Bhutan will soon establish a research centre to generate a strong information database on environment. The centre is expected to function under the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN).

Currently being planned, the research centre will provide researchers, students, government agencies and the public updated information and critical scientific data on environment.

The programme manager of RSPN, RinchenWangmo, said the research centre equipped with a library will provide a wide variety of up-to-date information, both on-line and in print. It is expected to serve as an interface between professionals and the public and inform policy-makers.

The structure for the research centre is under construction in Kawajangsa, Thimphu. The building will house a modern reference library equipped with online environment resources, books, journals and other materials, a mini auditorium and a furnished working space for visitors and researchers.

The research at the centre will focus on the environment and conservation in the context of poverty reduction, gender equity and development, and emerging issues such as climate change, waste management, and water, among others.

RSPN will draft policies and procedures that will govern the research centre and frame a strategic plan for the immediate future. RinchenWangmo said the library is expected to open in spring 2012.

Initial membership of the research centre’s library and access to its print resources will be free. And full access to its advanced digital resources will require only the processing of a bar-coded photo-ID card at nominal charges.

Meanwhile, RSPN is working on securing long-term funding for the centre.