautiful traditions and cultural heritage, our diverse natural environment, our opportunities for development, and much more. However, nothing gives us more pride in and hope for Bhutan than our young people. As we look towards the future, we believe that fostering their growth is where our best efforts must lie.

It is our aim as a country to provide each young person the opportunity to reach his or her full potential. Developing the skills and talents of our young people not only helps them to grow individually, it is essential for nation building. As we develop Bhutan’s young democracy, it has never been more important to have healthy, eager, trained, and educated young people to lead the way in social and economic development, environmental conservation, engagement in good governance, and cultural preservation. (Starting left) Dr. Bruce W. Bunting, President of the With these aspirations in mind, I am pleased to present to you The Next Bhutan Foundation, and Generation: Bhutan Foundation Annual Report 2016. In it, you will see that the Honorable Frank G. Wisner, Bhutan Foundation does much more than believe in the promise of children, Co-Chair of the Bhutan youth, and young adults. Your support through the Bhutan Foundation helps Foundation. young Bhutanese to learn, to share their knowledge with others, to stay healthy, to address obstacles, and to become employable. Your support will On February 5 of this year, Bhutan celebrated environment. In these pages, you’ll hear directly the Fourth King, and his father, the Fifth King. help the next generation carry on the values, cultures, and traditions that the birth of His Royal Highness, the Crown from Bhutan’s young people and from those Together with the monarchy, the government, give Bhutan its unique identity. Prince, Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck. whose work has an impact on them. A high- citizens’ organizations, and their religious, Here at the Bhutan Foundation, we have schooler describes the importance of cultural business, and intellectual communities, Bhutan’s My passion will always be to nurture our youth, day after day, year after redoubled our efforts to work with the heritage in a way we could not. A young dental future is in good hands. year—for it is their skills, their labor and commitment to the country that government, the institutions, and the people surgeon shares his experience of providing will build our future. There is no other path, no other tool, for Bhutan’s of Bhutan to further develop the country. We health care to nomadic yak herders in remote Through these pages, we hope you enjoy reading future success. I am deeply grateful for your support through the Bhutan believe our support is important and makes locations. An older resident of a small village about the contributions you are making to Foundation of Bhutan’s youth, who are indeed the builders of our future. a significant contribution to Bhutan’s next tells about a group of local young men who are Bhutan’s future. We at the Bhutan Foundation generation, and ultimately, its future. creating jobs in their community—including one look forward to our continued association with using his traditional skills. We couldn’t do these you. As you will see in The Next Generation: Bhutan stories justice, so we have relied on the people Foundation Annual Report 2016, our efforts who lived them to convey just what you are this year have included building the capacity accomplishing with your support through the of Bhutan’s youth and those who teach Bhutan Foundation. Her Majesty the Queen Mother of Bhutan them, providing mentors and professional Gyalyum Tshering Pem Wangchuck development, preserving their cultural heritage, Bhutan’s Crown Prince joins two living Hon. Frank G. Wisner Dr. Bruce W. Bunting Co-Chair and imparting ways to protect their natural generations of kings in Bhutan: his grandfather, Co-Chair President 4 5 A Time to Invest ...... in the Future In today’s Bhutan, we have many reasons to be proud and hopeful: our beautiful traditions and cultural heritage, our diverse natural environment, our opportunities for development, and much more. However, nothing gives us more pride in and hope for Bhutan than our young people. As we look towards the future, we believe that fostering their growth is where our best efforts must lie.

It is our aim as a country to provide each young person the opportunity to reach his or her full potential. Developing the skills and talents of our young people not only helps them to grow individually, it is essential for nation building. As we develop Bhutan’s young democracy, it has never been more important to have healthy, eager, trained, and educated young people to lead the way in social and economic development, environmental conservation, engagement in good governance, and cultural preservation. (Starting left) Dr. Bruce W. Bunting, President of the With these aspirations in mind, I am pleased to present to you The Next Bhutan Foundation, and Generation: Bhutan Foundation Annual Report 2016. In it, you will see that the Honorable Frank G. Wisner, Bhutan Foundation does much more than believe in the promise of children, Co-Chair of the Bhutan youth, and young adults. Your support through the Bhutan Foundation helps Foundation. young Bhutanese to learn, to share their knowledge with others, to stay healthy, to address obstacles, and to become employable. Your support will On February 5 of this year, Bhutan celebrated environment. In these pages, you’ll hear directly the Fourth King, and his father, the Fifth King. help the next generation carry on the values, cultures, and traditions that the birth of His Royal Highness, the Crown from Bhutan’s young people and from those Together with the monarchy, the government, give Bhutan its unique identity. Prince, Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck. whose work has an impact on them. A high- citizens’ organizations, and their religious, Here at the Bhutan Foundation, we have schooler describes the importance of cultural business, and intellectual communities, Bhutan’s My passion will always be to nurture our youth, day after day, year after redoubled our efforts to work with the heritage in a way we could not. A young dental future is in good hands. year—for it is their skills, their labor and commitment to the country that government, the institutions, and the people surgeon shares his experience of providing will build our future. There is no other path, no other tool, for Bhutan’s of Bhutan to further develop the country. We health care to nomadic yak herders in remote Through these pages, we hope you enjoy reading future success. I am deeply grateful for your support through the Bhutan believe our support is important and makes locations. An older resident of a small village about the contributions you are making to Foundation of Bhutan’s youth, who are indeed the builders of our future. a significant contribution to Bhutan’s next tells about a group of local young men who are Bhutan’s future. We at the Bhutan Foundation generation, and ultimately, its future. creating jobs in their community—including one look forward to our continued association with using his traditional skills. We couldn’t do these you. As you will see in The Next Generation: Bhutan stories justice, so we have relied on the people Foundation Annual Report 2016, our efforts who lived them to convey just what you are this year have included building the capacity accomplishing with your support through the of Bhutan’s youth and those who teach Bhutan Foundation. Her Majesty the Queen Mother of Bhutan them, providing mentors and professional Gyalyum Tshering Pem Wangchuck development, preserving their cultural heritage, Bhutan’s Crown Prince joins two living Hon. Frank G. Wisner Dr. Bruce W. Bunting Co-Chair and imparting ways to protect their natural generations of kings in Bhutan: his grandfather, Co-Chair President 4 5 For 30 years, the Bhutan Foundation has supported Bhutan’s development by building in-country capacity and facilitating exceptional global expertise. We focus on programs that help the Bhutanese people to conserve their environment, support equitable and sustainable development, participate in good governance, and preserve their cultural heritage. We have witnessed the country transition from an absolute monarchy to one of the world’s youngest democracies. We continue to provide support for the next generation of Bhutanese, enabling them to shape Bhutan’s future as envisioned by their people. For 30 years, the Bhutan Foundation has supported Bhutan’s development by building in-country capacity and facilitating exceptional global expertise. We focus on programs that help the Bhutanese people to conserve their environment, support equitable and sustainable development, participate in good governance, and preserve their cultural heritage. We have witnessed the country transition from an absolute monarchy to one of the world’s youngest democracies. We continue to provide support for the next generation of Bhutanese, enabling them to shape Bhutan’s future as envisioned by their people. Youth citizen scientists research how environment responds to climate change

