Governance of Community-Based Ecotourism in Bhutan: A Case Study of Nabji Trail in Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park

A limitation of Bhutan’s controlled tourism policy of “high value, low impact” is that its benefits have not extended to rural communities in remote places. To provide such opportunities, a pilot project on community-based ecotourism known as the “Nabji Trail” was developed and opened in Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park (JSWNP) in November 2006. The trail involves a walking tour across six villages including two ethnic groups, Monpa and Khengpa. Several tourism enterprises, including employment as porters, guides, cooks, selling handicrafts and providing cultural entertainment, are offered by local residents to raise income. Ten percent of all tourism earnings are required to be deposited into separate Community Development Funds (CDF) for the purpose of sharing benefits more widely. The funds as well as other tourism tasks are governed through village- level “Community Tourism Management Committee” (CTMC). The few studies to date of the Nabji Trail have been fairly positive, although there has been a suggestion that governance issues may pose problems. This study aimed to provide an indepth analysis of governance of the Nabji ecotourism trail with particular attention to the operation of the “Community Tourism Management Committee” (CTMC), and the distribution and benefits of the “Community Development Funds” (CDF) across the six participating villages. It also sought to understand household benefit and involvement in ecotourism in the context of their broader household livelihood activities. Questionnaires were developed and administered through personal interviews by the author to a random sample of 33% (N=68) of the total households in the six villages along the Trail, and to all available CTMC members (N=12). Data also included personal observations of conditions along the trail. Participation as well as economic benefit was higher among households in the three Monpa villages compared to households in the three Khengpa villages. This is because household food security is higher and alternative income earning opportunities are more available for Khengpa households. Four cross-cutting issues were found to influence tourism governance capabilities in the the six villages: e 1) lack of stable participation of Community Tourism Management Committee (CTMC), 2) residents distrust of CTMC due to the misuse of Community Development Funds (CDF), 3) unequal wages for porter and pack pony services between villages, and 4) delinquent payments for porter and pack pony service. Many residents view the CTMCs as inefficient and ineffectual. The evidence suggests that there are many local governance problems that warrant assistance from the extra-local partners who helped to establish the ecotourism project and are responsible for oversight, including Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park (JSWNP), the Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators (ABTO) and the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB). The study recommends their involvement to conduct a comprehensive review of CDF and CTMC bylaws and practices as well as intervene on a range of other local disputes that have emerged since the project began

Examining the Effect of Tablets to Enhance Essay Writing Competencies of Primary School Students

Writing is one of the most important aspects of any standardized test all over the world. Much emphasis is hence placed on improving writing standards in schools and other forms of educational institutions. With improved technological infrastructure, digital devices such as Tablets are increasingly being used in the teaching and learning process. This study aimed to explore the effects of Tablets in supporting grade VI students to enhance narrative essay writing skills. This particular study utilised 14 sessions comprising of 50 minutes each in both control and experimental situations. The control group is a simulation of a face-to-face teaching scenario, while the students in the experimental group replicated the non-contact teaching set-up. A total of 49 grade VI students from two primary schools selected using a convenience sampling technique participated in the study. The data for the study was collected through written tests both before and after the intervention. The analyses were conducted using descriptive statistics and t-tests. The results showed that the differences in writing scores between control and experimental groups were statistically significant. Based on this finding, the use of Tablets in teaching essay writing may be considered helpful for primary schools irrespective of the school location

Ekstrakcija proteina iz toplinski stabilnih nemasnih rižinih mekinja fermentacijom heterofermentativnih mikroorganizama na čvrstoj podlozi pomoću tradicionalnih azijskih startera

