Bhutan sent China dispute "EMPOWER IAS"

News:

• Days after Bhutan sent China a demarche protesting Chinese claims to the Sakteng wildlife sanctuary in Eastern Bhutan, Beijing has included Bhutan’s “Eastern sectors” to the boundary dispute between the two countries for the first time.

 

Background:

• According to written records, there has been no mention of Eastern Bhutan, or Trashigang Dzongkhag (district), where Sakteng is based, that borders Arunachal Pradesh, in 24 previous rounds of boundary negotiations held between the two countries between 1984 and 2016.
• The negotiations have not been held since the Doklam standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in 2017.
• Bhutan has always maintained a discreet silence on its boundary negotiations with China, and it does not have any formal diplomatic relations with Beijing.

 

 

What is the issue?

• China has recently tried to stop funding for the Sakteng sanctuary from the UN Development Program’s Global Environment Facility (GEF), on the grounds that it was “disputed” territory.
• According to written records, there has been no mention of eastern Bhutan, or Trashigang Dzongkhag (district), where Sakteng is based, that borders Arunachal Pradesh, in 24 previous rounds of boundary negotiations held between the two countries, between 1984 and 2016.
• So far, the talks have been about three specific areas, including Jakarlung and Pasamlung in the north, and the Chumbi Valley, where Doklam is situated, in west Bhutan.

 

About Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary –

• Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the eastern most part of Bhutan (Trashigang Dzongkhag District).
• The SWS consists alpine meadow and temperate and warm broadleaf forests.
• Rivers – Three major rivers – Manas Chu, Bada Chu and Dhansiri Chu – have their origin here.
• Fauna – Red panda, Himalayan black bear, Wild dog, Snow leopard, Barking deer, and Himalayan red fox add to the mammal richness of the park. Avifaunal species like Assamese macaque, Blood pheasant, Grey backed shrike, Grey headed woodpecker, Common hoopoe, Rufous vented tit and Dark breasted rose finch are found here too

 

About Global Environment Facility –

• The Global Environment Facility (GEF) was established on the eve of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit to help tackle our planet’s most pressing environmental problems.
• The GEF unites 183 countries in partnership with international institutions, civil society organisations (CSOs), and the private sector to address global environmental issues while supporting national sustainable development initiatives.
• The GEF work focuses on six main areas, including biodiversity, climate change (mitigation and adaptation), chemicals, international waters, land degradation, sustainable forest management/REDD+.
• GEF has also worked on other programs including, Capacity development, Country support programme, Debt-for-nature swaps etc.
• The World Bank serves as the GEF Trustee, administering the GEF Trust Fund.