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National Biodiversity Centre Bhutan

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The Official Page of the National Biodiversity Centre, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Thimphu, Bhutan.

The National Biodiversity Centre (NBC), under the Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock, coordinates biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources in Bhutan. Bhutan became party to the international Convention on Biological Diversity (C*D) in 1995 after ratification of the Convention by the 73rd session of the National Assembly. Subsequently, Bhutan developed the first Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) in 1998 – a guiding policy document for conservation and sustainable use of biological resources of the country. Concurrently, the National Biodiversity Centre was instituted in 1998 under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock as an coordinating and implementing agency of the C*D and to coordinate biodiversity conservation and sustainable use programs in the country.

08/10/2026

𝐇𝐨𝐧’𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲, 𝐌𝐨𝐀𝐋 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞
𝟖𝐭𝐡 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The newly appointed Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL), Dasho Dr. Tashi Yangzome Dorji, visited the National Biodiversity Centre (NBC) as part of her orientation program to familiarise with the organisational priorities, programs, policies, working culture, and operational procedures of the Centre.
The visit was particularly meaningful for NBC, as Dasho previously served as the Centre's Program Director. Her return to the Centre was warmly welcomed by the Program Director and staff, who expressed their pleasure at having her back at NBC. Dasho also shared fond memories of her time at the Centre and expressed her happiness at reconnecting with former colleagues and meeting the new generation of staff who have joined NBC since her tenure.
The orientation visit provided an opportunity for the Honorable Secretary to gain an overview of NBC’s ongoing programmes, notable achievements, plans and priorities, as well as key administrative matters relating to organisational operations, and other relevant government policies and procedures.
Taking the opportunity of the orientation program, officials who missed the Thridhar ceremony also offered the khadar for her newly appointed role. The interaction provided an opportunity for staff to introduce themselves, share their respective roles and responsibilities, and engage with the Honourable Secretary on their experiences of working at NBC.
During the interaction, Dasho also shared words of wisdom and encouragement with the newer generation of staff, inspiring them to continually strive for personal and professional growth, approach their work with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn, and serve the Centre and the nation with dedication, integrity, and a strong sense of responsibility.

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞:
https://nbc.gov.bt/honble-secretary-moal-visits-national-biodiversity-centre/

25/09/2026

𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐉𝐢𝐠𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐲𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐤 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞
𝟐𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The National Biodiversity Centre (NBC) welcomed six visitors from the Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law, including a faculty member and students for an educational visit to the Centre.
The visit provided an opportunity for the students to learn more about Bhutan’s rich biodiversity and the works being carried out by NBC to conserve and sustainably use the country’s biological resources. The visitors were introduced to the history and establishment of NBC, its mandates, programs, and the facilities available at the Centre. The team also learned about NBC’s role in facilitating educational visits and creating opportunities for students to connect classroom learning with practical conservation work.
As part of the visit, the JSW Law School team also shared about the Law Clinics at the School, including the Climate Change and Environmental Law Clinic. The presentation highlighted the work of the clinics in understanding environmental and climate issues, law and policy, engaging with people and stakeholders, conducting research, raising awareness, and providing representation.
The students also shared some of the projects undertaken by previous cohorts, including work on corporate social responsibility and climate change, awareness on illegal wildlife crime and trade among local communities, water management and climate change, conservation centre research visits, and workshops on climate change. They also shared some of the projects being undertaken by the 2027 cohort and discussed how the Law Clinics could contribute to and collaborate with organizations and stakeholders working in these areas.
The visit was a meaningful opportunity for both institutions to share experiences and explore areas of common interest, particularly at the intersection of biodiversity conservation, environmental law, policy, research, and community engagement.

Read in website: https://nbc.gov.bt/students-and-faculty-from-the-jigme-singye-wangchuk-school-of-law-visit-the-national-biodiversity-centre/

23/09/2026

Wishing everyone a Happy Blessed Rainy Day
Thruebab Tashi Delek!

16/09/2026

𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭

𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 | 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐨, 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧: As an important component of the conscious food system, agrobiodiversity was also integrated in a parallel session on “Cultural Identity and Food Heritage", where NBC delivered a presentation entitled “Seed to Food Heritage – Agrobiodiversity Heritage of Bhutan". The presentation explored the journey from seed to food and from food to culture, demonstrating that Bhutan’s traditional crop varieties are much more than genetic resources conserved for future use. They are closely embedded in the food traditions, knowledge, practices, landscapes, livelihoods, rituals and cultural identity of Bhutanese communities.

