Assessment of Adelgid Diversity and Distribution in Conifer Forest of Bhutan to Mitigate Future Outbreaks

STATUS

COMPLETED

DURATION

2020
-
2022

COUNTRIES

Bhutan

TOTAL VALUE

USD 60,796

DONORS

National Institute of Forest Science (NIFoS)

PRIORITY AREAS

PROJECT VALUE BY COUNTRY

USD 60,796

PROJECT VALUE BY FUNDING SOURCE

AFoCO Funding
USD 32,862 54.05%
National Contribution
USD 28,114 46.24%

PROJECT BUDGET BY YEAR

Bhutan

USD 60,976

- 2020
- 2%
AFoCO Funding - USD 1,360
National Contribution - USD 0
- 2021
- 64%
AFoCO Funding - USD 24,800
National Contribution - USD 14,057
- 2022
- 34%
AFoCO Funding - USD 6,702
National Contribution - USD 14,057

Project Sites

Bumthang, Gasa, Paro, Haa, Thimphu, Punakha,

Wangduephodrang, Trashiyangtse, Mongar and Trashigang

Goal & Objectives

The project aims to examine adelgid species regarding their biology, diversity, distribution, effect on host plants, and ecological and economic impact due to its potential of creating a large-scale disturbance in the forest landscape of Bhutan. The objectives of the project are to:

Identify adelgid species found in Bhutan;
Carry out adelgid survey encompassing spatial extent and diversity;
Develop management strategies for controlling the spread of adelgids in the conifer forests of Bhutan;
Train forestry professionals and local communities in the identification, survey, and control of the insect; and
Monitor the spread of the insect.

Objective 2

Conducting a survey of adelgids in the conifer zone of Bhutan.
Drafting a manuscript on diversity and distribution of adelgids in Bhutan.

Objective 3

Conducting a one-day workshop on the preparation of technical brief on adelgids
Packaging and printing of the technical brief.

Objective 4

Conducting Training of Trainers (ToT) for minimum 20 individuals from field divisions, parks and community forestry on pest detection, surveillance, specimen collection and reporting.
Conducting a second-level training in the field and park office by the 20 trained trainers, each being responsible for the training of minimum 2 staff members.

Objective 5

Incorporating the insect detection reporting into Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool System (SMART) in consultation with core group members.
Conducting ToT using the pest interface in SMART.

Expected Outputs

The project has five expected outputs:

Species of adelgids in Bhutan will be confirmed through DNA analysis;
Adelgid diversity and distribution survey will be carried out in conifer forest;
Forest Pest and disease outbreak reporting and monitoring will be incorporated into the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tools;
Scientific paper on adelgid diversity and distribution in Bhutan will be published; and
Forestry professionals and community forestry members will be trained on surveying, monitoring, and management of the pest.