Research background. Heat-stabilised defatted rice bran (HSDRB) is a primary by-product of rice bran oil extraction industry and a nutritious source of protein. However, despite the unique nutritional profile of rice bran protein, the protein-rich by-product, HSDRB is underutilised as a low-value animal feed. Research on protein extraction from HSDRB by enzymatic hydrolysis has attracted the attention of numerous scientists. However, a cost-effective extraction method is required to mitigate the high costs associated with the use of enzymes. Therefore, we have presented an alternative economical and natural approach for protein extraction from HSDRB by solid-state fermentation (SSF) with heterofermentative microbes. Experimental approach. SSF of HSDRB with two types of traditional Asian fermentation starters, namely loog-pang and koji, were evaluated for enzyme production and their efficacy in extracting proteins from HSDRB. For this purpose, HSDRB fermentation was carried out for 0, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h followed by 24-hour hydrolysis to evaluate the extracted rice bran protein. In addition, microbiome diversity in the fermentation starters was also determined by metagenomic sequencing of 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer to identify bacteria and fungi, respectively. Results and conclusions. The microbial community in the fermentation starters showed the dominance of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) such as Bacillus subtilis in loog-pang and Streptococcus lutetiensis, Bacillus pumilus, Lactococcus cremoris, Lactococcus garvieae and Pediococcus pentosaceus in koji, while yeast species Saccharomycopsis fibuligera and Saccharomyces cerevisiae dominated the fungal diversity in loog-pang and koji starters, respectively. The results suggest that loog-pang and koji can produce cellulase, neutral and acid proteases during fermentation. Despite the discrepancy in their microbial diversity and the enzyme activity during SSF, both starters could effectively increase protein extraction from HSDRB. A positive relationship between the SSF duration and extracted protein was observed. During SSF with loog-pang and koji after 72 h followed by 24-hour hydrolysis, 65.66 and 66.67 % protein was extracted from HSDRB, respectively. The amino acid analysis of the protein hydrolysate produced by the non-fermented and fermented methods showed no difference and had an abundance of glutamic and aspartic acids, leucine, arginine, alanine and glycine amino acids, which accounted for approx. 58 % of the total amino acids. Novelty and scientific contribution. Loog-pang and koji (traditional Thai and Japanese fermentation starters, respectively) were found to be effective in extracting proteins from HSDRB by SSF although they are inexpensive microbial enzyme sources. Future research aimed at scaling up HSDRB protein extraction for usage in industrial applications can draw on our results.Pozadina istraživanja. Toplinski stabilne nemasne rižine mekinje su glavni nusproizvod ekstrakcije ulja iz rižinih mekinja, te su bogat izvor proteina. Međutim, usprkos jedinstvenim hranjivim značajkama, taj nusproizvod bogat proteinima je slabo iskorišten i koristi se samo kao stočna hrana male vrijednosti. Sve je veći interes znanstvenika za ispitivanje ekstrakcije proteina iz toplinski stabilnih nemasnih rižinih mekinja enzimskom hidrolizom. Međutim, za to treba razviti ekonomičnu metodu kojom bi se smanjili veliki troškovi uzrokovani primjenom enzima. Stoga u radu predlažemo alternativni ekonomičan i prirodni postupak ekstrakcije proteina iz nemasnih rižinih mekinja fermentacijom heterofermentativnih mikroorganizama na čvrstoj podlozi. Eksperimentalni pristup. Ispitan je postupak proizvodnje enzima i ektrakcije proteina fermentacijom toplinski stabilnih nemasnih rižinih mekinja na čvrstoj podlozi pomoću dva tradicionalna azijska startera, loog-pang i koji. Stoga su mekinje fermentirane tijekom 0, 12, 24, 72 i 96 h, a zatim je provedena hidroliza tijekom 24 sata za procjenu izdvojenog proteina. Osim toga, određena je mikrobiološka raznolikost startera metagenomskim sekvenciranjem 16S rRNA za identifikaciju bakterija i sekvenciranjem transkribiranih internih razdjelnih zona za identifikaciju kvasaca. Rezultati i zaključci. U mikrobnoj kulturi startera loog-pang prevladavale su bakterije mliječno-kiselog vrenja poput Bacillus subtilis, dok su u starteru koji prevladavale bakterije Streptococcus lutetiensis, Bacillus pumilus, Lactococcus cremoris, Lactococcus garvieae i Pediococcus pentosaceus. Kvasac Saccharomycopsis fibuligera prevladavao je u starteru loog-pang, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae u starteru koji. Rezultati pokazuju da starter kulture loog-pang i koji tijekom fermentacije proizvode celulazu, te neutralne i kisele proteaze. Usprkos različitom mikrobiološkom sastavu i aktivnosti enzima tijekom fermentacije na čvrstoj podlozi, primjenom se obje starter kulture uspješno povećala ekstrakcija proteina iz rižinih mekinja. Opažena je pozitivna korelacija između trajanja fermentacije i ekstrakcije proteina. Nakon 72 h fermentacije i 24 h hidrolize, u podlozi s loog-pang starterom iz rižinih je mekinja izolirano 65,66 % proteina, a u podlozi s koji starterom 66,67 % proteina. Usporedbom aminokiselinskog sastava proteinskih hidrolizata dobivenih fermentacijom i metodom bez fermentacije nisu utvrđene razlike među njima, a glutaminska i asparaginska kiselina, leucin, arginin, alanin i glicin činile su otprilike 58 % ukupnih aminokiselina. Novina i znanstveni doprinos. Tijekom fermentacije na čvrstoj podlozi pomoću tradicionalnog tajlandskog startera loog-pang i tradicionalnog japanskog startera koji učinkovito su izolirani proteini iz toplinski stabilnih nemasnih rižinih mekinja, iako se one smatraju jeftinim izvorom mikrobnih enzima. Dobiveni rezultati mogu biti korisni za buduća istraživanja ekstrakcije proteina iz rižinih mekinja u industrijskim uvjetima

