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 ten (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.
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| 22 February 2025 | |
| 8:30AM | Registration |
| 9:15AM | Welcome and Opening |
| > Arrival of the Honorable President, Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck > Lighting of butter lamp > Marchang and Opening prayer > Welcome, Dean Sangay Dorjee > Presidential Address by the Honourable President > Launch of The Wisdom Centre for Justice > Keynote, Lyonchen Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan > Photo Session | |
| 10:30AM | High Tea |
| 11:15AM | Session 1: Hydrology and Glacier panel |
| 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 Polar Arctic, discussing data collection techniques and the challenges faced in understanding glacial and hydrological dynamics. > Moderator – Pam Pearson, Founder and Director, International Cryosphere Climate Initiative > John Pomeroy, UNESCO Chair in Mountain Water Sustainability and Director of the Global Water Futures programme > Miriam Jackson, Glaciologist, ICIMOD, IPCC Lead Author, and formerly of the Norwegian Water Authority > Karma Tshering, Former Director of the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology | |
| 1:00PM | Lunch Break |
| 2:00PM | Session 2: Protecting Rivers |
| 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. > Moderator – Victor V. Ramraj, University of Victoria > Deborah Curran, University of Victoria > Paljor Jigme Dorji, Founding President of Bhutan Ecological Society > Dorji Pavo Phuntshok, Chief Executive Officer, Exalt Druk Enviroklens Limited > John Dore, DFAT, Lead Specialist – Climate Resilience & Water Security > Sagar Prasai, Former Country Representative, India, The Asia Foundation | |
| 3:30PM | Tea Break |
| 4:00PM | 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, including information about the International Year of Glacier Preservation. > Screening of “Bhutan Mountain Man: video diaries from a lone glaciologist.” > Moderator – Dema Lham, Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law > Arun Bhattarai, Independent Filmmaker. > Karma Tshering, Former Director of the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology > Pam Pearson, Founder and Director, International Cryosphere Climate Initiative > John Pomeroy, UNESCO Chair in Mountain Water Sustainability and Director of the Global Water Futures programme | |
6:00PM Opening Dinner (Zhiwa Ling Heritage Hotel, Paro)
| 23 February 2025 | |
| 9:00AM | Registration |
| 9:30AM | Session 4: 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. > Moderator – Saroj Rai, College of Science & Technology > Gayatri Naik, National Law School of India University > Tom Gleeson, University of Victoria > Abjijit Mukherjee, Indian Institute of Technology > Kuenzang Tshering, Environmental Chemist, Water Research Bhutan | |
| 11:00AM | Tea Break |
| 11:30AM | Session 5: Advancing Integrated Water Resource Management |
| Climate variation as well as population increase, changes in lifestyles, and economic advancement have 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. > Moderator – Sonam Jamtsho, Consultant, Water Supply and Sanitation Design, Gyelsung Infra > Sonam Choden, Lead Research Coordinator, ReBuilt Bhutan > Lam Dorji, Managing Director, Centre for Environment and Development > Karma Drupchu, Director, National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology > Thinley Gyamtsho, Irrigation Specialist, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport | |
| 1:00APM | Lunch Break |
| 2:00PM | Session 6: Innovation in Action: Commercializing Water in Bhutan |
| The Climate Change and Environmental Law Clinic and Human Dignity Clinic from JSW Law, alongside Xplore Bhutan Rafting & Kayaking, will present their research, findings, and experiences on innovative approaches to water commercialization in Bhutan. This session will spotlight student-led and entrepreneurial initiatives focused on tackling water challenges through sustainable and entrepreneurial solutions. > Moderator: Choki Pelden Lhamo, Member, Climate Change and Environmental Law Clinic, JSW Law > Sonam Deki Chophil, Member, Climate Change and Environmental Law Clinic > Phelden Yoezer, Member, Human Dignity Clinic > Thinley Tobden, River Guide, Xplore Bhutan Rafting & kayaking | |
| 3:30PM | Tea Break |
| 4:00PM | Session 7: Investing in Sustainable 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. > Moderator – Helen Lansdowne, Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law > Khurshid Alam, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP > Ahmed Elseoud, OIC Project Management Mentor, UNDP > Sonam Dagay, Program Specialist, WWF-Bhutan > Shokhimardon Musaev, Country Operations Head, ADB – Bhutan | |
6:00PM Dinner
| 24 February 2025 | |
| 9:00AM | Registration |
| 9:30AM | Session 8 : Water User Groups / Community Engagement |
| 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. > Moderator – Tshering Dolkar, Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law > Ugyen Rinzin, Water Project Leader SNV- Bhutan > Sangay Dorji, Technical Director, Tarayana Foundation > Sharif Jamil, Member of the Board of Directors, Waterkeeper Alliance > Tsheten Dorji, Chief of Sustainable Development, Royal Society for Protection of Nature | |
| 10:30AM | Tea Break |
| 11:00AM | Session 9: Urban and Rural Water Management Practices |
| This panel will bring together key stakeholders in both urban and rural water management, including representatives from the Department of Water, the Thimpu municipality, and rural water experts. Participants will discuss best practices, innovative solutions, and collaborative strategies for effective water management and design, addressing the challenges faced by cities and rural communities in ensuring sustainable water resources. > Moderator: Chencho Norbu, Technical Advisor, Climate Change and Environmental Law Centre, Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law >Tenzin Khorlo, Chief Environment Officer, Department of Water, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources >Yeshey Wangdi, Chief, Thimphu Thromde >Ugyen Rinzin, Water Project Leader SNV- Bhutan | |
| 1:00PM | Lunch |
| 2:00PM | 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. > Rapporteur: Eric Lemelson, Founder and President, Karuna Foundation > Moderator: Donna Greschner, Former Dean of Law, University of Victoria > Tenzin Khorlo, Chief Environment Officer, Department of Water, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources > Discussion of key insights and strategies. | |
| 5:00PM | Closing & Prayer |
| 6:00PM | Post-Forum Reception |