Dasho Paljor J. Dorji, fondly known as Dasho Benji, is a Bhutanese environmentalist, judge and diplomat. He established Bhutan’s first non-governmental organization, the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN) and is currently the President of Bhutan Ecological Society.

Namgay works at the intersection of climate action, policy and diplomacy, and is passionate about how it must translate to improving livelihoods on the ground. Namgay is also a Global Shaper and a Climate Reality Leader. She studied sociology and global economic development at the National University of Singapore.

Pema Tshoki started her career in the education sector working for the young people in the country. Her work was recognized and appreciated as she was chosen to be one of the 108 researchers at the Centre for Bhutan and GNH Studies. Her work surrounds policy research and informed recommendations to the government. In collaboration, Pema Tshoki is currently working on the planning and execution of Bhutan’s very first pavilion at COP28 with the Department of Environment and Climate Change.

Dr. Karma Tenzin is the Deputy Dean of Academic Affairs, Associate Professor and Head of the Center for Research in Respiratory and Neuroscience at the KGUMSB. Dr. Karma is the project lead for non-communicable diseases under the WHO-PEN HEARTS program and the country focal for One Health-TARGET project. He is also a 2023 Planetary Health and One Health Fellow. He has widely published on medical education in Bhutan, neuroscience, public health and health systems.

Sonam is a Senior Environment Officer at the DGPC working on the assessment of environmental and social impacts as well as coordinating the implementation of Hydropower projects in Bhutan. She has a Masters Degree in Environmental Management from Mahidol University, Thailand.

Pem works as an Assistant Environment Officer at the Department of Environment and Climate Change, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. He is the WWF Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN) fellow. Currently, he works as the focal officer for the National Adaptation Plan.

Sonam Pelgen is working as the Senior Planning Officer in the Policy and Planning Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. As a planner, he is responsible for the formulation, implementation and monitoring of the policies, plan programs and projects. In addition, the office coordinates cross sectoral collaborations, liaise with donor agencies for resource mobilization for the plan implementation. He has also spearheaded the revision of the Food and Nutrition Security Policy 2023 of Bhutan and is currently leading the formulation of the 13th Five Year Plan and the Long-Term Perspective Plan of the Ministry. Sonam has a Master’s Degree in International Relations from Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan.

Mr. Wangchuk Namgay is the Director of the Department of Program Coordination and Climate
Change (DPCCC) at the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN). His key roles include
coordination of programs, resource mobilization and networking with relevant donors and
partners.

Lam Dorji completed his Master’s Degree in Engineering from University of New Brunswick, Canada and has about 27 years of professional experience working in the energy sector in Bhutan dealing with policy and strategy matters, such as formulation and drafting of Energy Allocation Policy for Bhutan; Alternative renewable energy policy for low-carbon pathways; Energy Efficiency Stands as part of energy conservation program; and in promoting Clean Cooking Technology to improve socio-economic development of rural population. The research works were engaged in formulating Communication strategy for Renewable Natural Resource Sector to provide access to information for the rural community; National Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) Strategy Document for Bhutan to mainstream the SCP agenda into the national development plans; TVET Reform Policy to upgrade the technical skills of the national youth to enhance employability; and in designing climate-friendly business (Green Businesses) cases and to bring the key actors together to strengthen the private sector engagement towards decarbonization of the energy sector, integration of renewable energy into the agri-supply chain, and decouple energy consumption from GDP growth to mitigate climate change. He has provided his expertise/services in various independent assignments for ADB, World Bank, EU, UNEP, ESCAP, SWITCH Asia, International Consulting Firms, Royal Government of Bhutan, and NGOs.

He has served as Board of Director in ANDRITZ India Limited (2017-2020), Chief Executive Officer (2014 – 2016) of a Company in Thailand leading and managing the company’s business affairs and as a Director(O&M) (2009 – 2014) in Druk Green Power Corporation in Bhutan. Currently, serving as member of Technical Advisory Committee for Bhutan Chamber of Commerce & Industries.

