𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

…𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒊𝒎𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆 𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒔𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒗𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈

By Sonam Choki

In a significant move to rejuvenate rural economies and empower local communities, the Tarayana Foundation, with support from Bhutan for Life, is set to launch the ambitious Nettle Enterprise Development Project across various districts of Bhutan. This transformative initiative aims to harness the potential of nettle as a sustainable resource while promoting economic independence and preserving cultural heritage in remote areas.

Girardinia diversifolia, commonly known as common nettle, burn nettle, or stinging nettle (though not all plants of this species sting), is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Urticaceae. Nettle leaf is a rich source of antioxidants such as vitamin C, which reduces harmful molecules called free radicals in your system. Nettle is also believed to offer various other health benefits. Locally known as “Zoucha,” it is traditionally used for weaving fabrics.

Addressing community concerns head-on, Namgay Pem, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at the Tarayana Foundation, emphasized a comprehensive strategy developed through extensive consultations and on-site assessments. These efforts include thorough stakeholder engagement and resource mapping to ensure that local voices are integral to every phase of the project.

“Community feedback has been instrumental in shaping our approach,” noted Pem. “By addressing capacity-building and market access challenges identified during consultations, we are laying a solid foundation for sustainable development.”

Dhan Bdr. Gurung, the Gup of Lajab Gewog in Dagana Dzongkhag, has highlighted the potential benefits of the nettle project for villagers in his gewog. This initiative is expected to directly benefit 33 households. The Gup stated, “It will significantly improve the livelihoods of our villagers, as we currently have limited income sources. Nettle plants are abundant in our gewog, and if harvested sustainably, this project could have a positive economic impact on our community and the gewog as a whole.” If successful, the gewog plans to expand the project to other chiwogs where nettle plants are plentiful. “Nettle is a non-wood product that grows naturally with minimal effort, making this project highly appealing,” added the Gup.

Central to the project’s success are the training programs designed to equip community members with essential skills in nettle enterprise development. Dorji from Balung Chiwog, under Lajab Gewog, Dagana Dzongkhag, stressed the abundance of nettle plants in the region and the necessity of training villagers in their utilization.
Dorji said, “In the olden days, cloth materials were made from nettle. We used to wear Ghos made of nettle when we were children. We just need to harvest it from nature and use it, but the most important aspect is to provide adequate training to the community. The project will definitely benefit the community and family income.” Dorji also mentioned that their main source of income comes from selling vegetables, but now they hope to earn a good income after the implementation of the nettle project. “Even if we cannot weave, we can produce and sell nettle thread, which can fetch a good amount in the market,” Dorji added.

Gup Sangay Gyeltshen of Lumang Gewog under Trashigang Dzongkhag announced that products derived from the nettle plant, traditionally used by forefathers, continue to be an essential part of local craftsmanship. To support this heritage, the gewog has provided machinery to produce nettle plant threads, known for their superior quality.
The Tarayana Foundation is also aiding residents in these endeavors. Out of six chiwogs in the gewog, five chiwogs have plenty of nettle plants, but as of now, only Drubkhang Chiwog extracts nettle plant threads.

Gup Sangay said, “While meeting people from the community, we found that the residents knew how to extract threads from nettle plants, and there is a practice of weaving Ghos, Kiras, Bags, Kabney, Rachu, and even making ropes in the past. Up to now, only 40 households were benefiting from nettle extraction, but after implementation of the nettle project, 700 households are expected to benefit, thereby increasing the income of the community.”
Additionally, in collaboration with the dzongkhag, the gewog has organized a 15-day training on dyeing the nettle threads, which allowed the group to dye about 16 different colors.

Rinzin Wangchuk, the Gup of Langthel Gewog in Trongsa Dzongkhag, said, “The extraction of nettle material and weaving is greatly beneficial to our community. In the past, the Tarayana Foundation supported the nettle project in Baling and Jangbi Chiwogs and trained the community in extracting nettle plant threads. A woman from Baling Chiwog continued this work and made a good income from selling her nettle plant products at our local festival.”
The Gup also mentioned sustainable harvesting of the plant, saying, “To ensure a continuous harvest, we could grow the nettle plant in protected gardens with fences. This would allow us to grow, protect, and maintain a steady supply of materials.”

Improving market access for nettle products stands as a critical objective. The Foundation has initiated Buyer and Seller Meet workshops and plans to establish social media platforms to connect local producers with national and regional markets. Partnerships with local businesses and organizations like Deki Textiles and Mountain Crafts are expected to further bolster market penetration.

“Our partnerships are crucial in creating sustainable market linkages that benefit both producers and consumers,” affirmed Pem. “By facilitating these connections, we aim to enhance the economic viability of nettle-based enterprises across Bhutan.”

Initial resource assessments have identified abundant nettle resources across various districts, albeit with challenges such as invasive plant species posing threats. These findings underscore the need for sustainable resource management practices, a cornerstone of the Foundation’s environmental strategy.
“Protecting the ecosystem while harnessing its potential is crucial for the long-term success of this project,” stressed Pem. “We are committed to implementing sustainable harvesting practices and preserving biodiversity in nettle-rich areas.”

Economic impact assessments anticipate substantial benefits for over 100 households involved in the project. For rural women, in particular, the nettle enterprise presents a transformative opportunity to generate income and improve livelihoods.

“Nettle offers a lifeline in areas where alternative income sources are limited,” shared Pem, citing success stories where nettle products have fetched significant prices at national fairs and exhibitions.
To support community needs effectively, the Foundation will provide both financial and technical assistance. This includes supplying equipment such as nettle yarn processing machines, safety gear, and harvesting tools. Access to microfinance through Tarayana Micro-Finance Limited will also be available to support operational needs.

“Our commitment extends beyond the initial implementation phase,” affirmed Pem. “We will continue to support communities through ongoing capacity building and responsive assistance to ensure the sustainability of nettle-based enterprises.”

Sustainability lies at the core of the project’s mission. From implementing stringent environmental management plans to engaging youth in sustainable practices, every effort is aimed at securing long-term impact and fostering resilience within local communities.

“We’re investing in the future by training the next generation of nettle entrepreneurs,” added Pem, highlighting the project’s role in curbing rural-urban migration through viable economic opportunities.

Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms ensure accountability and adaptability throughout the project lifecycle. Regular feedback loops and grievance reporting systems empower community members to actively shape project outcomes.
“Transparency and community engagement are pivotal to our approach,” Pem stated, underscoring the Foundation’s commitment to inclusive development.

Despite the inherent challenges of rural development, the Tarayana Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to transform livelihoods through the Nettle Enterprise Development Project. By leveraging local knowledge, fostering partnerships, and embracing sustainable practices, the project promises not only economic empowerment but also a sustainable future for Bhutan’s rural communities.

The Nettle Enterprise Development Project signifies a significant step towards sustainable economic development in Bhutan’s rural areas. With its holistic approach and commitment to community empowerment, the project aims to create lasting positive change, preserving cultural traditions while fostering economic resilience. As implementation begins, the Foundation remains dedicated to overcoming challenges, leveraging partnerships, and ensuring that nettle-based enterprises thrive, benefiting local communities and contributing to Bhutan’s overall development goals.