Lyonpo (Dr.) Pema Gyamtsho visited the Royal Manas National Park from 5-8 Nov, 2009 after completing his five-day tour of lower Kheng under Zhemgang Dzongkhag. Lyonpo was accompanied by Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Dasho Dzongdag and Dzongkhag Officials and representatives of the donor agencies World Food Programme (WFP) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

A meeting with the park staff apprised Lyonpo on the on-going conservation activities, some of the constraints faced by the staff and future plans and programs of the Park. The Hon’ble Lyonpo in response said that the efforts made by the Park staff to protect the endangered species flora and fauna under such a harsh environment with imminent threats from poachers and others alike was highly commendable. Further, Lyonpo outlined the role that the Park could play in the future not only as a habitat for endangered species of flora and fauna, but even as a source of revenue from eco-tourism. Lyonpo said that such programmes would ensure that national parks are not looked at as liabilities but resources for the country as the donor assistance for conservation program are on the decline due to financial slow-down in the developed countries. One of the options was to open the Park for national and international tourists after basic facilities had been developed.

To build the capacity of the park staff in operating eco tourism, Lyonpo suggested on tying up with international parks abroad and to address the shortage of fodder for the elephants, His Excellency suggested taking up plantation on a large scale within the Park.

The Royal Manas National Park with an area of over 1000 sq km was declared as a Park in 1964 and is home to endangered species such as the tiger, elephant, rhinoceros, gaur, water buffalo, and the famous endemic Golden langur. The Park can be accessed from Gonphu in the north and Assam, India in the south. 

Lyonpo and his team tried out some of the attractions available at the RMNP such as taking a tour around the park on an elephant in the morning and a raft ride in the afternoon (see above pictures).