The Promoting Ecological and Community Engagement (PEaCE) for Snow Leopard Conservation project launched today in collaboration with the Royal Government of Bhutan. The project will be implemented by the Department of Forest and Park Services, MoENR and Thimphu District. Designed to strengthen snow leopard conservation, the PEaCE project aims to address the growing human-snow leopard conflict in Bhutan’s highland regions while promoting sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
Over 24 months, the project will be implemented in snow leopard landscapes, including protected areas like Jigme Dorji National Park, Wangchuck Centennial National Park, and Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve, as well as areas managed by Thimphu and Paro Divisional Forest Office.
With a focus on human-snow leopard coexistence, the project will:
- Identify human-snow leopard conflict hotspots
- Strengthen snow leopard and prey monitoring using AI-based camera traps and
- Reduce conflicts through predator-proof corral fencing and alternative livelihood initiatives like eco-tourism and herbal processing.
The project aims to benefit over 300 yak-herding households, gaining greater resilience against livestock depredation while fostering a positive attitude toward snow leopard conservation. Additionally, the project will support sustainable livelihood activities through training programs on enterprise development, wildlife tourism, and sustainable resource management.
By integrating conservation with community development, the project seeks to create a sustainable model for human-wildlife coexistence, ensuring the long-term survival of snow leopards and improving the well-being of highland communities. The project’s outcomes will contribute to Bhutan’s National Snow Leopard Conservation Action Plan (2024-2033) and support global efforts to conserve this endangered species.