The presentation emphasised the interconnected relationship between crop, culture and cuisine—the “3 Cs”—and how the loss of crop diversity can consequently lead to the erosion of associated food knowledge, culinary traditions and cultural practices.

The session also highlighted the importance of conserving agrobiodiversity in the context of today's multiple food-system challenges. Traditional crop diversity provides genetic resources for nutritional improvement, climate adaptation, resilience to pests and diseases, and sustainable food production. It can therefore contribute not only to the conservation of heritage but also to the transformation of future food systems.

The National Biodiversity also showcased Bhutan’s rich agricultural biodiversity and food heritage during the summit.

The exhibition highlighted the remarkable diversity of Bhutanese traditional crops and their deep connections with the country’s food, culture, nutrition, livelihoods and traditional knowledge. Through a curated display of traditional crop varieties and seeds, the NBC demonstrated how Bhutan’s agrobiodiversity represents not only biological wealth but also an important part of the nation’s living cultural and food heritage.

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: https://nbc.gov.bt/agrobiodiversity-heritage-at-global-conscious-food-system-summit/

12/09/2026

The National Biodiversity Centre (NBC) is delighted to join the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock family in extending our heartfelt congratulations to our newly appointed Honourable Secretary of the Ministry.

It is a matter of great pride and pleasure for the entire NBC family to congratulate our former Programme Director, Dasho Tashi Yangzome Dorji , on this well-deserved appointment. We wish you every success as you take on this important responsibility and embark on this new chapter of leadership and service.

We look forward to your continued guidance, wisdom, and visionary leadership in further advancing the mandates and priorities of the Ministry.

Once again, Tashi Delek la, Dasho. We wish you a successful and fulfilling tenure as the Honourable Secretary of the Ministry.

12/09/2026

𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐈𝐧-𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐍𝐀 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠
11 September 2026 — The National Biodiversity Centre (NBC) successfully concluded a five-day in-house training on DNA extraction and quantification, held from 7 to 11 September 2026 at the AnGR Molecular Laboratory, NBC, Serbithang.
The training brought together participants from NBC, the Centre for Yubja Conservation and Development (CYCD), Sertsam, and the Centre for Nublang Conservation and Development (CNCD), Trashiyangphu, with technical support provided by JICA Volunteer Mr Kazuki Yanagida.
The training began with a foundational theory session on genetics and DNA biology, covering DNA composition and the principles underlying extraction, before progressing into practical laboratory work. During the hands-on sessions, participants extracted genomic DNA using the Qiagen DNeasy Blood & Tissue Kit from whole blood samples of Nublang cattle, sourced from primary in-situ sites in the field as well as ex-situ samples provided by CYCD and CNCD. The extracted DNA was then quantified using the Invitrogen Qubit dsDNA HS Assay Kit read on the Qubit 2.0 Fluorometer, with participants gaining practical experience in calibrating the instrument, determining appropriate sample dilution factors, and calculating final DNA concentrations and yields. Gel electrophoresis was also conducted to visualise the DNA samples and compare the results against those obtained from the Qubit 2.0 Fluorometer. Participants were further trained to compile, analyse, and visualise the data generated from the quantification process.
In the concluding sessions, participants worked together to develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for DNA Extraction and Quantification from Animal Blood Samples to guide consistent laboratory practice at the AnGR Molecular Laboratory going forward. The training was supported by the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) Umbrella Support Projects, implemented by UNDP Bhutan.
The training has strengthened technical capacity within NBC and its conservation centres in biological sample handling and molecular laboratory techniques, supporting the Centre's ongoing work in genetic characterisation, breed-purity verification, and diversity assessment of Bhutan's indigenous livestock. The DNA extracted during the training will feed directly into these ongoing conservation genetics studies.