Dawa Chhoedron is the Chief Engineer of Power System Division, Department of Hydropower and Power Systems under the Royal Government of Bhutan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs. Dawa holds Master of Engineering (Electrical Engineering) degree from the RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia and Bachelor of Technology (Electrical Engineering) degree from the Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur, India.

Zeerie Chhodoen is an Associate Analyst under the Strategic Technology Planning Division of the Department of Innovation & Technology at Druk Holding & Investments (DHI). Zeerie’s work focuses Bhutan’s strategic entrance into the global carbon market and opening up access to carbon financing. This includes the creation of a national registry, developed in collaboration with the World Bank Climate Warehouse to standardize frameworks for accounting and tracking of carbon credits and DHI’s efforts to develop and implement emerging technology such as satellite imaging and earth observation tech to underpin Digital MRV systems as well as Natural Capital Accounting. Zeerie has a background in Development Economics.

Dr. Tempa is the leading tiger biologist in Bhutan. Tempa has a Ph.D. in Wildlife Biology, from the University of Montana and has spent more than 20 years in the wilderness of Bhutan contributing to tiger conservation and wildlife research. He started the first systematic remote camera trap monitoring of tigers and other wildlife in Royal Manas National Park (RMNP). He is the IUCN tiger specialist group and his works are known internationally. Dr. Tempa has been featured in NHK, as one of the leaders making changes at the grassroots level. Dr. Tempa is a passionate tiger conservationist and worked as Program Director for the Bhutan Tiger Center from 2017 till he joined SFS. He continues to work on predator (tiger)-prey dynamics in the sub-tropical and temperate forest of Bhutan using remote cameras and genetics. He and his team are also monitoring tigers and other large cats using radio telemetry.

Letro serves as a Deputy Chief Forestry Officer at the Nature Conservation Division under the Department of Forests and Park Services and brings in a decade of experience in conservation practices. A conservationist by heart, his work focuses on assessing the efficacy of Bhutan’s biological corridors for wildlife movement, exploring nature-based solutions through high-end recreational fishing, and is keen in understanding the complex human-wildlife interactions and conflict scenarios. He was also the national coordinator for conducting the 2^nd National Snow Leopard in 2022, which yielded astounding results.

 Letro holds a Master’s degree in Landscape Ecology and Nature Conservation from Greifswald University in Germany and is also a National Geographic Explorer.

Dr. Norbu has extensive expertise in resource management, climate change adaptation, and sustainable natural resource management. He serves as the Principal Scientist – Resource Management at the Bhutan Ecological Society and as a lecturer in Mountain Ecology at the Center for Climate and Sustainable Futures (CCFS), School for Field Studies in Paro, Bhutan. He completed his Doctorate in Natural Resources and Life Sciences from the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences (BOKU) in Vienna, Austria. 

Throughout his career, Norbu Wangdi has held several key positions and has been involved in numerous projects and initiatives related to environmental conservation and sustainable development. Notably, he served as the Project Coordinator for the “Developing Ecosystem-based Solutions for Managing Biodiversity Landscapes in Bhutan” project at the Royal Society for Protection of Nature. He also held the position of Chief Forestry Officer at the Forest Resources Management Division, Department of Forests and Park Services.

Norbu Wangdi has been recognized for his contributions in the field of environmental research and conservation. He was a UNESCO-TWAS (The World Academy of Sciences) Young Affiliate from 2018 to 2022 and a Young Leader for the Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum in Japan in 2019. He also served as the National Focal Point for the UN Forum for Forests from November 2019 to July 2021.

In addition to his professional roles, Dr. Norbu has published numerous articles and research papers in esteemed journals and has presented at various conferences and symposiums. 

Damcho Rinzin is the Chief Tourism Officer in the Marketing and Promotion Division, Department of Tourism. He has a Bachelor of Applied Management in Hospitality and Tourism from the University of New Brunswick, Canada. He is a lifetime member of the Golden Key International Honour Society, Canada. He started his career with the then Department of Tourism as a researcher and marketing officer in 2006. He takes pride and keen interest in promoting the ‘high value’ tourism policy of Bhutan. He completed his double master’s degree from Australia in international tourism and business where he was awarded the Academic Excellence Medal by the university. Damcho is dedicated to strengthening tourism development in Bhutan and has presented and spoken in many national and international forums on marketing, tourism, and branding. 