As a member of the Himalayan Earth Rhythm Observation and Evaluation System (HEROES) project in our school, I am part of a team of students and teachers who record how plants change their physical appearance in reaction to changing climate. Climate change is one of the most imminent threats facing our planet today, and we must have a better understanding of how this affects our immediate environment.

Before this project, I hardly paid any attention to the natural rhythm of plants and animals we find in our environment. As we walked around our campus learning the herbs, shrubs, and trees that grow here, we started noticing how the leaves, buds, and flowers grow at different times according to the temperature and amount of moisture and sunlight. Then we realized that our parents and grandparents took cues from nature to start planting their seeds or crops or to harvest them. They were listening to nature all along.

It is amazing to think of plants and animals around us as giving clues of how climate change is affecting them and ultimately us. Ever since we started this project, we have been recording hundreds of observations every day. On top of that, the automatic weather station records maximum and minimum temperature, relative humidity, and daylight hours. Through the project, we have been learning biology, geography, and scientific inquiry in the field. In fact, our daily tasks are so interesting that I hope I can continue doing this even after I leave high school.

The HEROES project is funded by the Karuna Foundation through the Bhutan Foundation and is a network of 23 weather stations spread across Bhutan. Twenty of these high-tech weather stations are monitored by nature clubs in 20 schools. Three are managed by yak herders and park staff in high altitudes. This aspect of learning about climate change and its effects in Bhutan has now made its way into our high-school environmental science curriculum and will be learned by all Bhutanese students.

I am proud of the work that my friends and I, and hundreds of other students across Bhutan, do collecting detailed records of how plants respond to climate change. I hope that this project will contribute to a better understanding of how our environment responds to climate change so that we can devise better ways of adapting to such effects.

Nawaraj Rai 10th grade Mendrelgang Central School

8 ConservationA Shared Planet of the Environment 9 Youth citizen scientists research how environment responds to climate change

Nawaraj Rai 10th grade Mendrelgang Central School

8 ConservationA Shared Planet of the Environment 9 Tiger, tiger, burning bright!

As a tiger biologist, I spend hours and hours each day poring over thousands of camera-trap photos, sorting them out, and identifying the animals. Simultaneously, I spend many days out in the forest looking for tigers along with my colleagues from the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment (UWICE), and the Jigme Singye Wangchuck and Royal Manas National Parks. Tiger, leopard, jungle cat, elephant, clouded leopard, wild pig, you name it—we have seen them all. Mainly, we are trying to figure out how many tigers we have in Bhutan, where they are, and how they are doing so that we can take sound conservation actions to protect them.

The best part of my day is when I am in the field. Working deep in the jungles of Bhutan, you often have many hours to yourself and get time to reflect—you can see the world from the perspective of the animals. Sometimes, when you think you are alone and look through an opening amid the trees, you can see tiny houses and fields down in the valley, and it is amazing how close our villages are to the homes of the tigers. At other times, we walk for days and days without coming across another human being, and the extent of undisturbed forests in Bhutan mesmerizes me. It gives me great hope for the future of tigers in Bhutan, judging from the intactness of their habitat alone. While in the forests, we are also looking for tigers so that we can attach high-tech GPS collars to find out their movement patterns to better inform us of their conservation needs. We are excited about this project supported by the Bhutan Foundation and other partners.

The greatest joy, of course, comes from knowing that tigers roam freely across our whole country, from the southern foothills to the northern mountains. Once, we saw in our camera-trap photos a young tiger from the subtropical forests of Royal Manas National Park on the Indian border at an elevation of less than 500 feet. Just two years later, the same tiger, now a young adult, showed up in our camera-trap photos from Jigme Dorji National Park in the north at an altitude of 13,000 feet. It had traversed hundreds of miles across the country! My theory is that this young tiger was born in the south, but as it grew older, it moved north and established its own territory there, much like a young person moving away from home to make a name for him- or herself in a new place! What an adventure! Another time, we followed a female tiger that had two very young cubs, which we saw again the next year with now older cubs. Such evidence of tigers being born and surviving into maturity is a good indication of how well tiger populations are doing in Bhutan. It is heart-warming to know that the next generation of tigers is safe in Bhutan and will continue to be an iconic part of our mountain landscape.

Tshering Tempa Tiger Biologist Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment 10 Conservation of the Environment 11 Tiger, tiger, burning bright!

