The Landscapes, Enterprise, Agriculture and Forests (LEAF) program aims to improve rural livelihoods while ensuring the integrity of our ecological systems. Through the development of sustainable livelihoods combined with greater understanding of local ecosystems, LEAF seeks to empower local communities to serve as environmental stewards of their landscape. This knowledge and action can create a virtuous circle in which people care for nature, which, in turn, enhances its benefits to people.

Current activities focus on:

  • Landscape governance for sustainable livelihoods;
  • Promotion of sustainable, nature-based enterprises;
  • Validation and valuation of natural resources; and
  • Independent review of protected areas and reserves.

On-going projects and initiatives:

  • Conservation of tigers through compassion: This project is aimed at providing alternative livelihoods activities to the community in order to prevent tiger poaching. It combines science, spirituality and enterprise for tiger conservation in Norbugang located in Pema Gatshel district and lies at the eastern edge of the Royal Manas National Park (RMNP), Bhutan’s oldest national park.
  • Sustainable enterprise development and employment through promotion of moringa cultivation: This project is aimed at alleviating poverty through establishing climate-resilient agriculture in the Chuzanggang community in Gelephu in Southern Bhutan. Moringa, also known as “miracle tree” is a fast-growing and drought-resistant plant native to a sub-Himalayan stretch of northern India. No other single plant species can match its nutritional components. Through promoting the cultivation of moringa and helping develop value chain for the plant, the project aims to promote high-value, climate-resilient agriculture in Bhutan.
  • Fruits for All Initiative: The initiative works on nurturing green spaces in urban areas in order to add aesthetic beauty as well as functional and ecological value to open urban spaces. Till date, fruit trees have been planted in Thimphu, Paro and Wangdue districts in collaboration with local municipalities and communities.