1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology

Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

Strengthening national-level institutional and professional capacities of country Parties towards enhanced UNCCD monitoring and reporting – GEF 7 EA Umbrella II (GEF 7 UNCCD Enabling Activities_Umbrella II)

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

National Soil Services Center, Department of Agric (National Soil Services Center, Department of Agric) - Bhutan

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Yes

1.4 Declaration on sustainability of the described Technology

Is the Technology described here problematic with regard to land degradation, so that it cannot be declared a sustainable land management technology?

No

Comments:

Bamboo and cane plantations help prevent land degradation. Bamboo and cane have extensive root systems that help prevent erosion, stabilize soil, and reduce landslide risks. They are excellent for revegetation as they quickly establish themselves. Bamboo and cane plantation is a sustainable land management technology.

1.5 Reference to Questionnaire(s) on SLM Approaches (documented using WOCAT)

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Cane and bamboo plantations are managed by land users and indigenous communities to sustain these valuable raw materials for making handicraft items. Tsharzo (bamboo craft), is one of the main sources of income for land users. Tsharzo makes use of cane and bamboo to weave products such as backpacks, baskets (for winnowing, for carrying fodder, fruits, shoots, etc.), and mats. These plantations are effective in conserving land and water.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Tsharzo (bamboo craft), is one of the main sources of income, besides agriculture, for the land users of the Monpa community of Jangbi, Wangling, and Phrumzur in Trongsa. Tsharzo makes use of cane (“rattan”: Calamus spp.) and bamboo to weave products such as orongbhazib (backpacks), lapchu (hand baskets), chungchu (baskets), bechab (winnowing baskets), tsew (baskets to carry fodder, fruits, shoots etc.) and pari (mats). The technology of maintaining bamboo and cane plantations has been adopted by the land users to ensure a sustainable harvest of natural raw materials and to maintain germplasm for bamboo and cane. This helps to uphold ancestral arts and crafts skills, and to improve livelihoods.
Jangbi chiwog has 59 households (HH). The land users are members of Monpa Selwai Yoezer Tshogpa, a Community Forest Management Group which was formed to sustainably manage bamboo and cane resources, to preserve and promote age-old cane and bamboo handicraft skills and increase household income. The group is one of the most successful in promoting Tsharzo in the country. The group was formed under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on 14 April 2000, and officially came into play in 2007, upon drafting bylaws. The bylaws were revised after the need for further improvement in the year 2018. The group received initial support from UNDP and Bhutan Orchids, a non-governmental organization (NGO). The government has given a total of 45 acres (18 ha) of land to the land users of Jangbi Chiwog to plant bamboo and cane. Out of the total, 15 acres (6 ha) are collectively managed as a nursery. About 10 acres (4 ha) are managed by each village as a plantation. The land users have planted three varieties of bamboo on the land.
The benefits of the technology include the establishment of dedicated germplasm for bamboo and cane, sustainable harvest of natural raw materials, conservation and promotion of ancestral arts and crafts skills, social cohesion through group formation, and employment opportunities.
Bamboo and cane plantations play a great role in preventing soil degradation. Bamboo and cane have extensive root systems that help prevent erosion, stabilize soil, and reduce landslide risks. They are excellent for revegetation as they quickly establish themselves. Bamboo is also an efficient carbon sink, absorbing significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This helps mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas concentrations. Bamboo and cane provide habitats for various organisms thereby increasing biodiversity. Products made from bamboo and cane are biodegradable, minimizing any potential environmental impact.

2.3 Photos of the Technology

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment

2.6 Date of implementation

Indicate year of implementation:

2000

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:

• through land users' innovation
• through projects/ external interventions

Comments (type of project, etc.):

The bamboo and cane plantation began through the formation of the group, Monpa Selwai Yoezer Tshogpa, by the three villages of Jangbi chiwog in 2000, with funds from UNDP and Bhutan Orchids.

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• conserve ecosystem
• create beneficial economic impact
• create beneficial social impact

3.2 Current land use type(s) where the Technology is applied

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

No

Comments:

The land use is not mixed. The government has given a total of 45 acres of land to the land users of Jangbi Chiwog to plant bamboo and cane. Out of the 45 acres, 15 acres of land are collectively managed by all the land users of Jangbi chiwog for nursery raising. About 10 acres is managed by each village under the Chiwog for plantation activities. The land users planted three varieties of bamboo on the land. The land use is solely for cane and bamboo plantations.

3.3 Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

• No (Continue with question 3.4)

3.4 Water supply

Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:

• mixed rainfed-irrigated

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• natural and semi-natural forest management
• forest plantation management

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

Comments:

The technology can be categorized under vegetative measure since it involves plantations, and under structure measure as it involves fencing of the designated area.

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:

• prevent land degradation
• reduce land degradation

Comments:

Bamboo and cane plantations play a great role in preventing soil degradation. Bamboo and cane have extensive root systems that help prevent erosion, stabilize soil, and reduce landslide risks. They are excellent for revegetation as they quickly establish themselves.

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify how costs and inputs were calculated:

• per Technology area

other/ national currency (specify):

Nu.

If relevant, indicate exchange rate from USD to local currency (e.g. 1 USD = 79.9 Brazilian Real): 1 USD =:

82.0

4.3 Establishment activities

	Activity	Timing (season)
1.	Attempted to commercialize bamboo and cane products through market exploration (contract) by a few households.	2000
2.	Gewog and the Forest Office collaboratively explored funds to help the communities.	2000
3.	Funds sourced from UNDP. The land users were sensitized.	2000 (summer-during paddy season)
4.	The land users were trained on plantations and product development.	2000
5.	Land users (12 of them) were taken on an exposure tour to India.	2000

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

If you are unable to break down the costs in the table above, give an estimation of the total costs of establishing the Technology:

2200000.0

If land user bore less than 100% of costs, indicate who covered the remaining costs:

The UNDP supported with the funds. Later, Bhutan Orchids too supported with Nu. 800,000.