Tshering Tempa Tiger Biologist Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment 10 Conservation of the Environment 11 How solving a community problem can protect snow leopards

I have been working for six years as the livestock extension supervisor in Soe gewog under the Livestock Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests. In November 2013, I visited a local household located at the base of Mt. Jomolhari, where I spotted a young yak in the backyard behaving very strangely. The yak was not tethered but was rotating in one direction for some time, a behavior I had never seen before. The owner told me that this yak was affected by “Guyum Ney,” i.e., gid disease. Gid disease is caused by a tapeworm in the feces of dogs, which is transmitted to yaks while grazing. A cyst often develops in the brain cavity of the yak, exerting pressure on the brain and causing strange behaviors and, eventually, death. I researched the disease further once I returned to my office and felt helpless when I found out that it is preventable but not curable and that it may be an epidemic in Soe. However, Mr. Sangay, a local yak herder, proved me wrong when he surgically extracted a white cyst from the yak. After that, the yak was active, but proper surgery and care were needed for full recovery. This was difficult in a remote place like Soe, and prevention was the best method to eradicating this disease.

I learned that gid disease is widespread throughout the highland regions of Bhutan. In 2013, gid disease in Soe was rampant, and about 34 percent of young yak mortality was attributed to it. After seeing this, I initiated a gid control program in collaboration with the local government and the yak herders. Over the course of three years, we carried out a program to deworm all the dogs within the Soe region in order to prevent gid disease. We also vaccinated and sterilized stray and guard dogs in the area to control its population. In 2015, we found out that yak mortality due to gid disease was reduced to 8 percent from 34 percent in 2013. The success of this program would not have been possible without the Bhutan Foundation’s support.

Through this program, we were not only able to educate the local leaders and yak herders, but also able to teach the children in the village about the issues surrounding gid disease. This program also fit in very well with the Jomolhari Snow Leopard Conservation Program of the Bhutan Foundation in that the local community now understands that previously more yaks were lost to gid disease than to snow leopards. Having this community buy-in has helped the sustainability and continuation of snow leopard conservation in the Jomolhari region and has solved a major problem surrounding the community’s main source of sustenance, the yaks.

Namgay Livestock Extension Supervisor Ministry of Agriculture and Forests

12 Conservation of the Environment 13 How solving a community problem can protect snow leopards

Namgay Livestock Extension Supervisor Ministry of Agriculture and Forests

12 Conservation of the Environment 13 Bhutan’s history, my history: A student explains the importance of cultural heritage

My name is Sonam Chhoewang, and I am currently a student in 11th grade at Jakar Higher Secondary School in Bumthang in the north central part of Bhutan. The Wangduechhoeling Palace, located in the heart of Bumthang, plays an important role not only in Bhutan’s history, but also in my family’s history. My father was an attendant to the Royal Court of the Third King of Bhutan, working as a compounder (health assistant), and when my great grandfather was a young boy, he served the Second King. Thus, I have grown up living with the history of the Wangduechhoeling Palace being told and retold in my own home.

I was so fortunate to participate in the essay competition organized by the Bhutan Foundation on the World Monuments Fund Watch Day in 2012 when I was in eighth grade at Wangduechhoeling Lower Secondary School. It was such a great opportunity to study deeper into the history of the palace through the eyes of my father and great grandfather. Recently, I participated in another program organized by the Bhutan Foundation and the Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy to document these stories from the palace using photography, videos, and the art of storytelling. These programs not only helped create awareness about the palace and its significance in Bhutan’s history, but it also gave us, the students, an opportunity to learn about our country’s history by exploring stories that came from within our own community.

During the program, I spoke to Ap Tekpa, a 73-year-old royal bodyguard veteran, who spent most of his childhood days at the palace serving the Second Druk Gyalpo (King). He recalled the days when he was one of the few children who had the privilege to spend time with His Majesty. He told us that His Majesty was very fond of children and would often give delicious porridge and sweets, a rare luxury during those times. He witnessed His Majesty playing archery on the palace grounds with an extraordinary arrow that was especially made for His Majesty. When we spoke to Ap Tekpa about the restoration work going on at the palace, he was overjoyed and beyond excited to hear that it is being restored to its previous glory. He continues to visit the palace to this day and offers prayers at the Lingkha Lhakhang, a temple on the palace grounds that has now been completely restored.

Hearing the stories of the palace from within my family and from many community members who have served in the palace brings me immense joy and hope. As a young student, besides sitting in my classroom listening to lectures from my history teacher, there is not much we learn about the history of our kings and our country. Being able to learn first-hand from community members and, now, being able to share these stories with the rest of my community has been such an honor. I hope that the palace can portray these stories one day for students and future generations so that we can continue to learn about how the Wangchuck dynasty was born and continues to thrive.

Sonam Chhoewang 11th Grade 14 Preservation of Culture ConservationJakar of theHigher Environment Secondary School 15 Bhutan’s history, my history: A student explains the importance of cultural heritage

Sonam Chhoewang 11th Grade 14 Preservation of Culture ConservationJakar of theHigher Environment Secondary School 15 Teaching the next generation of health-care workers

This year, I was selected to pursue a postgraduate fellowship in the Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases at the Yale School of Public Health. I am the sixth faculty member from the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences (KGUMS) of Bhutan to obtain a semester fellowship at the Yale School of Public Health. This fellowship is part of the Bhutan Foundation’s Public Health Program, which aims to strengthen public health education, training, research, and policy in Bhutan.

The objective of the Yale exchange program is for Bhutanese instructors to take the Yale public health graduate-level courses in order to improve the content, method, and techniques of teaching the public health curriculum to Bhutan’s future health-care workers at KGUMS. My areas of focus are epidemiology and community health program planning, management, and evaluation. I am looking forward to acquiring new knowledge in epidemiology and public health, and imparting that knowledge to the next generation of health-care workers in Bhutan.

