The Paro Forum will take place from 22-24 February 2025 to coincide with the Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and the Foundation Day of the Law School. The Forum will bring together participants from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, national and international policy or decision-making bodies, civil society organizations, the private sector, youths, and interdisciplinary climate and environmental experts.
The Forum will have eleven (10) sessions stretched over three (3) days. These sessions will involve discussions on various topics relating to water management and climate change facilitated by enthusiastic and expert moderators
22 February 2025
9:00 am
Registration
9:30 am
Welcome and Opening
Arrival of the Honorable President, Her Royal Highness Ashi Sonam Dechan WangchuckLighting of butter lamp, Marchang and Opening prayerWelcome
9: 45 am
Keynote Address
10: 30 am
High Tea and Photo Session
11:15 am
Session 1: Groundwater Use
Historically, groundwater has not been a water source for Bhutanese society, however, with climate change and water use pressures there is a rethinking and groundwater use has become part of the discussions in Bhutan regarding water management. This panel brings together experts both within and beyond Bhutan to discuss the complexities of groundwater use in the Himalayas.
1:00 pm
Lunch Break
2:00 pm
Session 2:Water Sources in Bhutan
Climate variation as well population increase, changes in lifestyles, and economic advancement has brought about new demands for water in Bhutan. Water management has become a priority for the country, particularly in addressing the competing needs for water by hydropower projects, irrigation and industry. This panel will address the changing pressures on Bhutan’s water sources and the need for their constant Protection.
3:30 pm
Tea Break
4:00 pm
Session 3: Documentary Screening and Discussion: “Glacial Perspectives: Exploring the Frozen Frontiers
Join us for an insightful documentary screening and discussion focusing on the changing landscapes of the world’s glaciers. “Bhutan Mountain Man: video diaries from a lone glaciologist” delves into the dramatic impacts of climate change on glacial environments, exploring the science, stories, and stakes involved. This session will offer a unique blend of visual storytelling and expert dialogue, providing a platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities for glacier conservation and sustainable water management.
23 February 2025
9:00 am
Registration
9:30 am
Session 4: Water User Group Spotlight: “Community Champions: Empowering Sustainable Water Usage in Bhutan”
Community activism is vital to meeting Bhutan’s water needs. This panel features representatives from water-focused CSOs working directly with local communities, highlighting grassroots efforts in sustainable water management. Panelists will share insights on empowering communities, innovative practices, and the role of local solutions in climate adaptation, aiming to inspire collaboration and showcase strategies for water resilience.
11:00 am
Tea Break
11:30 am
Session 5: Funders Panel “Investing in Water: Exploring Opportunities for Climate Adaptation”
Funding is crucial for climate adaptation and water management. This panel will feature local and multinational funders discussing strategies, opportunities, and challenges in financing sustainable water projects. Panelists will share insights on funding models, priorities, and pathways for communities and organizations to access support, aiming to foster collaboration for impactful climate adaptation.
1:00 pm
Lunch Break
2:00 pm
Session 6: Student Showcase: “Innovation in Action: Commercializing Water in Bhutan”
The Climate Change and Environmental Law Clinic, Human Dignity Clinic, and Entrepreneurism Clinic from JSW Law will present their research and findings on innovative approaches to commercializing water in Bhutan. This session highlights student-led initiatives aimed at addressing water challenges through sustainable and entrepreneurial solutions.
3:30 pm
Tea Break
4:00 pm
Session 7: Protecting Rivers In North America and Asia
Hydropower, the main source of energy in Bhutan, is considered a green renewable energy source. However, according to the WWF, the use of dams or weirs on rivers needed to operate hydropower plants has devastating consequences for rivers and biodiversity. While Europe is seeing an expansion of river damming, in North America there is an attempt to start dismantling dams, particularly large, older dams that are recognized as contributors to the destruction of river ecosystems. This panel will examine how best to protect rivers within the context of hydropower and its impact on water systems.
24 February 2025
9:00 am
Registration
9:30 am
Session 8 : Urban Water Management Practices
This panel will bring together key stakeholders in urban water management, including representatives from the Department of Water, the city municipality, and engineering experts. Participants will discuss best practices, innovative solutions, and collaborative strategies for effective urban water design and management, addressing the challenges faced by cities in ensuring sustainable water resources.
10:45 am
Tea Break
11:15 am
Session 9: Hydrology and Glacier Melt
This panel will focus on the state of the cryosphere globally and in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, examining its contribution to river systems, the risks posed by climate change, and potential mitigation strategies. It will also highlight research from the Canadian Arctic, discussing data collection techniques and the challenges faced in understanding glacial and hydrological dynamics.
1:00 pm
Lunch
2:00 pm
Session 10: Stakeholders Meeting: “Charting the Course: Collaborative Strategies for Water Conservation and Climate Resilience – creating a roadmap”
After three days of knowledge sharing, discussions and debates, the final step in the Paro Forum program is to bring presenters and participants together to contribute to the creation of a roadmap that will identify the immediate challenges concerning climate change and water management and outline strategies that could be considered moving forward. The outcome of the roadmap is a white paper that will be presented to the Government of Bhutan as an advisory document.