𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡

…𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔, 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒄𝒂𝒇𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝑾𝒂𝒎𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑲𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒖𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒂 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔.

By Kezang Choden

The Trashigang Dzongkhag Divisional Forest Office has made significant strides in promoting tourism and youth employment by constructing roadside amenities at Wamrong Town in Lumang Gewog and Kharungla Brekha Junction in Khaling Gewog. These facilities, which include cafeterias and gender-inclusive restrooms, aim to enhance the experience of travelers heading to eastern regions of the country via Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag. Managed by local youth, the project offers them opportunities for employment while also supporting regional development.

The initiative is funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) under the Ecotourism Project. This project seeks to integrate biodiversity conservation into the tourism sector, and these strategically located amenities are designed to provide much-needed rest stops for visitors, creating a more comfortable journey.

By involving local youth in managing these facilities, the project fosters entrepreneurship and helps create a more self-reliant younger generation. Trashigang Dzongkhag Divisional Forest Office officials are optimistic that this effort will increase tourism in the region while inspiring young people to actively contribute to the nation’s development.

Tashi Tenzin, the Dungpa of Wamrong Dungkhag, has led the development of roadside cafeterias in Wamrong Town and Tragopan Café at Kharungla Brekha Junction. This initiative addresses local infrastructure needs, particularly the lack of restrooms in Wamrong, which has been a challenge for both residents and visitors. Tenzin noted that the project not only aims to improve facilities but also encourages local youth to develop entrepreneurial skills.

“The goal is to instill an entrepreneurial mindset among the youth, making them independent and self-reliant,” said Tenzin. He also highlighted the location of the cafeterias, which are situated near Kharungla- a rich biodiversity area known for the endangered Tragopan bird species. “The cafeterias complement this attraction, offering visitors a place to relax and enjoy local delicacies.”

Managed by a dedicated team of local youth, the cafeterias are also platforms for skill-building and leadership. Tenzin personally mentors the young managers, ensuring they gain the experience necessary for long-term success. The initiative helps reduce youth migration to foreign countries by offering employment opportunities locally. Additionally, it supports regional farmers by sourcing goods locally, reducing reliance on imports from other dzongkhags.

“This initiative is more than just a cafeteria; it represents a vision for Wamrong and Kharungla’s future as a thriving tourist destination,” Tenzin said, underscoring that it contributes to sustainable development, youth empowerment, and the preservation of cultural and natural heritage.

Sonam Tobgay, a forestry official from Trashigang Dzongkhag, explained that the project has multiple objectives: promoting eco-tourism in the eastern region, empowering young entrepreneurs, and preserving the region’s biodiversity. “This initiative is primarily aimed at promoting the eastern region as a destination for eco-tourism while empowering young individuals to become independent entrepreneurs,” said Tobgay.

The project focuses on improving infrastructure along key routes to the eastern region, particularly the Wamrong and Kharungla highways. These routes are frequently used by travelers but have long lacked sufficient rest areas. Tobgay explained, “Every traveler entering the eastern region must pass through these highways, but the absence of adequate restrooms and amenities has been a longstanding issue. This initiative addresses that gap.”

The decision to focus on Wamrong and Kharungla is due to the areas’ rich biodiversity, including endangered bird species. As part of the project, bird models have been installed at strategic locations to raise awareness about conservation efforts. “Our main goal is to offer travelers a deeper understanding of how to preserve the environment while showcasing the incredible natural wealth of the region,” Tobgay emphasized.

This initiative not only promotes environmental awareness but also aims to generate income for local communities. It reflects the growing recognition of the region’s potential as an eco-tourism hub. By offering modern amenities and emphasizing conservation education, the project strives for a balance between benefiting local communities and protecting the environment.

Karma Lungmo, a 24-year-old entrepreneur managing Kharungla Café alongside her husband, shared her experience in overcoming challenges related to her limited experience in the hospitality sector. With the support of government initiatives, they have successfully established the café, which caters primarily to tourists. “We faced difficulties initially, especially due to a lack of experience, but with a strong mindset and the assistance provided by the government, we have been able to operate the café successfully,” said Lungmo.

In addition to providing excellent service, Lungmo views the café as an opportunity to promote the region’s biodiversity. “We aim to provide excellent service to tourists while giving them a chance to explore the unique flora and fauna of the region. It’s our way of combining hospitality with environmental education.”

Karma and her husband are also planning to hire local youth to further involve the community in their business. “Engaging young people in the café will not only help us manage operations but also give them a chance to learn and contribute to the tourism and hospitality industry,” she added.

Similarly, Jigme Lhuendup, a 27-year-old manager of Wamrong Café, is dedicated to contributing to the region’s economic development while promoting eco-tourism. Lhuendup, who has a background in hotel management, sees the café as more than just a place for food and beverages. He aims to make it a central hub for eco-tourism in the region.

“If the number of tourists increases, I plan to expand the café and introduce additional services to enhance their experience,” Lhuendup said. He is committed to promoting sustainable practices while creating job opportunities for local youth. His vision for the café aligns with Bhutan’s broader goals of sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and economic self-reliance.

As Lungmo and Lhuendup continue to grow their businesses, they serve as inspiring examples of how young Bhutanese entrepreneurs are contributing to economic development, environmental conservation, and the country’s goal of sustainable growth. The project’s success is expected to inspire further regional development and support the preservation of the area’s natural heritage.