21/08/2026
A team comprising representatives from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Official from Forest Resources Planning and Management Division, Official from Bhutan Ecological Society and Bhutan Shingzo Limited visited Paro for a CFM Gap Assessment of the Zamsa Nori Scientific Thinning Action Plan 2026.
The assessment began at the Ranger’s Hall of the Division Office, where DFO_Paro officials presented the Paro DFO Plan and the Zamsa Nori Scientific Thinning Action Plan to the visiting team. The presentation provided an overview of the proposed scientific thinning activities, management approach and implementation arrangements and various Management Regimes under DFO_Paro as well as HCV & various Biodiveristy present in DFO_Paro.
The team then proceeded to Zamsa Village, where they met with members of the Zamsa Community Forest Management Group (CFMG). The interaction focused on understanding the members’ views and concerns regarding the proposed Action Plan, challenges encountered in managing the Community Forest, and the history and development of Zamsa Community Forest, which shares a boundary with the proposed thinning area.
The field assessment continued at the proposed thinning site, where FSC team members interviewed field officials on key aspects of the operation, including cable line layout, marking along cable lines, selection and marking of trees for harvesting, and identification and retention of mother trees. The field visit provided an opportunity to verify how the proposed management measures are being translated into practical field arrangements.
Following lunch, the FSC team held a brief discussion with senior officials of Bhutan Shingzo Limited in Paro town before concluding the day with a visit to Shaba Nursery. The nursery assessment focused on the availability and diversity of seedlings, nursery capacity, and its ability to supply quality planting materials for the proposed afforestation programme in Zamsa Nori.
The visit provided a valuable opportunity for the assessment team to engage directly with forest managers, field officials and local communities, while also gaining a clearer understanding of the ecological, technical and community considerations surrounding the Zamsa Nori Scientific Thinning Action Plan 2026.