As part of its continued support to Bhutan’s Traditional Medicine Services, the Bhutan Foundation convened a one-day brainstorming session focused on assessing the current status and future direction of the country’s medicinal plant resources—an essential foundation of the Sowa Rigpa healing tradition.
The session brought together a diverse group of experts and partners, including representatives from the National Centre for Traditional Medicine Services, the Traditional Medicine Hospital, Menjong Sorig Pharmaceuticals Corporation Ltd., the National Biodiversity Centre, as well as private practitioners, entrepreneurs, and former traditional medicine specialists. The gathering provided a valuable platform for cross-sector dialogue and shared learning.
Discussions centered on the availability and distribution of medicinal plant species, identification of species at risk, annual collection trends, and the challenges associated with sustainable harvesting. Participants also explored opportunities for cultivation, value addition, and strengthening partnerships with local communities. The National Biodiversity Centre highlighted emerging prospects in bioprospecting and emphasized the importance of enhanced collaboration across institutions.
The session concluded with a synthesis of priority areas aimed at strengthening conservation efforts, improving production planning, advancing research, and promoting coordinated action among key stakeholders. This collective effort reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding Bhutan’s traditional knowledge systems and ensuring that the Sowa Rigpa tradition continues to flourish for generations to come.
