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

Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Approach (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 Approach (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

When were the data compiled (in the field)?

12/07/2023

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

Yes

2.1 Short description of the Approach

Springshed revival can be achieved through Nature-based Solutions (NbS) with a hydrogeological approach, complemented by socio-ecological inputs, and engineering surveys.

2.2 Detailed description of the Approach

Detailed description of the Approach:

Springs are natural occurrences where fresh water emerges from the ground through openings known as spring vents. They are outlets from aquifers, water-bearing layers underground, to the surface. The water in springs originates from rainfall during specific seasons, which falls on the springshed, infiltrates the ground and is collected as groundwater. When the groundwater is pressurized and rises, it creates springs, which then contribute to the flow of water into rivers or other water bodies. In mountainous regions like Bhutan, springs serve as the primary water source for rural households (ICIMOD, 2021).
Spring revival through “nature-based solutions” (NbS) in springsheds refers to a comprehensive effort aimed at reviving and restoring the functionality of springs. The primary objectives of spring revival initiatives include ensuring sustainable water supply, mitigating the threat of springs drying, conserving biodiversity, and improving the livelihoods of communities dependent on spring water. To achieve these goals, diverse methods are employed, involving various stakeholders. While spring revival offers numerous advantages, it also presents certain disadvantages that should be considered (Konek & Samanta, 2022).

The methods used under NbS to revive springs are multifaceted and typically involve a combination of hydrogeological, ecological, hydrological, and community-based approaches. Hydrogeology can lead to a better understanding of aquifers and the nature of springs and springsheds, thus providing ways for better management. Ecological methods focus on restoring the natural catchment area (the springshed itself) and improving vegetation cover to enhance water infiltration and recharge. Measures such as reforestation, contour trenching, and check dams are implemented to reduce erosion, promote groundwater recharge, and maintain spring flow. Hydrological interventions include the construction of recharge structures, groundwater recharge pits, and percolation tanks to replenish the aquifer and ensure sustained spring flow. Community-based approaches encompass raising awareness, capacity building, and participation in springshed conservation and management activities. These efforts often include the establishment of user groups, water committees, and the adoption of sustainable water use practices (Shrestha et al., 2017).
Stakeholders play vital roles in spring revival initiatives. Local communities living in Lholing areas are key stakeholders as they are directly affected by water availability and are actively involved in the preservation and management of springs. Government agencies such as the Department of Water, Department of Forests and Park Services and Gewog Administration provide technical expertise, funding, and policy support. Academic institutions and research organizations contribute scientific knowledge, monitoring, and evaluation, while international agencies and donor organizations may provide financial assistance and expertise.
According to Tamba et al. (2012) the advantages of spring revival are significant and far-reaching. By restoring spring flow, communities get access to a reliable and sustainable water source, which is crucial for their domestic, agricultural, and livestock needs. Spring revival through NbS also contributes to biodiversity conservation, as the presence of flowing water supports diverse aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, including endemic species. Moreover, the revival of springs enhances groundwater recharge, which can benefit other water sources in the area. The community involvement and capacity-building aspects of NbS initiatives foster social cohesion, empowerment, and the development of local governance structures. Revived springs have the potential to enhance community resilience to climate change by providing water during periods of drought or erratic rainfall.
However, NbS also come with certain challenges and disadvantages. Adequate financial resources and long-term funding commitments are often required, which can pose a challenge in resource-constrained settings. Technical expertise and knowledge gaps may hinder the effectiveness of revival methods, emphasizing the need for capacity building and technical support. The involvement of multiple stakeholders can lead to coordination issues and conflicts of interest. Furthermore, the success of spring revival initiatives relies heavily on community participation. Thus, lack of community engagement or ownership can hinder sustainability. Environmental and social impacts need to be carefully considered, as inappropriate interventions or changes in hydrological patterns can have unintended consequences on ecosystems and communities (Khadka et al., 2019).

2.3 Photos of the Approach

2.4 Videos of the Approach

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Approach has been applied

2.6 Dates of initiation and termination of the Approach

2.7 Type of Approach

• project/ programme based

2.8 Main aims/ objectives of the Approach

Nature-based solution to reviving springs as a source of water for:
1. Drinking
2. For animal use
3. Agriculture

2.9 Conditions enabling or hindering implementation of the Technology/ Technologies applied under the Approach

3.1 Stakeholders involved in the Approach and their roles

3.2 Involvement of local land users/ local communities in the different phases of the Approach

	Involvement of local land users/ local communities	Specify who was involved and describe activities
initiation/ motivation	interactive	A person from each household was involved in the initial planning and meeting with the specialists to agree to.
planning	passive	The plannings were mostly done by specialists from the forest department.
implementation	external support	Land users/local community were engaged as paid labours.
monitoring/ evaluation	interactive	Twice a year monitoring is done by the specialists and other minor monitoring is dine by the community around the springsheds.
	none	No research was carried out.