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐁𝐂 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: https://nbc.gov.bt/national-biodiversity-centre-conducts-in-house-dna-extraction-and-quantification-training/

11/09/2026

𝐂𝐍𝐑 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐍𝐁𝐂 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞
On 11 September 2026, the National Biodiversity Centre (NBC), Serbithang, welcomed 30 first-year B. Sc. Forestry students from the College of Natural Resources (CNR), Royal University of Bhutan, accompanied by their Module Tutor and programme leader. The visit was organised as part of the Forest and Systematic Botany (BOT101) module to complement classroom learning with practical exposure to biodiversity conservation and management.
The students were given an overview of NBC’s mandate, programmes and key activities, followed by awareness sessions on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS), Material Transfer Agreements (MTA), and biopiracy. They were also taken on guided visits to relevant NBC facilities to learn about biodiversity documentation, biological collections, and the conservation and management of plant genetic resources. The visit provided the students with an opportunity to connect academic concepts with practical conservation work and interact with professionals working in biodiversity research and management.
The academic exposure helped strengthen the students’ understanding of Bhutan’s biodiversity conservation efforts and the important role of institutions such as NBC in safeguarding the country’s biological resources.

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬: https://nbc.gov.bt/cnr-forestry-students-visit-nbc-for-academic-exposure/

11/09/2026

𝐑𝐒𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐌 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐁𝐂
𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The National Biodiversity Centre (NBC) hosted a presentation by students from the Royal Society for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (RSSTEM), showcasing their pioneering work in phytochemical profiling of Bhutanese medicinal species. The collaboration, which has spanned over six months, reflects Bhutan’s growing commitment to harnessing its rich biodiversity for natural product and biopharmaceutical discovery.
Building on RSSTEM’s earlier cross-referencing of Bhutanese flora with FDA and EMA-approved pharmaceuticals, the students prioritized Podophyllum hexandrum and Artemisia bhutanica for their pharmaceutical relevance, alignment with Sowa Rigpa (Bhutanese traditional medicine), and their status as native Himalayan species. To broaden the scope into fungal natural products, two medicinal mushrooms Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) and mulberry mushroom (Tropicoporus linteus) were also profiled.
The presentation highlighted key laboratory workflows carried out at NBC’s Bioprospecting Laboratory:
• 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐦 𝐡𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐮𝐦: HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of podophyllotoxin, a valuable anticancer precursor. Quantification revealed roots contains more podophyllotoxin than fruits. It demonstrates that Bhutan’s potential as a source of high-value pharmaceutical compounds.
• 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐚 𝐛𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚: Method optimization for artemisinin detection is ongoing, with reference standards acquired and chromatographic conditions under refinement.
• 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐬: Profiling of Hericium erinaceus and Tropicoporus linteus expands Bhutan’s research frontier into fungal metabolites with potential neuroprotective and immunomodulatory properties.
The session concluded with constructive feedback from NBC, aimed at refining the students’ work before its formal presentation to their Office. The event also highlighted the importance of bridging traditional knowledge with modern science to unlock Bhutan’s biological wealth for sustainable innovation.

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: https://nbc.gov.bt/rsstem-students-present-their-findings-to-nbc/

09/09/2026

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐆𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐞𝐦

On the joyous occasion of the 3rd Birth Anniversary of Her Royal Highness Gyalsem Sonam Yangden Wangchuck, we join the nation in offering our heartfelt felicitations and sincere prayers for Her Royal Highness's good health, happiness and long life.

07/09/2026

𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐂𝐁𝐒 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐁𝐂
On 7th September 2026- The National Biodiversity Centre (NBC) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL) welcomed a delegation from the Centre for Bhutan Studies (CBS) led by Dasho Karma Ura.
During the visit, NBC presented its mandate and key program functions, highlighting its role in coordinating and implementing initiatives that support biodiversity conservation, the sustainable utilisation of biological resources, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge. The delegation was also provided with an overview of the scientific techniques and approaches to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use undertaken by the Centre. The meeting was followed by a tour of various facilities at the Centre, including the Royal Botanical Garden, which serves as a living repository of Bhutan’s botanical diversity and the Biodiversity Interpretation Centre.
This engagement provided an opportunity to strengthen institutional collaboration and showcase NBC’s contributions to biodiversity conservation, environmental stewardship and Bhutan’s broader sustainable development goals.
The meeting also discussed CBS's proposal to organise an international conference, with biodiversity as one of the major thematic areas, covering issues such as governance, biodiversity values and use, frontier technologies, agro-biodiversity, and emerging conservation issues.

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: https://nbc.gov.bt/visit-from-cbs-to-nbc/

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Serbithang
Thimphu
11001

Opening Hours

Monday	09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 17:00
Thursday	09:00 - 17:00
Friday	09:00 - 17:00

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+975-2-351417

Website

http://www.nbc.gov.bt/, https://biodiversity.bt/, https://specimens.biodiversity.bt/

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