Integrated Climate Adaptation Solutions for the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HI-CAS) -Bhutan

The Integrated Climate Adaptation Solutions for the Hindu Kush Himalaya Region (HI-CAS) is a regional project implemented in Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) - and implemented by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in partnership with the Tarayana Foundation in Bhutan. The project aims to improve climate-resilient, nature-positive livelihoods while strengthening the leadership and agency of rural women and Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs). The project will deliver locally tailored climate adaptation solutions that are grounded in feminist and human rights-based methodologies thus ensuring an inclusive approach that place the rights, agency, and leadership of IPLCs at the centre. These evidence-informed Integrated Adaptation Solution Packages (IASPs) will combine springshed management, renewable energy technologies for power irrigation systems, and agrobiodiversity practices. They will be complemented by capacity building and knowledge sharing to drive institutional policy and action and to attract sustainable investments in climate action and development, particularly in the water, energy, and agrobiodiversity sectors, with a strong focus on the leadership of women and IPLCs.

Description of activities

The activites will be implemented in Tilli village, Shaba Gewog, Paro District and Yebisa village, Chubbu Gewog, Punakha District of Bhutan. Key project activities include restoration of spring sources through nature-based interventions such as contour trenches, toe trenches and live check dams designed based on slope gradient. Hybrid solar-grid lift irrigation system is proposed for both the project sites drawing water from Paro Chhu and Mochu of the Puna tsang Chhu River Basin. Further, agrobiodiversity interventions include the establishment of nutritional gardens and community seed banks, promotion of local and indigenous crop species and capacity-building activities.

Description of structures

The proposed project components include the construction of a solar lift irrigation system as follows: 

• In Tilli, Paro, this includes a 328 m² solar array, a 12 m² control system building, a 4 m diameter sump well, 910 m of transmission pipeline, and 420 m of distribution pipeline.
• In Yebisa, Punakha, this includes a 188 m² solar array, a 12 m² control system building, a 4 m diameter sump well, 1220 m of transmission pipeline, and 480 m of distribution pipeline.
• In both sites, localized river flow diversion will be required to facilitate construction of the sump wells. The diversion will be temporary and limited to the immediate work area to provide a dry working environment, ensure worker safety, and maintain construction quality.

Description of the environment / site characterization.

Tilli, Shaba Gewog, Paro district is situated to the east of Haa and to the west of Thimphu Dzongkhag approximately 1285.094 km². The dominant land cover is forest, covering approximately 47.14% of the total area of the district. Agriculture land constitutes about 5.35%, ranking as the third highest among all districts. Agriculture in Paro is a major economic driver focused on paddy cultivation, cash crops, and farm mechanization. Yebisa, Chubbu Gewog, Punakha Dzongkhag is in western Bhutan bordering Gasa to the north, Thimphu to the west, and Wangdue Phodrang to the east and south. It has a total area of 1110.793 km² with dominant land cover being forest approximately 81.99% of the total area. 4.59% of the Dzongkhag area is classified as agricultural land. Punakha Dzongkhag is well known for rice, vegetables, and fruits owing to its favourable location, soil, and climatic conditions. Jigme Dorji National Park (JDNP), covering parts of Paro and Punakha, is Bhutan's second largest protected area and one of its richest in cultural and biological diversity. JDNP is considered one of Bhutan's conservation jewels, home to globally endangered species such as the tiger, snow leopard, Asiatic wild dog, and Himalayan musk deer. However, HI-CAS project sites do not overlap with this protected area.

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