Comments:

The total cost of establishing the technology on 18.2 ha of land was Nu. 2200000 (around USD 26830). So the costs incurred per hectare was about USD 1475.

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

Comments:

Despite minor additional plantations by the communities until 2010, no major maintenance and plantations were carried out due to fund shortages.

4.6 Costs and inputs needed for maintenance/ recurrent activities (per year)

If you are unable to break down the costs in the table above, give an estimation of the total costs of maintaining the Technology:

20000.0

If land user bore less than 100% of costs, indicate who covered the remaining costs:

The land users bore the cost (the estimated cost of maintaining the technology is Nu. 20000 [around USD 244)

Comments:

Despite minor additional plantations by the communities until 2010, no major maintenance and plantations were carried out due to fund shortages.

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:

• not relevant

Comments and further specifications on topography:

The field slope ranges from 14% to 30%.

5.3 Soils

5.4 Water availability and quality

Is water salinity a problem?

No

Is flooding of the area occurring?

No

5.5 Biodiversity

Comments and further specifications on biodiversity:

High vegetation coverage and evident agroforestry indicate high species and habitat diversity.

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

5.7 Average area of land used by land users applying the Technology

5.8 Land ownership, land use rights, and water use rights

• Family land

Land use rights:

• individual

Water use rights:

• communal (organized)

Are land use rights based on a traditional legal system?

Yes

Specify:

The land use rights in Bhutan are based on a traditional legal system guided by formal land acts and land rules and regulations.

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

Income and costs

Socio-cultural impacts

Ecological impacts

Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

Specify assessment of off-site impacts (measurements):

According to the land users, no off-site impacts have been there for now.

6.3 Exposure and sensitivity of the Technology to gradual climate change and climate-related extremes/ disasters (as perceived by land users)

Gradual climate change

Gradual climate change

	Season	increase or decrease	How does the Technology cope with it?
annual temperature		increase	very well

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Meteorological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
local rainstorm	very well
local thunderstorm	very well
local hailstorm	very well
local windstorm	very well

Climatological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
forest fire	not well at all

Hydrological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
landslide	very well

Comments:

The respondents pointed out that the current rainfall pattern has changed compared to the past 10 - 15 years though there is no change in quantity. Before, there used to be steady and enough rain. Now, the dry days continue for quite a long time and when rain comes, it's abrupt and intense.

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

• > 50%

If available, quantify (no. of households and/ or area covered):

59 HH are part of Monpa Selwai Yoezer Tshogpa

Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?

• 0-10%

Comments:

UNDP and Bhutan Orchids have fully funded cane and bamboo plantation activities.

6.6 Adaptation

Has the Technology been modified recently to adapt to changing conditions?

No

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
Preserve and promote ancestral arts and crafts skills.
Maintain germplasm for bamboo and cane. The raw materials for future use are assured due to the establishment of a 45-acre germplasm.
Generate income through the sale of bamboo and cane products.
Sustainable harvest of natural raw materials

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Higher vegetation cover.
Prevent land degradation (bamboo and cane have extensive root systems that help prevent erosion, stabilize soil, and reduce landslide risks).
Sustainable utilization of forest resources (bamboo and cane).
Diversify income sources of the land users.
Social cohesion through collaboration and coordination among the land users.

6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view	How can they be overcome?
The identified germplasm area lacks suitable places for convenient plantations. The majority of the area is rugged terrain and steep.	Exclude the steep and rugged terrains. Explore and identify suitable and more convenient areas for plantation.
The wooden fencing poles surrounding the germplasm area are not durable (cannot withstand barbed wires for longer periods).	Replace the wooden fencing poles with steel posts or other durable materials.
No funds to scale up. For instance, the canes lost in the 2017 forest fire have not been re-generated like bamboo.	Additional funds are to be sought to scale up the plantation programs.

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view	How can they be overcome?
No funds to scale up.	Provision of funds by relevant stakeholders.
Risk of fire.	The Department of Forests and Park Services had initiated Interagency Forest Fire Coordination Group (IFFCG) at Dzongkhag and Gewog level to mitigate fire with involvement of Dzongkhag, Gewogs and relevant agencies. The IFFCG is headed by Dasho Dzongda and the Dzongkhag disaster management committee in coordination with relevant agency are responsible for mitigation and preventing the fire and provide necessary support to the affected individual or community. Several awareness programs and hands on training on fire mitigation and prevention was also provided to the communities by the Department of Forests and Park Services.

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.3 Links to relevant online information

Title/ description:

Bamboo and Cane Vulnerability and Income Generation in the Rural Household Subsistence Economy of Bjoka, Zhemgang, Bhutan

URL:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/232663730_Bamboo_and_Cane_Vulnerability_and_Income_Generation_in_the_Rural_Household_Subsistence_Economy_of_Bjoka_Zhemgang_Bhutan

Title/ description:

Bamboo/cane plantation to sustain Monpa livelihood

URL:

https://kuenselonline.com/bamboocane-plantation-to-sustain-monpa-livelihood/

Title/ description:

Monpas of Bhutan: A Study of Tribal Survival and Development Responses

URL:

https://architales.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/03-Raghubir-CHANDp25-37.pdf