Dr. Elizabeth Ruth Frampton, the international expert on bio-security (centre)

One of the important activities under the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Multidonors Partnership Programme (FMPP) Bio-security component is the development of bio-security strategy document for enabling implementation of the Bio-security Policy of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2008 which was approved by the Royal Government during the 15^th session of the Cabinet meeting (Lhengye Zhungtshog) on 26^th August 2008.

As such, to enable and facilitate implementation of bio-security policy, a two-day workshop on the “National Multi-stakeholders’ Consultative Workshop on Development of the National Bio-security Strategy” is undergoing at Namgay Heritage Hotel, Thimphu that started yesterday on 16^th and will be ending today on 17^th November 2009. Dr. Elizabeth Ruth Frampton, the international expert on bio-security is the workshop facilitator who also developed the bio-security policy and country report for Bhutan.

Around thirty-five participants representing various stakeholders from the Ministries of Health, Economic Affairs, Work and Human Settlement, Finance, Home and Cultural Affairs and Agriculture; National Environment Commission, Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Food Corporation of Bhutan, Royal Society for Protection of Nature and Bhutan Agro Industries Limited are attending the workshop.

Stakeholders from the various offices

The Bhutan Agriculture Food and Regulatory Authority (BAFRA) is the national competent authority to coordinate all bio-security-related activities in the country which is one of the most pressing issues of the global importance. According to FAO, bio-security is defined as a strategic and integrated approach that encompasses the policy and regulatory frameworks for analysing and managing relevant risks to human, animal and plant life and health, and associated risks to the environment. FAO under FAO-Norway Programme Cooperation Agreement (PCA) has identified Bhutan as one of the beneficiaries to assess its bio-security using the toolkit and develop action plan to strengthen the bio-security capacity in Bhutan in an integrated manner. 

During the workshop, the stakeholders will review and clarify the roles and responsibilities of those involved in bio-security-related activities and agree on procedure for collaboration and cooperation. Besides, the strategy will streamline the effective coordination and communication mechanisms for implementation of various bio-security activities among these stakeholders.

Dr. Sithar Dorji from BAFRA said that it is important to come up with a very practical and the best strategy document to achieve the Bio-security vision of Bhutan which states that, “Bio-security shall contribute to achieving Gross National Happiness by ensuring Bhutanese people, the biological resources, plants and animals are protected from the harmful effects of pests and disease, invasive alien species, genetically modified organisms, toxic chemicals and food additives.”

The workshop is being organised by BAFRA with the technical and financial assistance from FAO FMPP.

The draft on bio-security strategy will be presented soon to the National Bio-security Commission for approval.

Reported by Tshering Doma, ICS

Photographs by Choidup Zangpo, ICS