Determinants of non-performing loans in Bhutanese financial sector

Thesis(Master) --KDI School:Master of Public Policy,2016This paper attempts to study the internal (bank specific) and external (macroeconomic) determinants of non-performing loans (NPLs) in Bhutanese financial sector using a panel data and random effect model. This study uses the data from a panel of 4 financial institutions (3 banks and 1 insurance company) engaged in lending activities and macroeconomic data covering for period from 2005 to 2014. Of the macroeconomic variables used (GDP, Unemployment rate, Inflation rate), the empirical result indicates that only GDP significantly affect the NPLs and is negatively related with the NPLs. However, contrary to most of the previous studies, the empirical analysis do not support the view that higher unemployment in the economy will lead to higher NPLs. Inflation rate is also not statistically significant and does not affect NPLs in Bhutanese financial sector. Regarding the bank specific variables, the results indicate that all variables are statistically significant in explaining the variation of NPLs. The bank specific variables used for this study are ROA, ROE, CAR, Bank Size and Loans to Asset ratio. The result indicates a negative relationship of NPLs to ROE and CAR while indicating positive relationship to ROA, Bank Size and Loans to Asset ratio.1. Introduction 2. Bhutanese Financial Sector 3. Literature Review 4. Data and Methodology 5. Data Analysis and Findings 6. Discussion and Analysis 7. Conclusion and RecommendationmasterpublishedUgyen TSHERING

A Model for Teaching Critical Reading in an ESL Curriculum

This case study explores one Bhutanese ESL teacher's implementation of Freebody and Luke's four resources model (FRM) to teach critical reading (CR) in his grade-9 English classroom. A semi-structured interview was conducted with the teacher and thematically analysed to understand his initial perspectives on CR and teaching strategies. Based on his initial interview data, the researcher recommended him implementing the FRM to teach a poem of his choice from the grade-9 English curriculum in three lessons. The FRM is organised around four reader roles that engage and empower readers as text decoders, text participants, text analysts and text users. A thematic approach was used to analyse the audio recordings of the teacher's FRM implementation and written lesson reports. The study also analysed his post-implementation interview data to examine the implications and challenges of using the FRM in ESL classrooms. The study showed that the teacher found the FRM effective and practical, allowing him to scaffold and enhance his students' knowledge and skills to engage in various forms of meaning construction, learn and analyse language usage, critically engage with the text and promote literacy practices

A combined up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket and biofilter as an improved alternative on-site sanitation in urban Bhutan: lab-scale to pilot studies