Apart from teaching at the Faculty of Nursing and Public Health, I oversee the Department of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences in Bhutan. My previous health research in Bhutan includes “Trust and satisfaction towards health care providers and services” and “Health care seeking patterns for children in Bhutan.” While at Yale, I plan to develop a research proposal on the “Quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS in Bhutan.” By engaging in research with faculty members from Yale, I will enhance my skills in designing and conducting research projects so that, upon my return, I can work on strengthening health research in Bhutan. Furthermore, I will continue to explore areas of collaboration between Yale and Bhutan for the long-term future.

Tshering Dukpa Lecturer, Faculty of Nursing and Public Health Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan

16 17 EquitableA Shared Planet and Sustainable Development 17 Teaching the next generation of health-care workers

Tshering Dukpa Lecturer, Faculty of Nursing and Public Health Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan

16 17 EquitableA Shared Planet and Sustainable Development 17 Young medical professionals take health care to mountains, glaciers, and beyond

My name is Dechen Phuntso, from Mongar in eastern Bhutan, and I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in dental surgery from Navodaya Dental College and Hospital in Karnataka, India, in 2014. I was lucky enough to get my first job at the Wangduechhoeling District Hospital in the Bumthang valley, central Bhutan, as the general duty dental surgeon. I felt fortunate not only because Bumthang is one of the holiest places in Bhutan, with colorful festivals all year round, but also because I got the opportunity to participate in the nomad health camps initiated by the hospital staff with support from the Bhutan Foundation.

It came to my attention that the yak herders who live higher up in the mountains do not come to the hospital at all because the most important thing to them is their work and herding their yaks. In addition, they say that they do not go to the hospitals because of the difficult terrain and distance, which takes a lot of time to traverse. Thus, having their health checked and monitored is difficult for them.

The Wangduechhoeling Hospital put together a team of six people—a medical doctor, a dental surgeon, an ophthalmic assistant, a health assistant, a pharmacy technician, and a traditional medicine doctor—to provide health care to the yak herders. This was possible because of funding received from the Bhutan Foundation’s public health program and the collaboration with the Wangchuck Centennial National Park. When we set up the first nomad health camp, we were surprised to see that 157 patients showed up! We provided screenings for noncommunicable diseases, tuberculosis, leprosy, and sexually transmitted diseases. We also provided dental and oral hygiene, eye check-ups, and blood examinations, and we dispensed medicine. Our traditional medical doctor provided traditionally based check-ups and medicine for those who preferred this method of treatment. I treated about 71 patients for dental caries and performed restoration, extraction, and scaling, and also noticed that all of the 15 children whom I examined had very poor oral hygiene. We were providing much-needed services.

Every part of the trip makes me smile, and the gratitude that was shown to us from the nomads will always be memorable. The determination and cooperation of the team also helped us bond, as we are a young group of new graduates who have been posted in the hospital at Bumthang. Being able to treat the underserved population in the mountains was an excellent learning experience for us, and we hope that the support for nomad health camps will continue so that health service delivery is possible for all.

Dechen Phuntsho Dental Surgeon Wangduechhoeling District Hospital

18 EquitableStories of Hopeand Sustainable Development 19

Young medical professionals take health care to mountains, glaciers, and beyond

Dechen Phuntsho Dental Surgeon Wangduechhoeling District Hospital

18 EquitableStories of Hopeand Sustainable Development 19

Specialized training means better services for children with disabilities

After graduating with a master’s degree in social work from Madras Christian College in Chennai, India, I was searching online for job opportunities in my field of study. After much research, I came across an article inKuensel , Bhutan’s national newspaper, about the inauguration of Ability Bhutan Society (ABS), a small civil society organization (CSO) that provides services for children with disabilities. Immediately, I applied to become an intern and volunteered for three months, after which I was hired as the first full-time employee of ABS.

Ability Bhutan Society was founded as a result of concerns from a group of parents about their children with disabilities who received limited but not sufficient services from the Royal Government of Bhutan. Having had no experience in this field, I worked tirelessly with our founder and executive director, Ms. Beda Giri, to get programs started at ABS. We received help from a special education specialist from the United States and were able to start minor programs, including awareness campaigns on the different types of disabilities and parent education. As awareness for our organization grew, so did the number of children and parents who came to seek support at ABS. However, none of us at ABS had much training in this field, and it was a constant challenge for us to address the needs of all those who sought our help. Each child who came to ABS seemed to have different needs, and it was difficult for us to identify and screen these children to provide the right type of intervention.

The Bhutan Foundation has supported ABS since its inception, and when the Foundation offered us an opportunity to be trained at the Anderson Center for Autism (ACA) in New York, we were thrilled. Over the last year and a half, I have spent my time at the ACA learning about opportunities for education, life-skills development, and clinical, health, and residential needs of children and adults on the autism spectrum. In addition, I have been getting my certification for Applied Behavior Analysis from the Florida Institute of Technology, which was facilitated by ACA as a part of the experiential learning process. I was also able to work as an assistant behavior analyst, receiving over 1,500 hours of supervision from a certified behavior analyst.

With all the skills and support I have received, I plan to go back to ABS to improve our programs significantly, especially on the clinical side. I hope to improve the services provided by the ABS social workers by conducting research-based trainings for them. By building the capacity of the social workers and providing proper interventions for our children with disabilities, I hope to accomplish my goal to improve and increase services for children and adults with disabilities. I also hope that the services provided by ABS can be carried on through many generations to come.

