The Foundation conducted a consultation meeting on the Himalayan Agroecology Initiative (HAI) on November 4th and 5th at Khuruthang, Punakha.
The participants were from the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Agriculture Marketing and Cooperative, District Agriculture Officers under Punakha, the Agriculture Research and Development Centre, Bajo, the College of Natural Resources, and the Department of Forest and Park Services.
The director of the Tarayana Centre for Research & Development, Mr. Chhimi Dorjee, introduced the HAI, highlighting its relevance to Bhutan’s laws and policies regarding agroecology together Technical Director/Programme Specialist Dr. Sangay Dorji facilitated the sessions.
The participants were divided into groups, and the group work’s outcome was based on the right strategic objectives. The group synthesized feedback and outlined actionable steps for implementing the roadmap, which was later presented.
The workshop represented a crucial step toward establishing a robust framework for agroecology in the Himalayas. The goal is to empower farmers and enhance food security in the region.
The HAI emphasizes enhancing biodiversity and establishing resilient value chains that benefit local farmers and communities. Previous consultations have indicated a pressing need for integrated policy frameworks that address biodiversity, climate action, and socio-economic development across the Himalayan region. The outcomes from these discussions are expected to contribute to a broader dialogue to finalize these roadmaps for presentation at an international conference scheduled for 2025. This initiative seeks to position agroecology as a solution to the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity. HAI aims to create a robust framework that supports sustainable agricultural practices and strengthens local economies in the Himalayan region by fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including government representatives, agriculture experts, and civil society.
This strategic initiative, supported by organizations such as the World Future Council and IFOAM – Organics International, aims to develop comprehensive, country-specific roadmaps for Bhutan, India, and Nepal to promote sustainable food systems.