Tshering has a bachelor’s degree in agriculture equipping her with a strong foundation in agri-related research and as an advocate for sustainable agrifood systems and climate change. She is currently interning at the Food and Agriculture Organization Bhutan and is involved in working with projects aimed at leveraging agrifood systems in Bhutan through cutting-edge sustainable practices and meaningful youth participation. Her experience in grassroots activism has given her a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with addressing climate change at the local and global levels. She believes that sustainable farming practices can be a way forward to address climate change impacts. She is also a certified peer educator and a content creator— Tshering enjoys working with young people in the fields of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, gender equality, and mental health. 

Tenzin is an agriculturalist who has worked in academia and agri-tech FDI groups. She has a
bachelor of science in Agriculture.  Tenzin’s passion for public speaking, consultation, and
advocacy on food security, and rural development reflects her commitment to driving change at
the intersection of research, policy, and community engagement in Bhutan. She was the national
youth representative for Bhutan at the World Food Forum 2023 in Rome and now works under
the Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency in Climate Change as a Project Officer.

Netra Sharma is currently working as UNDP Project Manager for the NAP Readiness Project (2019-2023). He has over 15 years of experience in teaching in Sherubtse College level, planning, and implementing projects in climate change adaptation, conservation, environmental education, and sustainable public procurement. He has been with UNDP since 2016.

Phuntsho Namgay is the Officiating Director of the Department of Innovation and Technology at
Druk Holdings and Investments. He leads the Department’s efforts in developing Bhutan’s
Innovation Ecosystem for a tech-based economy by leveraging research and development for
technology with values. With an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management,
and as the Country Advisor for Ennovent, his experience ranges from Grass Root Innovations to
Ecosystem building. He hopes to use his experience and efforts to contribute to His Majesty The
Fifth King’s vision of a transformed Bhutan.

Pema Wangchug is the Associate Director of the DRIVE (DHI Research and Innovation Venture Excellence) Division for Druk Holding and Investments Limited (DHI), the National Holding Company of Bhutan. DRIVE is working towards establishing collaborative applied and fundamental research initiatives in areas of science, technology, and innovation at both a national and international level. DRIVE also includes the Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck Super FabLab (JNWSFL.) JNWSFL is the 2nd Super Fab Lab in the world, providing unique digital fabrication tools and services to its community. It currently consists of four different labs – focused on laser, carpentry, electronics production, and industrial graded work. A Chevening Scholar, Wangchug completed a Master’s of Science in Business Analytics at Warwick Business School in the United Kingdom and graduated with Distinction. Wangchug is an avid technology enthusiast who enjoys seeing where tech innovation will continue to lead humanity to.

Sonam Lhamo is the Principal Met/Hyd Office in Cryosphere Services Division at the NCHM.

Chirag works as a senior analyst with Druk Holding and Investments (DHI) Limited. He is undertaking research and development in emerging technologies such as Web 3.0, Artificial Intelligence, and Internet of Things, to create next-gen ventures and start-ups in Bhutan. He has been instrumental in the setup, establishment and management of the Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck Super Fablab and the DHI Research and Innovation Venture Excellence (DRIVE) Center.

Tenzin Khorlo, Chief Environment Officer of Water Resources Coordination Division, has over 20 years of experience in providing policy, regulatory, and technical guidance in designing, developing, and implementing environmental strategies and plans, legislations, technical guidelines, and standards. He started operationalizing and strengthening river basin management, developed approach towards nature-based remedial measures, environmental engineering course with specialization in water resources management, Water Flagship Program—Access to 24 X 7 Safe Drinking Water, and technical report on National Water Resources Inventory and Community Level Water Resources. Currently overseeing the implementing of projects, namely Minimum Environmental Flow for Hydropower Projects, Advisory Services and Analytics Project on the Water Sector, and National Adaption Plan formulation for Assessing Climate Risk on Water Resources. Tenzin Khorlor holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and a Master’s on Environment Economics and Policy.