Thuji Program Officer Ability Bhutan Society 20 Equitable and Sustainable Development 21 Specialized training means better services for children with disabilities

Thuji Program Officer Ability Bhutan Society 20 Equitable and Sustainable Development 21 How simple agricultural innovation can provide hope

I am from the Morong village in Samdrup Jongkhar (in the southeastern region of Bhutan) and have been working for the Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative (SJI) since it was established in 2010. In Bhutan, demand for local rice exceeds supply. This demand has not only increased the cost of local rice but has increased rice import from countries like India. In 2005, there were 4,205 acres of rice grown in Samdrup Jongkhar. The average yield was 930 kilograms per acre (kg/ac), close to the average yield for rice across Bhutan of 1,082 kg/ ac. This was still not meeting the local needs. Thus, we at SJI came up with an evidence-based solution: System of Rice Intensification (SRI), an agricultural innovation used throughout the world in developing countries to improve rice yield.

The Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative is a community- and evidence-based effort to put Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness development philosophy into action on the ground and at a grassroots level as a model for the rest of the country. Throughout the first six years at SJI, we did extensive research to lay strong foundations and initiated a wide range of local actions, from programs that further food sufficiency to zero-waste programs. We also started youth programs whereby we train young Bhutanese through workshops in organic agriculture, zero-waste management, and vocational and entrepreneurial skills. These opportunities in Samdrup Jongkhar avoid the growing tide of rural-to-urban migration and encourage young Bhutanese not only to stay in their villages but to become self- employed.

To further our youth efforts and our mission, we at SJI felt that SRI should be sought to improve the yield of Bhutanese rice to meet local demand and to enhance food security and food self-sufficiency. SRI is a method for increasing the productivity of irrigated rice by changing the management of plants, soil, water, and nutrients. Studies in a number of countries have shown significant increase in rice yield with substantial saving of seeds (80 percent), water (25-50 percent), and cost (10 percent) compared with the conventional methods. In 2014, SJI implemented two successful trials in two gewogs (villages) in Samdrup Jongkhar, and the SRI program out-yielded the conventional method in Pemathang gewog by 28 percent. Shortly thereafter, farmers were taking note of these new trials by conducting their own on-farm trials. This pilot study has shown that SRI has the potential to increase the average rice yield in Samdrup Jongkhar and improve the livelihoods of small-scale farmers and their families who depend on a successful and abundant harvest. SJI is very thankful to the Bhutan Foundation for making these trials possible through their support. We are hopeful that we will be able to introduce this method of production throughout the rest of the villages in Samdrup Jongkhar and, eventually, the rest of Bhutan to increase our rice yield to meet our rice needs.

Cheku Dorji Zero Waste Project Coordinator Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative

22 Equitable and Sustainable Development 23 How simple agricultural innovation can provide hope

Cheku Dorji Zero Waste Project Coordinator Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative

22 Equitable and Sustainable Development 23 How the young and old bring a community back to life

My hometown, Panbang, is a remote community in south central Bhutan with a population of about 1,500 people. It lies in the heart of subtropical biodiversity richness and is adjacent to Royal Manas National Park. Over the years, I have seen a lot of changes in Panbang. One recent change involves a group of young members of our community who have created a business here rather than move to the city. The result is positive for all ages in our community. Let me explain.

I was unfortunate that my parents did not enroll me in school, and I was left at home, uneducated. I spent my early childhood days helping my parents raise cows, working on the farm, and doing other house chores. When I turned 18, I got selected to train in the army and served the government from 1979 until 2002, when I retired. Unfortunately, due to health issues, I had to come back to Panbang, and now, I am working as a farmer, shopkeeper, and sometimes I do a bit of work as a gomchen (lay monk). When I was a young boy, Panbang was a heavily forested area, and much of the time we were forced to stay out of our land to avoid wild animal attacks. In addition, anything that we cultivated was destroyed and eaten by the wild elephants, boars, bears, porcupines, monkeys, and deer. Thus, we planted cotton, which was also largely used to produce clothes and for tax payment to the government. We were mainly dependent on the wealth of the forest and used bamboo as a main resource to construct our hut homes, basket utensils, and food and water reservoirs.

Today, Panbang has changed and so has Bhutan. We went from bamboo thatched-roof huts to corrugated-metal–roofed houses, plantation of one crop into many different varieties, bamboo bridges into suspension and concrete bridges, footpaths into motor roads, a pair of oxen into power tillers, kerosene lamps into electric bulbs, and much more. Life is much easier, and life for our youth is very different in comparison to our times. Their prime responsibility is to go to school and help with minimal household chores. However, most of them do not want to stay in the villages. They want to go to the big towns and work in an office. This practice deeply saddens me because our farmlands are left either barren or uncultivated, and our villages are dying out. If we are to develop at the village level, a good size of the population needs to stay back in the villages.

The River Guides of Panbang is a social enterprise creating job opportunities in our little town, and its founders are setting a good example for the youth in our village. At first I thought they were a community water supply group, but I later found out that they are all hard-working and educated young men starting a business in river rafting. The Bhutan Foundation has supported the River Guides of Panbang ever since it was founded. We are proud of the river guides because they have not only brought tourism into our community but also have initiated a lot of positive development for the locals to keep our surroundings clean and much more. They even come around to our houses and suggest how we can sell our homemade products to tourists. They have created jobs for our young men in the community, and they also hired me to build bamboo- thatched roofs, our traditional method for roofs, for the jungle camp that they recently built. I have two sons who have completed 12th grade and now are helping me at home. I would like for them to learn about opportunities to work in the village like the river guides because I hear it is very difficult to get a government job these days. The River Guides of Panbang is opening up our community to the world and bringing excitement to our youth who now see a brighter future in our village.

