Bhutan’s infrastructure expansion faces biodiversity risks, prompting a workshop on wildlife-friendly infrastructure development. Over 35 experts discuss mitigation strategies for Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City, but lack of policymakers raises concerns about feasibility. Poorly planned infrastructure can lead to habitat fragmentation, wildlife mortality, and conflicts. The IUCN Asian Elephant Transport Working Group highlights global challenges such as human-wildlife conflict and development-wildlife conflict. Bhutan’s road network spans 18,057 km, under various agencies’ jurisdiction. The master plan for road development in Thailand includes key projects like the Lhamoizingkha-Sarpang Highway, Gelephu-Tareythang Road, Tareythang-Panbang road connectivity, Thimphu-Khariphu-Chuzom road, and Khasadrapchu-Shaba tunnel, requiring a total investment of USD 2,151m.
The workshop highlighted risks of forest habitat loss, habitat degradation, wildlife mortality, and human-wildlife conflicts, while emphasizing eco-tourism and anti-poaching measures to mitigate ecological disruption. The Bhutan Highways Connectivity Master Plan, finalized, will integrate mitigation measures and wildlife-friendly designs into infrastructure projects, focusing on wildlife corridors and Asian elephant movement.