With the declining trend of conservation philanthropy worldwide, the effort to conserve one of the critically endangered birds in Bhutan, the White-bellied Heron is often challenging. The Royal Society for Protection of Nature(RSPN), an NGO in Bhutan has been continuously putting effort to save this bird species, which is known to have the last remaining population of less than 60 individuals. Today, Bhutan host more than 50% of this small global population. Without conservation measures in place, the scientists have predicted the extinction of this species within half a century from now.
Amidst this challenging time, a renewed hope and powerful partnership exist between sport and conservation. Thimphu City FC, one of Bhutan’s top football clubs competing in the Bhutan Premier League, has stepped up to support the RSPN in its long-standing conservation program for the White-bellied Heron. For every goal the team scores, amount of $20 is donated for White-bellied Heron conservation works. For the premier league game of 2025, the club has increased the amount to $25 for every goal. This financial support goes directly to the kitty of White-bellied Heron conservation activities that are used for managing the habitat, mitigate the threats, the support of livelihood activities for the communities residing in the White-bellied Heron landscape, and to support the resources required for the captive breeding program of White-bellied Heron initiated in 2021.
Besides, the financial support received from the football match, the club’s constant awareness through different platform such as displaying conservation message on their jersey, and sharing conservation messages through social media accounts helped in engaging fans and a wider public to support in saving the species.
The club’s consistent support for the White-bellied Heron program is deeply appreciated. Indeed, there is a long historical connection between the White-bellied Heron conservation program and the club president, Hishey Tshering. He is known for being a conservationist at heart and a football enthusiast. RSPN initiated the conservation program of the White-bellied Heron in the year 2003. Mr. Hishey’s effort to help in connecting with key donors has also eventually strengthened to lay the groundwork for what has become one of Bhutan’s most important wildlife conservation projects. RSPN remains forever grateful for his legendary contribution to saving White-bellied Heron and for the club’s ongoing commitment to this cause.
Each time Thimphu City FC finds the ball in the back of the net, it sends a message of hope not only for football fans but for conservationists and nature lovers across Bhutan and beyond. We at RSPN wholeheartedly thank Thimphu City FC for their continued partnership. May the club continue to score goals for nature, and may their victories inspire a generation of Bhutanese to care deeply about the White-bellied Heron that shares our landscape.
Tshering Tobgay serves as a Research Officer at the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN), where he is primarily engaged in the protection and recovery of the White-bellied Heron. He considers the conservation of Wildlife and the environment as his foremost responsibility.
The article is contributed by the writer. Views expressed does not necessarily represent the position of Thimphu City Football Club.