3.3 Flow chart (if available)

3.4 Decision-making on the selection of SLM Technology/ Technologies

Specify who decided on the selection of the Technology/ Technologies to be implemented:

• mainly SLM specialists, following consultation with land users

4.1 Capacity building/ training

Was training provided to land users/ other stakeholders?

No

4.2 Advisory service

Do land users have access to an advisory service?

Yes

Specify whether advisory service is provided:

• on land users' fields

4.3 Institution strengthening (organizational development)

Have institutions been established or strengthened through the Approach?

• yes, a little

Specify the level(s) at which institutions have been strengthened or established:

• local

4.4 Monitoring and evaluation

Is monitoring and evaluation part of the Approach?

Yes

Comments:

Physical on site monitoring and evaluating the springshed

If yes, is this documentation intended to be used for monitoring and evaluation?

No

4.5 Research

Was research part of the Approach?

No

5.1 Annual budget for the SLM component of the Approach

If precise annual budget is not known, indicate range:

• < 2,000

Comments (e.g. main sources of funding/ major donors):

Royal Government of Bhutan funding was released under Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (erstwhile Ministry of Agriculture and Forests).

5.2 Financial/ material support provided to land users

Did land users receive financial/ material support for implementing the Technology/ Technologies?

Yes

If yes, specify type(s) of support, conditions, and provider(s):

The government fully funded the initiative of springshed revival where they even paid N. 700 to the labour helpers that from the community engaged.

5.3 Subsidies for specific inputs (including labour)

• labour

• equipment

• construction

If labour by land users was a substantial input, was it:

• paid in cash

Comments:

The labour by land users were paid Nu. 700 per day with free lunch and refreshments.

5.4 Credit

Was credit provided under the Approach for SLM activities?

No

5.5 Other incentives or instruments

Were other incentives or instruments used to promote implementation of SLM Technologies?

No

6.1 Impacts of the Approach

6.2 Main motivation of land users to implement SLM

6.3 Sustainability of Approach activities

Can the land users sustain what has been implemented through the Approach (without external support)?

• yes

If yes, describe how:

Now that the springsheds are revived, the local land users with some basic knowledge could do necessary maintenance and protection of these vital area.

6.4 Strengths/ advantages of the Approach

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
Provides a source of drinking water for wild animals.
Provides drinking water source for the domestic animals
Improved sanitation through constant supply of spring water.

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Increased source of irrigation water from different spring-shed.
Balanced ecological management of water resources.
Catchment area created as springshed could prevent splash and rill erosions.

6.5 Weaknesses/ disadvantages of the Approach and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view	How can they be overcome?
Attracts wild animals to the nearby field which come to drink water from the springsheds.	Improved fencing of the fields

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view	How can they be overcome?
Artificial creating of some of springshed lead to loss of pasture lands
Risk of cattle/ children drowning in the bigger spring-sheds	Fencing around the springshed.

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

ICIMOD. (2021). Springshed revival and management Implement gender-responsive interventions around spring revival and management in the HKH and influence policy uptake

Available from where? Costs?

Websites (Free)

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Tambe et al. (2012). Reviving Dying Springs: Climate Change Adaptation Experiments From the Sikkim Himalaya.

Available from where? Costs?

Google Scholar

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Shrestha et al. (2017). Application of Eight-step Methodology for Reviving Springs and Improving Springshed Management in the Mid-hills of Nepal.

Available from where? Costs?

Google Scholar

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Khadka et al. (2019). Integrated River System Resource Management Planning: A Stepping Stone for Sustainable Conservation of Chure-TaraiMadhesh Landscape

Available from where? Costs?

Google Scholar

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Koner, K. & Samanta, G. (2022). Reviving traditional water sources for resilient water future: case of Darjeeling City, India.

Available from where? Costs?

Springer

7.3 Links to relevant information which is available online

Title/ description:

Springshed revival and management Implement gender-responsive interventions around spring revival and management in the HKH and influence policy uptake.

URL:

https://www.icimod.org/initiative/rms/springshed-revival-and-management/

Title/ description:

Reviving Dying Springs: Climate Change Adaptation Experiments From the Sikkim Himalaya.

URL:

https://doi.org/10.1659/MRD-JOURNAL-D-11-00079.1

Title/ description:

Application of Eight-step Methodology for Reviving Springs and Improving Springshed Management in the Mid-hills of Nepal.

URL:

https://cgspace.cgiar.org/handle/10568/90596

Title/ description:

Integrated River System Resource Management Planning: A Stepping Stone for Sustainable Conservation of Chure-TaraiMadhesh Landscape

URL:

https://nast.gov.np/documentfile/Proceedings.pdf#page=18

Title/ description:

Reviving traditional water sources for resilient water future: case of Darjeeling City, India.

URL:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10708-021-10444-z