Dancing Star Foundation - Biodiversity Conservation

DSF's commitment to Bhutanese environmental protection and indigenous culture stems from the recognition that the country has managed to create one of the greatest blueprints
for successful conservation anywhere in the world, with a protected network encompassing over 28% of this important Buddhist nation in an eastern Himalayan hotspot. Back in the 1970s the Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, established a constitutional precedent by which at least 60% of all primary forest canopy in the country would remain inviolate. To date, more than 70% of Bhutan's native flora and fauna remains pristine.

The former director and founder of the country's National Biodiversity Centre, located in the hills above the nation's capital, Dr. Ugyen Tshewang, is a Dancing Star Foundation
Research Fellow. He is the new Governor (Dzongkag) of the most eastern province, Trashi Yangste. Dr. Ugyen Tshewang's outstanding contribution to preserving the biological heritage of Bhutan and the Eastern Himalayas sets an impressive example for conservation worldwide. A scientist, animal protection advocate and global ecologist, Dr. Ugyen Tshewang implemented a comprehensive gene bank for preserving the rare native species of the country, oversees the national herbarium and sustains major work with respect to the country's 9 national parks, protected areas and biological corridors. Recently, Dr. Ugyen Tshewang was also charged with overseeing the nation's Biodiversity Action Plan, under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

DSF's President, Dr. Michael Tobias, is Consulting Editor and Chief Advisor for Bhutan's upcoming Biodiversity Action Plan III, a five-year blueprint for conservation in the country as stipulated by the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. The book, which will be published by the Government of Bhutan in late Spring of 2008, is being drawn up by a team of some two dozen technical experts within the country, as Bhutan prepares for a Democratic Government, the first in a century.

Bhutan is the ultimate chapter in DSF's upcoming book, Sanctuary, in which the authors document the biodiversity and indigenous culture of Bhutan's ninth and most recently protected area in the inaccessible far east of the country: the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary. Her Majesty, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, Queen of the Fourth King (Druk Gyalpo) of Bhutan, and Founder of the Tarayana Foundation, has kindly written the Foreword to the book.

www.tarayanafoundation.org

For a recent overview of Dr. Ugyen Tshewang's work see
PDF FILE: Dr. Ugyen Tshewang's DSF Research Fellowship Article