Tshering 24 Panbang Equitable and Sustainable Development 25 How the young and old bring a community back to life

Tshering 24 Panbang Equitable and Sustainable Development 25 Civil society organizations play important role for youth

I have served as a member of the National Council, the upper house of our parliament, since 2008. In my opinion, the activities of our civil society organizations (CSOs)—associations, foundations, charitable trusts, and other nonprofit entities that are not part of the government—have greatly complemented the efforts of the Royal Government of Bhutan in advancing the socio-economic development of the country. Currently, there are 47 registered CSOs in Bhutan working in various fields, ranging from media to entrepreneurship to social issues Unlike the situation in many countries, CSOs in Bhutan are well managed and have a very good public standing. We greatly value the support provided by the Bhutan Foundation in assisting Bhutan’s CSOs in developing good governance and financial management of their organizations.

Bhutan’s CSOs have a significant role to play in taking forward the country’s development agenda. Despite the Royal Government’s unstinted efforts in pursuing the country’s vision of maximizing happiness, not all can be done through the state authorities alone. For example, lack of financial resources and human capacities, and typical long bureaucratic procedures, often result in delayed service delivery. Engagement of CSOs in such areas would not only contribute toward enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of service delivery, but would expedite the development pace of the country as a whole. Given the credible track record of the performance of most of the existing CSOs, I see a huge potential for them to further their partnership with the Royal Government of Bhutan in the future.

As a member of parliament, I attend events related to advocacy, education, and fundraising. For example, through the Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy, a local partner of the Bhutan Foundation, I have given several talks to youth groups about the role of the National Council in a Bhutanese democracy. Many Bhutanese youth groups actively engage in activities of the CSOs, such as the Bhutan GNH Youth, Y-PEER community-based scouting, Harmony Youth, Youth Volunteers in Action through the Bhutan Youth Development Fund (YDF), Youth Initiative through the Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy, and DAISAN through RENEW. This is a very encouraging trend, as exposing our young people to such social services from an early age would certainly help build a sense of responsibility and inculcate a spirit of volunteerism in them. As citizens of a small country, we in Bhutan need a vibrant social capital. I believe instilling a sense of love, care, and respect for each other through our youth groups is key to building a vibrant democracy!

Tashi Wangmo Member of the National Council 26 GoodPreservation Governance of Culture 27 Civil society organizations play important role for youth

Tashi Wangmo Member of the National Council 26 GoodPreservation Governance of Culture 27 Local Partners International

Ability Bhutan Society Partners Bhutan Canada Foundation Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy Anderson Center for Autism Bhutan Ecological Society Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital Bhutan Media Foundation Fisheries Conservation Foundation Bhutan Nuns’ Foundation Harvard Humanitarian Initiative Bhutan Youth Development Fund Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO) Bumthang Health Team Humane Society International (HSI) Clean Bhutan Karuna Foundation Disabled Persons’ Association of Bhutan National Geographic Draktsho Vocational Training Center Perkins International Her Majesty’s Gyalyum Charitable Trust Phelps Memorial Hospital Center Jangsa Animal Saving Trust Smithsonian Institution Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital Snow Leopard Conservancy Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law Squire Patton Boggs LLP Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan The Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation Loden Foundation Tsao & McKown Architects Respect, Educate, Nurture and Empower Women University of Montana River Guides of Panbang US Ambassadors’ Fund for Cultural Preservation Royal Government of Bhutan USAID Royal Society for Protection of Nature World Monuments Fund Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative World Wildlife Fund Tarayana Foundation Yale University Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment VAST (Voluntary Artists’ Studio, Thimphu) World Wildlife Fund Bhutan 28 Our Partners 29 Local Partners International

Conservation of the Environment Equitable and Sustainable Development

200,000 to 300,000 100,000 to 200,000 Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences Sustainable Building Public Health Program

100,000 to 199,999 20,000 to 49,999 Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital Bhutan Phenology Study: Himalayan Environmental Rhythms Equipments for Jestun Pema Mother and Child Clinic Observation and Evaluation System Ministry of Education Enhancement of Educational Opportunities for Children with Special Needs 50,000 to 99,999 Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment 10,000 to 19,999 Tiger Conservation Program Ministry of Health Improving Emergency Medical Services Program 20,000 to 49,999 WWF Bhutan and Fisheries Conservation Foundation 5,000 to 9,999 Mahaseer Conservation Project Ability Bhutan Society Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment Anderson Center for Autism Training Monitoring Forest Cover Change Bumthang District Hospital Small Grant for Heaters 10,000 to 19,999 Jomolhari School 1,000 to 4,999 School Among Snow Leopards Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative Jomolhari Community Small Grant for System of Rice Intensification Snow Leopard Conservation Community Programs Wangchuck Centennial Park Small Grant for Nomad Health Camp 5,000 to 9,999

Conservation of the Environment Equitable and Sustainable Development

200,000 to 300,000 100,000 to 200,000 Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences Sustainable Building Public Health Program

River Guides of Panbang Up to 1,000 Jungle Lodge Civil Society Organizations QuickBooks for Nonprofits Namgay Dema Small Grant for Tuning Fork Film Festival Pema Gyaltshen 30 Grants Fiscal Year 2016 31 Small Grant for Local Authors 31 Good Governance School of Global Studies Bhutan Scholarship 100,000 to 200,000 1,000 to 4,999 Bhutan Nuns Foundation General Support Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy CSO Capacity Development Training 50,000 to 99,999 Department of Disaster Management Bhutan Youth Development Fund DIsaster Preparedness Trainings General Support Yale School of Forestry Bhutan Scholars Loden Foundation Travel Grants Loden Entrepreneurship Program Ogyen Choling Foundation