University of Technology Sydney. Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology.Providing public sewerage system for all emerging towns in Bhutan is a big challenge. This study observed about 80% of urban population in Bhutan depends on the on-site sanitation comprising septic tank and soak-pit. A proper soak-pit is essential for current on-site sanitation in disposing hazardous septic tank effluent through soil treatment. However, the survey showed about 40% of the existing urban on-site sanitation in Bhutan lacks soak-pit posing a significant risk to public health and environment from septic-tank effluent discharged into the environment. Most urban plots were found impractical for soak-pit installation due to small plots, high build-up areas and compacted soil fills. This study underscored the need of an alternative on-site sanitation that does not require soak-pit for final effluent disposal. Therefore in this study, a combined up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) and anaerobic biofilter (ABF) system was explored as a complete on-site wastewater treatment system to provide improved alternative to the current on-site sanitation. UASB replaces septic tank for effective treatment of blackwater while watertight ABF replaces soak-pit. Shredded waste plastic bottles is used as ABF media for further treatment of UASB effluent and greywater combined to produce final effluent that can be safely discharged to the environment without the need of a soak-pit. Currently, greywater is discharged into the drains without treatment. The use of waste plastic bottles makes biofilter not only cheaper but helps solve mounting plastic waste problem in Bhutan. Both bench-scale studies using synthetic wastewater and 1000 L/day UASB-ABF pilot-scale demonstration in Bhutan using real wastewater from 2-3 households were conducted as part of the work. These studies have shown the new treatment system is effective compared to current on-site system producing final effluent lower than 125 mg/L COD, 30 mg/L BOD and 100 mg/L TSS that meets the effluent discharge standards of Bhutan. However, E.coli removal was five log units, which suggests that with process optimisation, E.coli removal can be further enhanced. Waste plastic bottle strips, charred bamboo beads & industrial slags were also observed to be an effective biofilter comparable to the commercial media. Economic assessment indicates the capital and maintenance cost of UASB-ABF wastewater treatment system is affordable as it is not significantly higher than the current on-site sanitation system. The new system is slightly more complex but it is also an opportunity to create new wastewater service industry that provides specialised contract services contributing to Bhutan’s economy

Celebrating Culture and Diversity

Event Schedule: 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.The Intersection of Culture and Mental Health: Perspectives from Bhutan Dr. Sonya Lorelle and her guests from Bhutan, Nr. Nirola and Ugyen Dorji, will discuss their perspectives of the culture and the mental health issues and challenges they face in Bhutan. 7:00-7:30 p.m.Refreshments 7:30-10 p.m. Leveraging Diversity in School and in LifeIn this fun and interactive workshop, Mr. Sylvester Baugh will assist participants in expanding their understanding of culture from race and ethnicity to a total way of life

Celebrating Culture and Diversity

Event Schedule: 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.The Intersection of Culture and Mental Health: Perspectives from Bhutan Dr. Sonya Lorelle and her guests from Bhutan, Nr. Nirola and Ugyen Dorji, will discuss their perspectives of the culture and the mental health issues and challenges they face in Bhutan. 7:00-7:30 p.m.Refreshments 7:30-10 p.m. Leveraging Diversity in School and in LifeIn this fun and interactive workshop, Mr. Sylvester Baugh will assist participants in expanding their understanding of culture from race and ethnicity to a total way of life

The impact of academic performance on self-esteem among the female students studying in different colleges under Royal University of Bhutan

The current study was carried out among the female students of The Royal University of Bhutan to evaluate the relationship between academic performance and self-esteem, and the factors affecting self-esteem.  The study adopted concurrent triangulation design of mixed methodology to collect and analyse the data. A total of 491 female students participated in the survey and of which 34 of them participated in focus-group interview.  The result of the quantitative analysis showed that there is a positive relationship between academic performance and self-esteem (rho=.170, p<.05), which attests to the similar earlier findings. Qualitative analysis explored Ackerman’s nine factors influencing self-esteem. Of the nine factors influencing self-esteem, parental influence was shown to have the most effect on the participants’ self-esteem. Based on the findings, the current study made a number of recommendations