NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY CENTRE

Leading Bhutan's  efforts in biodiversity conservation and sustainable utilization since 1998.

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Message from the Program Director

In Bhutan, we do not see ourselves as rulers of nature, but as its caretakers. Our Constitution commits us to protecting at least 60{e79a6feec18ac5b120da05abc182818f3d3d84caee8606379c28f6db39cec257} forest cover – not because it’s easy, but because it’s right.

Biodiversity is not just about saving rare plants or animals. It is about preserving balance – between people and the natural world, between progress and protection. Every seed, every insect, every stream plays a role in the health of our planet.

At the National Biodiversity Centre, we work to protect not just species, but also the knowledge and culture that sustain them. Conservation is not just science; it is also a story of connection, of responsibility, and of love.

- Dr. Karma Dema Dorji

Our Programs

Education: Learn with Us

Experience Bhutan’s biodiversity through immersive learning at the Biodiversity Interpretation Centre, laboratories, facilities, and the Royal Botanical Garden.

Our Work in Motion

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Explore Our Biodiversity Platforms

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Bhutan Biodiversity Portal

A citizen-driven platform hosting species data, observations, and documents of Bhutan’s biodiversity.

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Biodiversity in Numbers

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Our stories and updates

Bhutan Launches Ten (10) new Bioprospecting Products developed under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Framework

15 June 2026: The National Biodiversity Centre (NBC), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, tin partnership with SC Branding Studio and ten start-ups/scale-ups launched today ten new premium bioprospecting products developed under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework at the Brand Bhutan Event Centre in Thimphu. A total of ten bioprospecting products were unveiled, including: The event was graced by His Excellency Lyonpo Younten Phuntsho, Ministry of Agriculture and Livetsock, and was attended by various government officials, private sector representatives, development partners, and local entrepreneurs to showcase Bhutan’s growing efforts in promoting biodiversity-based enterprises. This initiative is a…

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Biodiversity Legislation and ABS Awareness Program at Wangbama Central School

8 June 2026: An advocacy and educational program on Bhutan’s biodiversity legislation and the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) regime was successfully conducted at Wangbama Central School by the National Biodiversity Centre (NBC). The program aimed to enhance students’ understanding of the country’s biodiversity conservation efforts, legal frameworks, and the sustainable use of biological resources. The session brought together students and teachers of Wangbama Central School, providing them with insights into Bhutan’s Biodiversity Act, Biodiversity Rules and Regulations, and the national ABS framework. Participants were introduced to the mandates and functions of the National Biodiversity Centre and its role in…

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New Species of Oribatid Mite Discovered in Bhutan

The National Biodiversity Centre (NBC), in collaboration with researchers from Japan, has documented a new species of oribatid mite from Bhutan, highlighting the country’s rich yet understudied invertebrate diversity. The newly described species, Achipteria (Achipteria) bhutanica sp. nov., was discovered from forest litter collected during a joint soil fauna survey conducted in Paro and Thimphu. The species belongs to the family Achipteriidae, which is being recorded from Bhutan for the first time. The discovery is particularly noteworthy as it represents the first published record of an oribatid mite from Bhutan since the 1980s. The study highlights the importance of continued biodiversity exploration…

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Class IX Students (MHSS) Visit NBC for Biodiversity Awareness and Bhutan Biodiversity Portal Demonstration

27 May, 2026, Serbithang: The National Biodiversity Centre welcomed Class IX science students from Motithang Higher Secondary School, for an educational visit to the Centre aimed at enhancing awareness on biodiversity conservation and digital biodiversity documentation initiatives in Bhutan. During the visit, the students were introduced to the mandates and conservation works carried out by the Centre, including biodiversity conservation, sustainable utilization, and biodiversity information management initiatives. The students also attended an awareness session and live demonstration of the Bhutan Biodiversity Portal (BBP), where they learned how citizen science and biodiversity observations contribute to conservation research and documentation in the…

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Bhutan Strengthens Native Crop Conservation Through Final-Year Review and Planning Workshop of BTFEC funded project

The National Biodiversity Centre under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock successfully organized the Annual Project Review and Planning Workshop for the project titled “Participatory On-farm Conservation and Sustainable Use of Native Horticulture Crop Diversity (NHCD)” from 25–26 May 2026 at Druk Deothjung Resort. Supported by the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation, the two-day workshop brought together Agriculture Extension Officials, farmer representatives, researchers, and project partners from across the country to review implementation progress, identify challenges, and jointly plan activities for the project’s final implementation year (July 2026–June 2027). The workshop was attended by representatives from project Gewogs including…

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Advocacy and Sensitization Program on Biodiversity Legislation and ABS Regime Conducted at Trashigang Middle Secondary School

26 May 2026, Trashigang: An engaging advocacy and sensitization program on biodiversity legislation and the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) regime in Bhutan was successfully conducted at Trashigang Middle Secondary School, bringing together students in a meaningful discussion  on the importance of conserving Bhutan’s rich natural heritage. The session introduced students to the important conservation efforts carried out by the National Biodiversity Centre (NBC). Through interactive presentations, students learned how Bhutan continues to protect its unique biological resources through strong policies, community participation, and sustainable practices. Students were also introduced on how these legal frameworks play a crucial role in safeguarding our…

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Wild Bhutan Challenge 2026

The National Biodiversity Centre (NBC) is pleased to announce Wild Bhutan Challenge 2026, a user competition and recognition initiative for the Bhutan Biodiversity Portal to…

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Useful Tips on Material Transfer Agreement (MTA)

A Material Transfer Agreement is a written contract that defines the rights, obligations, and restrictions for both the provider and the recipient with respect to the materials or any derivatives, and any confidential information exchanged with the material. It addresses issues such as ownership of materials and rights over the inventions resulting from the use of the materials, transfer, and use of the material, and any resulting publications or intellectual property rights.

We need to execute Material Transfer Agreements to regulate and streamline access to Bhutanese Genetic resources in order to:

  1. Ensure that access results in the fair and equitable sharing of benefits.
  2. Avoid unregulated access taking place.
  3. Facilitate research collaborations with national capacity-building.
  4. Fix accountability on the part of the Provider as well as Recipient of the material.
  5. Enable generation of information and knowledge sharing.

A Material Transfer Agreement is executed when Bhutanese biological/genetic resources are transferred to other countries for research and commercialization. It excludes biological resources which are traded as commodities for direct consumption. However, if the materials traded as commodities are later intended to be used for research and commercialization, a Material Transfer Agreement has to be executed.

Anyone sending the material is a Provider and anyone receiving the material is a Recipient.

A written application shall be submitted to the Program Director, National Biodiversity Centre, Serbithang covering the following details:

  • Intended purpose of material transfer.
  • Types and numbers of material to be transferred.
  • Final destination of the material.
  • Details of the provider and recipient including proper mailing address.
  • National Identity number for a Bhutanese and Passport Number for foreigners.
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