Advancing Climate Resilience of the Water Sector in Bhutan

Field team conducting a site assessment for the ACREWAS drinking water project in Tsirang

Client

UNDP & MoIT

Location

Punakha, Tsirang & Gasa

Duration

October 2023 – March 2024

Services provided

Environmental and Social Management

Bhutan is highly vulnerable to climate change and climate-induced hazards. The project Advancing Climate Resilience of the Water Sector in Bhutan (ACREWAS) is funded by the UNDP/GEF-LDCF and seeks to address the shortages and declining water quality, which has a direct bearing on increased vulnerabilities of livelihoods, food production and human health that depend on the renewable natural resources (RNR) sector, particularly for communities those dependent on forest resources.

The project will enhance the resilience of communities to climate change-driven impacts on water resources and water infrastructure in some of the most climate-vulnerable regions of Bhutan.

Overview

Three project sites within Tsirang (Sergithang and Mendrelgang) and Punakha (Lobesa) required climate proofing of water infrastructure and removal of barriers to adaptation solutions using tools that leverage the Internet of Things (IoT) and digital technologies. The components for this project were:

Water governance: Water governance and institutions.
Nature-based solutions: For sustainable & climate-resilient watersheds and livelihood enhancement.
Water supply: Efficient, adequate, and sustainable supply, distribution, and utilization of water.
Knowledge management: Building and sharing knowledge across the Project Management Unit and beneficiaries.

Outcomes

We delivered the following solutions to ensure compliance:

Conducted three targeted assessments for each project site.
Development of three corresponding Environment Social Management Plans (ESMP) for the three schemes in Punakha (Lobesa) and two in Tsirang (Mendrelgang and Sergithang).
Ensuring socio-environmental sustainability.
Development of Gender Analysis and Action Plan.
Development of Stakeholder Engagement Plan.
Conducted consultations with all stakeholders involved.
Conducted capacity building training and sensitization for the Project Management Unit (PMU) and other beneficiaries.

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