Bhutan stood in solidarity with 196 countries at the opening of COP 28 in Dubai, UAE today highlighting the sense of urgency and message of hope for climate action. During the plenary session of COP28, Bhutan made an intervention calling for an urgent dialogue on mountain and climate change to be launched here at COP28. Bhutan reiterated our submissions and requests made during numerous similar consultations in previous COPs on the issue of the mountain ecosystem and its inclusion in the process.

The Royal Government of Bhutan and the World Bank is launching Bhutan Climate Fund at COP28. A first of its kind, the Bhutan Climate Fund will aggregate and monetize Bhutan's high-integrity net negative GHG emissions at a fair price, reflecting the opportunity cost of Bhutan's remaining net negative.

A country in the Himalayas continues to voice its climate commitments in one of the biggest summits, this time with renewed dedication and higher interest. Bhutan will be at the 28th Conference of Parties (COP) from 30th November to 12^th December 2023 at Expo City Dubai. The Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) under the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR) is the lead agency for organizing Bhutan’s representation at COP 28 amongst the 198 attendees.

The Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Secretariat jointly organized the Capacity Building Programme and Conference on Environment and Climate Change (ECC) from 9-11^th October followed by the 2^nd Joint Working Group (JWG) Meeting on 12^th October 2023 at Paro.

The Department of Environment and Climate Change (erstwhile NECS) under the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources in collaboration with Thimphu Thromde and Dzongkhag Administration, Bhutan Red Cross Society, Taxi Association of Bhutan, Desuung Office, Guide Association of Bhutan and Tourism Council of Bhutan marked the first ever International Zero Waste Day with a cleaning campaign in the Thimphu Throm today.

1^st Coordination meeting of Environment Officers parented by DECC, on 15th March 2023

The Department of Environment and Climate Change, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources coordinated its 1^stCoordination meeting of the Environment Officers. The coordination meetings will be conducted regularly to ensure a unified approach to environment protection across the country, efficient environmental service delivery, effective waste management & observation of Zero-waste, development of capabilities and competencies of the EOs and resolve coordination issues.

The Department of Environment and Climate Change, Secretariat for National Environment Commission is saddened to note the loss of four precious lives to Chang Debsi fire that started at around 11 AM, 22 February 2023. A man in his thirties died after he slipped into gully that was raging with fire, while trying to stop the fire from reaching the house he stays. The other three deceased of the fire were loggers working for the local contractor engaged by Natural Resources Development Corporation. (Source: BBS) Our prayers are with the departed soul and families of the deceased.

Aum Tashi Pem, joins the Department of Environment Climate Change, Secretariat to the National Environment Commission, MoENR, as the new Director General on 11 February 2023.