About this project
“Earth Defenders” empowers Bhutanese youth to actively protect their environment by addressing critical issues of water conservation, waste management, climate action, and biodiversity preservation. Grounded in Bhutan’s unique commitment to Gross National Happiness and environmental stewardship, the project combines hands-on activities—like water testing, recycling crafts, tree planting, and habitat creation—with digital storytelling to amplify youth voices. By linking traditional values with modern climate challenges, participants become community champions driving sustainable practices and fostering awareness in rural and urban Bhutan, ensuring a resilient and thriving natural heritage for future generations.
Goals and Objectives
Goal:
To empower Bhutanese youths to become active environmental stewards by promoting sustainable water management, waste reduction, climate action, and biodiversity conservation, thereby strengthening community resilience and preserving Bhutan’s natural heritage.
Objectives:
1. Increase awareness among youth about local water quality, sanitation, and conservation practices in Bhutan.
2. Promote responsible waste management by engaging youth in recycling, upcycling, and waste reduction activities.
3. Encourage climate action through tree planting, climate education, and creative expression aligned with Bhutan’s environmental values.
4. Foster biodiversity protection by involving youth in habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and community gardening initiatives.
5. Amplify youth voices on environmental issues through digital storytelling and community outreach.
Expected result
Expected results
1. Enhanced Environmental Awareness
Youth participants develop a stronger understanding of water conservation, waste management, climate change, and biodiversity protection tailored to Bhutan’s context.
2. Active Youth Engagement
At least 50 primary student youth actively participate in hands-on activities like water testing, recycling projects, tree planting, and habitat restoration.
3. Improved Local Environment
Clean-up and tree planting initiatives lead to measurable improvements in local water quality and increased green cover in schools and communities.
4. Digital Climate Advocacy
Youth create and share at least 30 digital stories, artworks, or videos amplifying climate action messages to peers and community members.
5. Community Involvement
Increased community awareness and participation through events, workshops, and campaigns led by youth, fostering collective responsibility for environmental stewardship.
Partners
About me / organisation
Chorten Gyeltshen & Tandin Wangdi
Chorten Gyeltshen is a 40-year-old and Tandin Wangi is 32-year-old upshift focal person and a Scout leader at Trashiyangtse Primary School. In his role as an upshift focal person, we are responsible for implementing the UPSHIFT program, which is a youth social innovation and entrepreneurship program that helps young people identify and solve problems in their communities. As Scout leaders, our duties include organizing activities, training youth members, and ensuring their safety and wellbeing, all while serving as a mentor and guide.