Nawang Norbu

Nawang Norbu, PhD, is a Bhutanese ecologist and conservationist who serves as the founder and executive director of the Bhutan Ecological Society (BES), the country's leading civil society organisation dedicated to connecting science, business, and policy for environmental conservation. He is also Centre Director of the SFS Centre for Climate and Sustainable Futures, a collaborative research and education initiative between the School for Field Studies (United States), the Royal University of Bhutan, and the BES. His career has been devoted to strengthening the evidence base for Bhutan's environmental stewardship and ensuring that conservation priorities are embedded in national development policy.^[1]

Education and Early Career

Nawang received his PhD in Natural Sciences (magna cum laude) from the University of Konstanz and the International Max Planck Research School in Germany, where his research focused on ecological science. Before pursuing doctoral studies, he served as Park Manager for Phrumsengla National Park in central Bhutan, one of the kingdom's key protected areas. In that role, he led the drafting of a five-year management plan for the park and for the adjoining biological corridor, gaining first-hand experience of the practical challenges of biodiversity conservation in a mountainous, developing country.^[2]

His field experience at Phrumsengla impressed upon him the need for a dedicated civil society organisation that could bridge the gap between academic ecological research and the policy decisions that shape land use, agriculture, and development. This conviction led to the founding of the Bhutan Ecological Society.^[3]

The Bhutan Ecological Society

Nawang founded the BES in 2010, pioneering its establishment while at the College of Natural Resources under the Royal University of Bhutan. The Society's mission is to connect science, business, and policy in the service of ecological conservation and sustainable development. Under Nawang's leadership, the BES has grown into a respected voice in Bhutanese environmental governance, undertaking research, advocacy, and community-based conservation projects across the country.^[4]

In 2025, the BES formalised a major partnership with the Royal Government of Bhutan, Conservation International, and the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation to scale up forest restoration and protection efforts across the kingdom. This partnership reflects the Society's growing influence and Nawang's success in positioning community-based conservation as a pillar of national environmental strategy.^[5]

Food Systems and National Policy

Nawang has played a significant role in shaping Bhutan's approach to sustainable agriculture and food security. He helped craft Bhutan's RNR (Renewable Natural Resources) Strategy 2030, the national framework guiding agriculture, livestock, and forestry policy. In collaboration with the Royal Government and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), he drafted the national pathways for transforming Bhutan's food systems, and authored the comprehensive Food Systems Profile for Bhutan as part of a systemic analysis and stakeholder consultation process.^[6]

His expertise spans environmental impact assessment, sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development. He also lectures at the College of Natural Resources, where he contributes to training the next generation of Bhutanese environmental scientists and practitioners.^[7]

Recognition

In 2022, Nawang was honoured with the CMS VATAVARAN Green Ambassador Award for Bhutan, recognising his contributions to environmental conservation and awareness. His work exemplifies the approach that has made Bhutan internationally renowned for its environmental commitments: a small country punching well above its weight by combining traditional reverence for nature with rigorous modern science and strategic policy engagement. See also: Conservation in Bhutan, Phrumsengla National Park.^[8]

References

1. "Nawang Norbu, PhD." School for Field Studies.
2. "Nawang Norbu, Ph.D." School for Field Studies, Team.
3. "About us." Bhutan Ecological Society.
4. "Team." Bhutan Ecological Society.
5. "Royal Government of Bhutan, Conservation International, Bhutan Trust Fund and BES Formalize Partnership." Conservation International, August 2025.
6. "Nawang Norbu, PhD." School for Field Studies.
7. "Nawang Norbu." College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan.
8. "CMS VATAVARAN Green Ambassador Award 2022: Dr Nawang Norbu." CMS VATAVARAN.