General Support 20,000 to 49,999 Shejun Bhutan Jangsa Animal Saving Trust General Support General Support Tarayana Foundation 10,000 to 19,999 General Support Her Majesty’s Gyalyum Charitable Trust Up to 1,000 General Support Royal Society for Protection of Nature National Biodiversity Center General Support Bhutan Orchid Project Volunteer Artists’ Studio of Thimphu (VAST) Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative General Support General Support WWF Bhutan General Support Preservation of Culture WWF Bhutan Over 300,000 Kora Tigers Campaign Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs 5,000 to 9,999 Restoration and Adaptive Re-use of Wangduechhoeling Palace Humane Society International, Bhutan Program 50,000 to 99,999 National Dog Population Management and Rabies Control Ministry of Home and Culture Bhutan Canada Foundation Trashigang Dzong Fire Mitigation Teach in Bhutan Respect Educate Nurture and Empower Women (RENEW) General Support

3232 Grants Fiscal Year 2016 Funding and Financial Overview 33 Good Governance School of Global Studies Bhutan Scholarship 100,000 to 200,000 1,000 to 4,999 Bhutan Nuns Foundation General Support Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy CSO Capacity Development Training 50,000 to 99,999 Department of Disaster Management Bhutan Youth Development Fund DIsaster Preparedness Trainings General Support Yale School of Forestry Bhutan Scholars Loden Foundation Travel Grants Loden Entrepreneurship Program Ogyen Choling Foundation

3232 Grants Fiscal Year 2016 Funding and Financial Overview 33 Financial Overview FINANCIAL SUMMARY FISCAL YEAR 2016 Chart Title During fiscal year 2016, the Bhutan Foundation raised SUPPORT AND REVENUE $2.42 million in revenues and $57,000 in-kind support. SUPPORT AND REVENUE Most of our funding continues to come from individuals Foundation and Trusts and private foundations. Foundation and Trust Contributions 1,317,603 2% 9%9% Individuals Individual Contributions The Bhutan Foundation strives to maximize the 888,256 Government Grants proportion of funds we raise toward supporting programs Government Grants 207,528 in Bhutan. I am pleased to report that in 2016, 89 percent In Kind In-Kind Services 57,347 Founda.ons and trusts of our total expenditures were program related. Program OtherIndividual Contribu.ons Support expenditures were as follows: $647,507 for conservation Corporate and Other Support 7,343 Government Grants of the environment; $489,966 for equitable and 53%53% In Kind Services Total Support and Revenue 36%36% sustainable development; $513,254 for good governance; 2,478,077 Other Support $513,605 for preservation of culture; and $125,692 for events to increase knowledge of Bhutan. Supporting services expenditures of $282,071 accounted for 11 PROGRAM EXPENSES percent of total expenses. Conservation of the Environment 647,507 Thanks to all of you for your continued support. Your Equitable and Sustainable Development 489,966 support helps the next generation of Bhutanese to Good Governance 513,254 conserve the environment, uphold their culture, advocate for good governance, and promote equitable and Preservation of Culture 513,605 sustainable development. Events to Increase Knowledge of Bhutan 125,692 PROGRAMChart Title VS SUPPORTING SERVICES Total Program Expenses 2,290,024 Program

5%5% Management and Admin SUPPORTING SERVICES 6%6% Fundraising Fundraising 142,466 Brian J. Menkes Treasurer Management and Administration 139,604

Total Supporting Services 282,070 Program Management and Admin TOTAL EXPENSES 2,572,094 Fundraising

89%89% 34 © Brick Root 35 Financial Overview FINANCIAL SUMMARY FISCAL YEAR 2016 Chart Title During fiscal year 2016, the Bhutan Foundation raised SUPPORT AND REVENUE $2.42 million in revenues and $57,000 in-kind support. SUPPORT AND REVENUE Most of our funding continues to come from individuals Foundation and Trusts and private foundations. Foundation and Trust Contributions 1,317,603 2% 9%9% Individuals Individual Contributions The Bhutan Foundation strives to maximize the 888,256 Government Grants proportion of funds we raise toward supporting programs Government Grants 207,528 in Bhutan. I am pleased to report that in 2016, 89 percent In Kind In-Kind Services 57,347 Founda.ons and trusts of our total expenditures were program related. Program OtherIndividual Contribu.ons Support expenditures were as follows: $647,507 for conservation Corporate and Other Support 7,343 Government Grants of the environment; $489,966 for equitable and 53%53% In Kind Services Total Support and Revenue 36%36% sustainable development; $513,254 for good governance; 2,478,077 Other Support $513,605 for preservation of culture; and $125,692 for events to increase knowledge of Bhutan. Supporting services expenditures of $282,071 accounted for 11 PROGRAM EXPENSES percent of total expenses. Conservation of the Environment 647,507 Thanks to all of you for your continued support. Your Equitable and Sustainable Development 489,966 support helps the next generation of Bhutanese to Good Governance 513,254 conserve the environment, uphold their culture, advocate for good governance, and promote equitable and Preservation of Culture 513,605 sustainable development. Events to Increase Knowledge of Bhutan 125,692 PROGRAMChart Title VS SUPPORTING SERVICES Total Program Expenses 2,290,024 Program

5%5% Management and Admin SUPPORTING SERVICES 6%6% Fundraising Fundraising 142,466 Brian J. Menkes Treasurer Management and Administration 139,604

Total Supporting Services 282,070 Program Management and Admin TOTAL EXPENSES 2,572,094 Fundraising

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Send a Check Bhutan Foundation 3121 South Street NW Washington, DC 20007

Wire your Donation or Please contact the Bhutan Foundation at Make a Stock Gift (202) 609-7363 or email: [email protected]

A Gift in Your Will Please remember the Bhutan Foundation with a gift in your will.

Your support helps build Bhutan’s future by filling gaps and realizing hopes and aspirations.

Donate Online www.bhutanfound.org/donate

Send a Check Bhutan Foundation 3121 South Street NW Washington, DC 20007

Wire your Donation or Please contact the Bhutan Foundation at Make a Stock Gift (202) 609-7363 or email: [email protected]

A Gift in Your Will Please remember the Bhutan Foundation with a gift in your will.

