𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥’𝐬 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

…𝒂 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒏 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒃𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒏𝒗𝒊𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒂𝒇𝒆𝒈𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒔, 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒔

By Tashi Tshewang

Wangchuk works as a water technician, a role that places him at the centre of maintaining water safety and reliability in his work area. His responsibility is to ensure that water systems function properly and that the quality of water meets required safety standards. Alongside his technical duties, he also guides visitors along the Bhutan Glory Wildlife Trail, combining water management, environmental protection, and conservation awareness.

Wangchuk is 45 years old and comes from Trashigang, Yongphula Shinchengyenpa. He has four children- two daughters and two sons.

“My work as a water technician is mainly responsible for maintaining and ensuring the quality and safety of the water system,” Wangchuk said, explaining the core of his profession.

A typical working day involves monitoring and adjusting water treatment processes to ensure safety standards are met. He regularly checks treatment levels, monitors water quality, and responds to any issues related to system operations. Troubleshooting is a key part of his work, as even small technical problems can affect water supply and quality.

For Wangchuk, however, water management does not stop at technical systems. He emphasized that water technicians working in natural areas must consider the wider environment.

“As a water technician, we often recognize that healthy ecosystems depend on clean water and a balanced natural environment,” he said.

He added that his interest in water work began at an early age. “I had an interest from early on, as I saw others doing this. I was trained by others and have been working for 12 years.”

Because his work area includes forests and wildlife habitats, Wangchuk pays close attention to how water systems interact with the surrounding environment. His responsibilities include monitoring the impact of water systems on nearby forests and wildlife and ensuring that water treatment processes do not harm surrounding plants and animals. This awareness guides how systems are managed and maintained.

Another important part of his work involves educating communities. Wangchuk believes that protecting water sources requires community understanding and cooperation. He shares information about the importance of clean water, forests, and wildlife, and explains how unsustainable practices can damage these interconnected systems.

In the areas where Wangchuk works, water sources, forests, and wildlife are closely linked. Forests help store water and regulate water flow while also providing habitats for a wide range of species. Wildlife contributes to forest health, and clean water sustains both plant and animal life. According to Wangchuk, disrupting any part of this system can affect the whole balance.

“Water is needed for all, and water is a product of the forest. So please protect our forest for people, for animals, it is all connected,” he said.

Wangchuk recalled some of the most unforgettable moments of his career.

“I had a fight with others, and it was not a good memory, but it was unforgettable. On the other hand, it was a good memory and inspiration when others noticed my work.”

He also shared some of the technical challenges he faces. For example, installing large pipes, such as a 300 mm metal connection, is not possible by hand and requires machines. Seasonal problems are another challenge. In summer, rainfall can cause floods and landslides, spoiling water supplies. Adjustments are always necessary, and a timetable for the work must be followed carefully.

“I had lots of experience, as I have grown doing this and facing lots of challenges,” Wangchuk said.

His experience also fuels his motivation to guide along the Bhutan Glory Wildlife Trail. His inspiration comes from a deep interest in nature and a desire to share Bhutan’s biodiversity. By guiding people through natural landscapes, he hopes visitors gain a deeper appreciation of forests, wildlife, and water sources.

“It motivates me to connect people with pristine landscapes and rare wildlife, fostering appreciation for conservation and a sense of responsibility to protect these ecosystems for future generations,” Wangchuk said.

Protecting water sources in forested and wildlife-rich areas is not without challenges. Wangchuk identified illegal logging and legal logging near water sources as a major concern. Such activities reduce forest cover, disrupt natural water cycles, and affect water availability. When forest cover is reduced, water sources become more vulnerable to contamination and seasonal shortages.

Climate change has added further pressure. Irregular rainfall patterns and droughts have made water availability less predictable, affecting both water systems and ecosystems. Wangchuk noted that these changes require careful monitoring and long-term planning to ensure water security.

Another challenge is the lack of awareness and community engagement. According to him, when communities are not fully informed about the importance of protecting water sources and forests, unsustainable practices can continue. This makes conservation efforts more difficult and highlights the need for continued education and outreach.

Despite these challenges, Wangchuk finds encouragement in moments spent in nature. Like many forest guides and conservation workers, he has witnessed visitors experience rare wildlife sightings or the calm atmosphere of forests during early morning hours. These experiences, he said, leave a strong impression on visitors.

“Such moments highlight the beauty of nature and emphasize the importance of protecting natural habitats,” he said.
The Bhutan Glory Wildlife Trail also brings benefits to local communities. Wangchuk explained that the trail supports eco-tourism revenue, creates employment opportunities, encourages cultural exchange, and increases environmental awareness. These benefits help link conservation with local livelihoods, making environmental protection more meaningful for communities living near forests and wildlife areas.

Individuals working in conservation-related roles contribute in different ways. Wangchuk sees his contribution as providing information, raising awareness, and supporting education. Through both his technical work and guiding role, he helps people understand why protecting natural resources is important. He also offers guidance on sustainable practices and encourages responsible behaviour toward water sources and the environment.

Balancing technical responsibilities with environmental concerns requires careful decision-making. Wangchuk explained that he tries to provide information and solutions that promote sustainability. By helping organisations and communities understand environmental impacts, he supports efforts to adopt eco-friendly practices and make informed decisions for a sustainable future.

Beyond his daily work, Wangchuk believes strongly in the role of young people.

“I like to remind young people that they are the future stewards of our planet,” he said.

He stressed that protecting water, forests, and wildlife is essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced Earth. Staying informed, remaining committed, and understanding the connection between natural systems are, in his view, necessary steps toward environmental protection.

For Wangchuk, working as a water technician and guiding along the Bhutan Glory Wildlife Trail are not separate roles. Both are part of the same responsibility- to protect water sources, preserve forests, and support wildlife. His work reflects how technical expertise and environmental awareness can work together to support conservation and sustainable development for future generations.