On 1st December 2025, the kick-off meeting of the BIOFIN project “Conduct Feasibility Assessment for the Ecotourism Development Strategy of Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary and Royal Manas National Park” was held, formally initiating the Inception Phase of the project.
The project is coordinated by UNDP Bhutan, in collaboration with His Majesty’s Secretariat and Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). THR is acting as Team Leader, with SETIN participating as a project partner.
The overall objective of the project is to develop Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary and Royal Manas National Park into world-class, sustainable tourism models, fully aligned with the values and principles of Gelephu Mindfulness City and national priorities.
Kick-off meeting and inception phase
The kick-off meeting marked the start of the Inception Phase and provided a platform for alignment among all stakeholders on the project scope, timelines and implementation arrangements. The meeting followed a structured agenda, which included:
- Introduction of stakeholders;
- Discussion on the financial bid and agreement;
- Discussion on the scope of work;
- Review of revised deadlines and field visit planning;
- Review and finalisation of reporting arrangements;
- Discussion on payment disbursement;
- Any other business.
Project approach and timeline
Following the Inception Phase, the project will proceed with an Internal Analysis, comprising biodiversity and tourism supply assessments, and an External Analysis, focused on the review of the best global practices. These analyses will support the identification of the ecotourism potential of the two protected areas.
Based on these inputs, Core Guidelines and Final Reports will be prepared.
The project commenced in December 2025 and is scheduled for completion by the end of March 2026.
Project team
SETIN’s contribution to the project includes the participation of Giacomo Cozzolino, acting as Team Leader for SETIN, and Matteo Serlupi Crescenzi, GIS & Biodiversity Consultant.
