10 June 2023 – Bhutan’s Queen Mother Her Majesty Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck virtually inaugurated the ‘Bhutan TSHAR Institute’ in Kalapang Gewog of Bhutan’s eastern Mongar district on 10 June 2023 in the presence of the SAARC Development Fund officials and the rural community representatives from the center.
The institute has been established by Tarayana Foundation as part of the SDF project “Promoting Integrated Bamboo-Based Enterprises Development among SAARC Countries.” The institute has been funded by the SAARC Development Fund and it aims to provide livelihood opportunities for bamboo artisans, farmers, youth, and the rural communities in Bhutan.
Bhutan is home to 34 bamboo species. It plays an important part in the life and livelihood of certain sections of the people in Bhutan.
The institute aims to contribute in the fields of capacity development of artisans, lead product design and development, introduce quality standards and help certify skill levels and competencies and serve as a nodal agency for bamboo research and development. A well-equipped Institute, staffed with a team of knowledgeable, motivated and skilled trainers and machine operators will help promote the bamboo industry in general and research and innovation for the better utilization of this ‘green gold’ in particular. According to Tarayana officials, the Institute will contribute significantly to nation building by promoting enterprises, generating employment opportunities and bringing global standards to its service and products.
The institute will offer training and employment opportunities in the bamboo industry, with a focus on youth, women, artisans, farmers and tradespeople. It will help in skills development and provide raw materials, design assistance and market access for bamboo handicrafts, lifestyle products and packaging industry. The institute will also work towards introducing architects, designers, builders and planners to working with bamboo as a viable alternate structural material and promote bamboo harvesting and manufacturing in an ecologically safe manner.
