𝐅𝐥𝐲 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐨𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐙𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐬 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐜𝐨 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

…𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒚𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔

By Tashi Tshewang

The National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) is hosting the first Regional AI Training on Cryosphere Research, a five-day programme bringing together participants from across the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region. Conducted in collaboration with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), the training forms part of ICIMOD’s regional capacity-building initiative. Researchers and technical professionals from five ICIMOD member countries, including Bhutan, are attending the workshop. The programme aims to strengthen understanding of machine learning and deep learning applications in cryosphere studies, an area increasingly important for climate monitoring in the HKH region.

Zhemgang is set to enter the country’s high value nature tourism map with the establishment of a dedicated fly fishing lodge, a development aimed at attracting international anglers while promoting conservation based tourism. Strategically located along pristine river systems known for their biodiversity and largely unspoiled landscapes, the lodge targets a growing global market of fly fishing enthusiasts seeking exclusive, low impact travel experiences rooted in environmental stewardship.

The initiative aligns with the national tourism strategy of diversification and sustainability, offering an alternative to conventional sightseeing by leveraging Zhemgang’s rich freshwater ecosystems. Fly fishing, which relies on catch and release practices, is viewed as compatible with conservation principles, helping balance tourism development with the protection of aquatic habitats and endemic fish species.

Beyond its tourism appeal, the lodge is expected to generate local economic opportunities through employment, guiding services, hospitality, and related supply chains, particularly benefiting communities in and around Zhemgang. By involving local residents as guides, support staff, and conservation stewards, the project seeks to embed community ownership while ensuring that economic gains remain within the district.

The development also draws attention to Zhemgang’s largely untapped tourism potential, shifting focus toward central regions that have remained outside mainstream travel circuits. As global interest in experiential and nature based tourism continues to grow, the fly fishing lodge positions Zhemgang as a destination for a specialized market while demonstrating how rural districts can responsibly harness natural assets to support long term development.
Jigme Tsuendrup, Director of Operations of Himalayan Flyfishing Adventures and Manas River Lodge, said the location was chosen based on ecological research and habitat suitability.

“Zhemgang is located within a prime golden mahseer habitat, and based on findings from our radio telemetry research, we felt it is the right place in the country to develop a high end recreational fly fishing industry,” he said.
“With the country’s only specialized fly fishing lodge located in Zhemgang, we believe this initiative will significantly contribute to developing the dzongkhag as the country’s eco tourism capital.”

He said the lodge was developed with a strong focus on community engagement and responsible tourism, aligning business objectives with conservation and local development goals.

“Our aim was never just to conduct business, but to work closely with local communities so they directly benefit,” he said.

“Nearly 90 percent of our staff are youth from nearby communities, and they have undergone months of training in hospitality and fishing guide services. As a specialized high end recreational fly fishing lodge, our guests are mainly from the United States and Europe, though we hope to expand partnerships with more countries in the future.”
“The lodge is designed to offer exclusivity while promoting responsible tourism, fully in line with the country’s high value, low volume tourism policy.”

Environmental safeguards and regulatory oversight form a central part of the lodge’s operations. Dew Bahadur Dahal, Forest Ranger I, said fly fishing activities in Zhemgang are closely monitored to ensure compliance with conservation and safety standards.

“Fly fishing in Zhemgang is conducted under the guidance of trained and certified guides who follow strict safety protocols to ensure that fish are not injured during the catch and release process,” he said.

He added that foresters regularly monitor activities in the field to ensure established guidelines are followed.
“When safety and conservation protocols are properly observed, fly fishing can be a sustainable activity suitable for Zhemgang Dzongkhag,” he said.

“We also enforce strict measures to protect aquatic ecosystems, including controlling illegal fishing, not issuing permits during the breeding season, and ensuring that no waste is discarded along riverbanks during fly fishing activities.”
He said these measures help maintain healthy fish populations, wildlife corridors, and surrounding forest ecosystems.
Utam Kumar Ghaley, a fly fishing guide, said the lodge has created employment opportunities for people from nearby communities, particularly in service oriented roles and lodge related work.

“The fly fishing river lodge has created employment opportunities for many people from nearby communities, particularly in service oriented roles and other lodge related work,” he said.

He noted that local staff have demonstrated a high level of professionalism and enthusiasm, and are provided opportunities to upgrade their skills through training and mentorship from senior instructors, helping build confidence and long term capacity.

Ghaley said his role as a guide extends beyond fishing activities, allowing him to interact closely with both visitors and local communities.

“Spending time in villages, talking about our culture and traditions, and introducing guests to local lifestyles has helped strengthen relationships between tourists and residents,” he said.

According to him, communities are generally welcoming, often happy to meet visitors and offer local produce and traditional refreshments, reflecting the hospitality common in rural areas.

“Explaining the concept of fly fishing, especially the practice of catching and immediately releasing fish, can initially be difficult for some community members to understand,” he said.

“However, once we take time to explain the conservation principles behind it and the potential economic benefits, people become supportive and welcoming of the idea.”

He added that, in the long term, Zhemgang stands to benefit both directly and indirectly through eco based tourism activities such as fly fishing, homestays, and related services. He emphasized that with strong support from the local government, eco tourism has the potential to grow further and contribute significantly to sustainable livelihoods while preserving natural and cultural heritage.

Chenga Tshewang, a freelance tour guide, said the initiative has opened opportunities for young people in the district.
“Even though Zhemgang is far from major cities, many young people here are creative, motivated, and eager to take up new opportunities,” he said.

“Most of the staff working at the lodge are from the local area, allowing them to support their families while contributing positively to their own community.”

He said the lodge’s operations reflect a community based tourism model that places equal emphasis on livelihoods and environmental stewardship.

“Manas River Lodge offers a catch and release experience exclusively for its guests, with the main purpose being to observe the golden mahseer, which is regarded as one of the eight auspicious symbols in Buddhist tradition,” he said.
“The Manas River provides important livelihood opportunities for the surrounding communities, and it is clear that local people deeply respect nature, promoting a model where conservation and development coexist.”