Phuntsholing, Bhutan – The National Soil Services Centre of the Department of Agriculture under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is convening the 1st Stakeholders Workshop on UNCCD National Reporting 2026 and the Revision of Voluntary Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) Targets (LDN 2.0) under the theme “Resetting Bhutan’s Land Agenda: From National Reporting to LDN 2.0 Action.” The three-day workshop is being held from 1–3 April 2026at Hotel Bhutan GaMeGa in Phuntsholing.
This important national event brings together key stakeholders from government agencies, civil society organizations, academic and research institutions, women’s associations, private sector, and media to collectively strengthen Bhutan’s national reporting process and advance the country’s commitments under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
In his opening remarks, Dasho Thinley Namgyel, the Hon’ble Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock highlighted that while Bhutan is globally recognized for its strong environmental stewardship, the country continues to face growing challenges from land degradation driven by soil erosion, unsustainable land use, and climate variability. He emphasized that land degradation, which is affecting 13.5 percent of the country’s total land area, is posing serious risks to food security, climate resilience, and biodiversity, and called for renewed and coordinated efforts to address these challenges.
The workshop underscores the importance of sustainable land management (SLM) as a key solution to triple planetary crises – land degradation, biodiversity loss and climate change. Participants were sensitized on the concept of Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) – a global target that aims to balance land degradation with restoration to ensure no net loss of productive land.
As a Party to the UNCCD, Bhutan is required to undertake periodic national reporting. The workshop highlighted that national reporting is not merely an obligation, but a strategic process to assess progress, strengthen data systems, identify gaps, and mobilize support for implementation. Participants worked collaboratively to compile, review, and validate national data from various sectors in preparation for the 2026 reporting cycle.
Another key focus area of the workshop is the review of Bhutan’s existing voluntary LDN targets and the initiation of discussions to revise and strengthen these targets towards 2030 – referred to as LDN 2.0. The revision process aims to align Bhutan’s land agenda with the 13th Five-Year Plan, the 21st Century Economic Roadmap, Nationally Determined Commitment (NDC 3.0) of UNFCCC, National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 2025 of CBD and other emerging national priorities, including advancements in science, data, and sustainable land management practices.
Mr. Tashi Wangdi, the Program Director of the National Soil Services Centre and also the current National Focal Point to the UNCCD emphasized the critical importance of multi-sectoral collaboration, noting that effective national reporting and LDN implementation depend on the active engagement of all stakeholders. Participants were encouraged to share data, experiences, and insights to ensure a robust and coordinated approach.
The workshop marks an important step towards strengthening Bhutan’s land restoration efforts by transitioning from reporting to action. It also reinforces Bhutan’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation.
The Ministry calls upon all stakeholders to continue working collaboratively to protect and restore Bhutan’s land resources, ensuring resilient ecosystems and sustainable livelihoods for present and future generations.
For further information, please contact:
Tashi Wangdi
Program Director/National Focal Point to the UNCCD
National Soil Services Centre, DoA, MoAL
Royal Government of Bhutan
twangdi@moal.gov.bt/ +975 17684221
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