Climate Change and Research

The Himalayan Environmental Rhythms Observation and Evaluation System (HEROES) Project

The Himalayan Environmental Rhythms Observation and Evaluation System (HEROES) project, implemented by UWICER in partnership with schools and nature clubs across Bhutan, helps communities better understand climate change and its local impacts. The project combines weather data collection with citizen science to monitor changes across Bhutan’s diverse ecological and elevation zones. While weather stations continuously collect data on temperature, humidity, and wind speed, hundreds of students actively observe their surroundings to identify changes in how plants and wildlife respond to changing climatic conditions.

Using Citizen Science to Collect Climate Data

In its second year of implementation, the HEROES project has already succeeded in mainstreaming plant phenology observation and climate change as a topic in the high-school environmental science curriculum. Bhutanese students will soon be learning about this very important topic that affects us every day. The project supports a network of 23 weather stations (20 in schools, and 3 in remote mountain locations). Some 34 teachers and 1,000 students have been trained and are now participating in the project. The numbers continue to grow.

THE PROJECT HAS ALREADY TRAINED 34 TEACHERS AND 1,000 STUDENTS IN WEATHER STATION MANAGEMENT, DATA COLLECTION, AND PLANT PHENOLOGY OBSERVATIONS

DUE TO THE SHEER EXTENT OF ICE AND SNOW, THE HIMALAYA IS ALSO REFERRED TO AS THE "THIRD POLE"

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Of Bhutan’s land is under forest cover

Students involved in HEROES

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Snow leopard conservation groups formed

HEROES educators trained

Did you Know?

Glaciers in Bhutan are receding at a rate of almost 30-60 m per decade

17 schools across Bhutan have been implementing the HEROES

The highest weather station for Bhutan is at 4,900 m

Our Partners

This project is implemented by the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environmental Research (UWICER) in partnership with nature clubs from selected schools. The weather data collection is implemented in partnership with the Hydromet Department, and the citizen science part of the project with public schools throughout Bhutan. Support for this project is provided by the Karuna Foundation.

Photos from the Field

How You Can Help

Support the HEROES program in generating vital climate and ecological data, empowering communities, citizens, and policymakers to make informed decisions for effective climate change adaptation and mitigation.