Saurav is Co-Founder and Designer of the Rural Futures innovation at the Balipara Foundation. Rural Futures integrates ecological gains with upward socio-economic mobility of forest-fringe communities. A strong believer in the power of nature and ecology, passionate about traditional indigenous knowledge and through Rural Futures, Saurav and his team mobilise forest-fringe communities especially, youth to engage in the complete value-chain of ecosystem restoration. The natural capital that is sustainably derived from restored habitats is utilised by communities to deliver universal basic assets – locally & autonomously. Saurav is an Acumen Fellow of the 2021 cohort.

Dr. Lindsay Skog is the Executive Director of the Karuna Foundation in Portland, Oregon, USA. Karuna Foundation supports visionary organizations in developing countries working to both mitigate carbon emissions and help human populations and the ecosystems they rely on to adapt to climate change. Dr. Skog brings many years of experience working and living in the Eastern Himalaya. Prior to joining Karuna Foundation, Dr. Skog taught Critical Geography courses at several US universities and colleges, as well as with the School for Field Studies Program in Bhutan. Her research and expertise focuses on the social dimensions of climate change in the Himalaya. Dr. Skog holds a PhD in Geography from The University of Colorado at Boulder and was a Fulbright Scholar in Nepal.

Tshewang Wangchuk is the Executive Director of the Bhutan Foundation. He started out as an intern working with Bhutan’s first conservation NGO, the Royal Society for Protection of Nature in 1988, working with Dasho Paljor ‘Benji’ Dorji. While pursuing his undergraduate studies in the United States, he worked in Yosemite and Grand Teton National Parks during the summers. After graduating from the University of Maryland, College Park, he returned to Bhutan and worked for the Bhutan Government’s Nature Conservation Division. He was actively involved in its extensive protected area management system as one of the first Park Managers in the country. Later, he coordinated WWF International’s Global Tiger Program covering many tiger-range states in Asia from 2003-2005. For his doctoral research in Wildlife Biology at the University of Montana, he traversed the mountains of Bhutan collecting snow leopard scat for genetic analyses. He continues to stay connected with the many mountain communities he has visited over the years. He is also the first National Geographic Explorer from Bhutan, a member of the Explorers Club, and serves on the board of the Snow Leopard Conservancy

Palden Wangchuk Dorji has a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the College of Natural Resources. He believes and recognizes the critical role of agriculture in achieving the SDGs. Palden’s work extends beyond agriculture, as he is also actively engaged in advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) as an active member of Y-PEER Bhutan. He firmly believes in the importance of empowering individuals, especially young people, to make informed choices about their reproductive health. Currently, Palden is an intern at the UNDP Bhutan.

Jigme Tenzin is the Technical Coordinator for the Hand-in-Hand Flagship Programme of FAO at
the Bhutan country office. He has a MSc in Agricultural Studies from the University of
Queensland, Australia and is an Endeavour Scholarship recipient. He has worked for over 15
years in the agri-food sector.

Dechen Wangmo is the Head of Corporate Affairs at the Druk Green Power Corporation. She
has over 22 years of experience in the power sector and has a MBA from the Melbourne
Business School.

Tashi Dhendup serves as the head of the Bhutan Tiger Center within the Nature Conservation
Division of the Department of Forests and Park Services. With over 11 years of experience in
camera trapping, he has conducted research on threatened species such as tigers, black bears,
and other smaller wild cats. Recently, he has also initiated the use of conservation genetics to
gain insights into population connectivity and dispersal.
Currently, in addition to his research efforts, he is actively involved in implementing projects
that address the dynamics of human-tiger conflicts across the country. Tashi Dhendup has been
an active member of the IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group since 2017 and has multiple papers
published in international peer-reviewed journals.