Bhutan marked Global Tiger Day by launching three innovative conservation initiatives aimed at strengthening human-tiger coexistence and supporting communities living in conflict-prone areas. The Tiger Impact Certificate (TIC), RiKhaNET, and a new partnership between WWF-Bhutan and Yangphel Adventure Travel were introduced in Nubi Gewog, Trongsa, a recognized human-tiger conflict hotspot.
The initiatives are designed to reduce human-tiger conflict while creating economic opportunities for local communities. The Tiger Impact Certificate is a results-based conservation financing mechanism that rewards communities for protecting tiger habitats and reducing conflicts. Revenue generated through certified conservation credits will be reinvested in local development and conservation activities. RiKhaNET, a technology-driven initiative led by Druk Holding and Investments in collaboration with the Department of Forests and Park Services and WWF-Bhutan, aims to strengthen wildlife monitoring and conservation efforts.
Speaking at the event, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Gem Tshering said that successful conservation should be measured not only by increasing tiger numbers but also by ensuring that communities living alongside tigers feel safe, supported, and fairly compensated. WWF-Bhutan Country Director Chimi Rinzin added that Bhutan’s rich biodiversity has the potential to become a valuable economic asset, with the new initiatives helping transform conservation into a driver of sustainable local development while promoting long-term coexistence between people and wildlife.