Sikkim’s noted butterfly enthusiast and conservationist, Nawang Gyatso Bhutia, has represented India at the first-ever Bhutan Butterfly Meet, held recently in the scenic town of Trongsa, Bhutan. His participation marked a proud moment for India and the northeastern region, highlighting Sikkim’s growing role in biodiversity preservation and cross-border ecological collaboration.
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A Historic Gathering for Conservation
The Bhutan Butterfly Meet brought together researchers, naturalists, and environmentalists from across the region. The goal was to promote awareness about butterfly conservation, habitat protection, and biodiversity studies across the Eastern Himalayas.
Representatives from Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Bangladesh participated in the event. They discussed shared ecological challenges and the need for collective efforts in preserving natural habitats threatened by climate change and human activity.
Bhutia, representing Sikkim and India, delivered a presentation on butterfly species diversity in the Himalayan region. He highlighted how Sikkim’s rich butterfly fauna contributes to India’s ecological heritage. “Butterflies are more than just beautiful creatures. They are indicators of a healthy ecosystem,” he stated.
Showcasing Sikkim’s Biodiversity
Bhutia’s participation at the Bhutan Butterfly Meet gave Sikkim a platform to showcase its exceptional biodiversity. The small Himalayan state is home to more than 700 butterfly species, including some of the rarest and most endangered.
In his presentation, Bhutia shared detailed field observations and conservation models from Sikkim. He explained how local communities, forest departments, and researchers have worked together to protect butterfly habitats. The establishment of butterfly parks and eco-friendly tourism models has helped balance conservation with livelihood needs.
He also highlighted the significance of butterflies in pollination and ecological balance. “When we protect butterflies, we indirectly safeguard forests, rivers, and other species that depend on the same ecosystem,” Bhutia said.
According to him, the rise in eco-tourism and citizen science initiatives has brought more youth into nature studies. Sikkim’s sustainable approach, combining conservation with education, stood out as an example during the meet.
Cross-Border Collaboration and Shared Concerns
One of the key goals of the Bhutan Butterfly Meet was to encourage cross-border collaboration in environmental research. Participants emphasized that butterflies and other pollinators do not recognize political boundaries, and therefore, conservation must also be regional.
Bhutia interacted with Bhutanese and Nepalese researchers, exchanging ideas on butterfly tagging, migration patterns, and habitat restoration. He noted that many butterfly species migrate between Bhutan and India, making coordinated research essential.
He said, “Joint conservation programs can help monitor and protect species that cross our shared borders. We must treat this biodiversity as a common heritage of the Himalayas.”
The meet also addressed challenges like deforestation, pesticide use, and climate change, which threaten butterfly populations. Experts agreed that sustainable agricultural practices and awareness campaigns are crucial to reversing this decline.
Promoting Education and Youth Involvement
A major theme at the Bhutan Butterfly Meet was the importance of engaging youth in environmental awareness. Bhutia, who has been conducting butterfly walks and workshops for students in Sikkim, shared his experiences of nurturing curiosity and responsibility among young learners.
He said that involving children and local communities helps create long-term guardians of nature. “When people begin to see butterflies as part of their identity and culture, they naturally become protectors of the environment,” he said.
The Bhutanese government’s initiative to host such a meet was widely praised. It reflected the country’s commitment to conservation and sustainable development, aligning with its Gross National Happiness philosophy that values ecological well-being as much as economic growth.
Recognition for Nawang Gyatso Bhutia
Bhutia’s efforts were appreciated by international participants and Bhutanese officials alike. His deep knowledge of Himalayan butterfly species and grassroots-level work earned him recognition as one of India’s leading young conservation voices.
He has spent over a decade studying and documenting butterflies in the Sikkim Himalayas. His photographs and fieldwork have contributed to several scientific publications and exhibitions. Apart from his conservation work, he also promotes eco-tourism and local employment through nature-based activities.
Bhutia expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent India at such a significant event. “It is not just my achievement but also Sikkim’s. Our state’s conservation efforts are being recognized beyond borders,” he said.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Regional Cooperation
The meet concluded with a joint resolution to strengthen collaboration between Himalayan countries on biodiversity documentation and species protection. Participants agreed to share data, conduct joint surveys, and organize future meets to maintain momentum.
Bhutia proposed setting up a Himalayan Butterfly Network that would include scientists, photographers, and local communities across India, Bhutan, and Nepal. The aim would be to create a shared database and promote regular field studies.
He also suggested holding similar butterfly meets in Sikkim or Darjeeling in the coming years to continue this spirit of cooperation. “Nature unites us. By protecting butterflies, we protect the beauty and balance of our shared mountains,” he said.
A Symbol of Hope and Harmony
The success of the Bhutan Butterfly Meet reflects the region’s growing awareness of environmental challenges and its commitment to collective action. For Bhutia, the experience reaffirmed his belief that conservation must go beyond borders and involve everyone—from policymakers to students.
His participation not only showcased India’s biodiversity but also underlined the importance of unity in preserving the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. The flutter of a butterfly, he said, can indeed carry the message of hope, harmony, and coexistence.
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