36 © Sonam C. Wangchuk A Shared Planet 37 Our Team Advisory Council Staff Mr. Rudolf J. Laager Washington, DC Thimphu, Bhutan Chairperson Mr. Tshewang R. Wangchuk Mr. Tshering Dorji Hon. Brian Baird Executive Director Program Director Dasho Paljor J. Dorji Mr. Yeshey Dorji Ms. Dawa Sherpa Ms. Deepika Chhetri Dr. Peggy Dulany Program Director Program Manager Ms. Caroline D. Gabel Ms. Eloise Goelet Hackett Ms. Tshering Yangzom Ms. Sonam Y. Tobgyel Communications and Program Manager Mrs. Joy B. Greenway Program Officer Hon. Jim T. Kolbe Mr. Riksel W. Tshering Mr. Phuntsho Namgay Mr. Nicholas Manice Program Associate Communications Officer Mr. Zack McKown Ms. Elisabeth C. Meeker Mr. Kinley Tshering Honorary Patron Secretary Board of Directors Dr. L. Scott Mills Finance Officer Her Majesty Ashi Kesang Choeden Wangchuck Mr. Michael J. Mars Ms. Sharon Chang Dr. Kathy Morley The Royal Grandmother of Bhutan Mrs. Daphne Hoch Cunningham Dr. Diana Natalicio Treasurer Mr. Kinley Rabgay Mr. Douglas W. Hamilton, Jr. Ms. Sonam Ongmo Co-Chair Persons Mr. Brian J. Menkes Office Assistant Ms. Jane Hancock Mr. Vincent S. Pérez Her Majesty Gyalyum Tshering Pem Wangchuck Director Emeritus The Queen Mother of Bhutan Mr. Eric Lemelson Ms. Françoise Pommaret Mr. and Mrs. John and Henrietta Goelet Mr. Gérard A. Tardy Hon. Frank G. Wisner Mrs. Donna E. Marshall Mrs. Lisina M. Hoch Hon. Kunzang C. Namgyel Mr. Jamyang Tashi President Hon. Om Pradhan Mr. Tshering Gyaltshen Penjor Mr. Sonam Tobgay Dr. Bruce W. Bunting Mr. Michael Philipp Mr. Anurag Varma Vice President Mr. William Tacon Dasho Lhatu T. Wangchuk Mrs. Lucy Goelet Mrs. Sukey N. Wagner Ms. Dechen Wangmo Ms. Rebecca D. Winsor Ms. Melina Ward 38 Ms. Elise Zoli 39 Our Team Advisory Council Staff Mr. Rudolf J. Laager Washington, DC Thimphu, Bhutan Chairperson Mr. Tshewang R. Wangchuk Mr. Tshering Dorji Hon. Brian Baird Executive Director Program Director Dasho Paljor J. Dorji Mr. Yeshey Dorji Ms. Dawa Sherpa Ms. Deepika Chhetri Dr. Peggy Dulany Program Director Program Manager Ms. Caroline D. Gabel Ms. Eloise Goelet Hackett Ms. Tshering Yangzom Ms. Sonam Y. Tobgyel Communications and Program Manager Mrs. Joy B. Greenway Program Officer Hon. Jim T. Kolbe Mr. Riksel W. Tshering Mr. Phuntsho Namgay Mr. Nicholas Manice Program Associate Communications Officer Mr. Zack McKown Ms. Elisabeth C. Meeker Mr. Kinley Tshering Honorary Patron Secretary Board of Directors Dr. L. Scott Mills Finance Officer Her Majesty Ashi Kesang Choeden Wangchuck Mr. Michael J. Mars Ms. Sharon Chang Dr. Kathy Morley The Royal Grandmother of Bhutan Mrs. Daphne Hoch Cunningham Dr. Diana Natalicio Treasurer Mr. Kinley Rabgay Mr. Douglas W. Hamilton, Jr. Ms. Sonam Ongmo Co-Chair Persons Mr. Brian J. Menkes Office Assistant Ms. Jane Hancock Mr. Vincent S. Pérez Her Majesty Gyalyum Tshering Pem Wangchuck Director Emeritus The Queen Mother of Bhutan Mr. Eric Lemelson Ms. Françoise Pommaret Mr. and Mrs. John and Henrietta Goelet Mr. Gérard A. Tardy Hon. Frank G. Wisner Mrs. Donna E. Marshall Mrs. Lisina M. Hoch Hon. Kunzang C. Namgyel Mr. Jamyang Tashi President Hon. Om Pradhan Mr. Tshering Gyaltshen Penjor Mr. Sonam Tobgay Dr. Bruce W. Bunting Mr. Michael Philipp Mr. Anurag Varma Vice President Mr. William Tacon Dasho Lhatu T. Wangchuk Mrs. Lucy Goelet Mrs. Sukey N. Wagner Ms. Dechen Wangmo Ms. Rebecca D. Winsor Ms. Melina Ward 38 Ms. Elise Zoli 39 Contact Us Washington, DC Thimphu, Bhutan Website: www.bhutanfound.org Bhutan Foundation Bhutan Foundation Find us on social media: @BhutanFdn 3121 South Street NW Nazhoen Pelri Youth Center Washington, DC 20007 PO Box 255 USA Thimphu, Bhutan

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© 2016 BHUTAN FOUNDATION Contact Us Washington, DC Thimphu, Bhutan Website: www.bhutanfound.org Bhutan Foundation Bhutan Foundation Find us on social media: @BhutanFdn 3121 South Street NW Nazhoen Pelri Youth Center Washington, DC 20007 PO Box 255 USA Thimphu, Bhutan

Tel: (202) 609-7363 Tel: +975 (2) 322751 Fax: (202) 787-3943 Fax: +975 (2) 335614 email: [email protected] email: [email protected]