18th June 2025
Guest Speaker Engages Thimphu Thromde, Bhutan Officials
Mr. Prapan Napawongdee, Founding Director of Shma, had the honor of serving as a guest speaker in a training session for officials from Thimphu Thromde, the municipal office of Thimphu, Bhutan. The session focused on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) to Climate Change, to promote sustainable urban development.
Mr. Prapan Napawongdee, Founding Director of Shma, had the honor of serving as a guest speaker in a training session for officials from Thimphu Thromde, the municipal office of Thimphu, Bhutan. The session focused on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) to Climate Change, to promote sustainable urban development.
During the session, Mr. Prapan shared Shma’s design philosophy and approach, which emphasizes the integration of nature into everyday urban life. He showcased projects that minimize environmental impact while addressing urban challenges and strengthening ecological systems, allowing nature and people to thrive together in harmony.
He introduced various design strategies rooted in the Shma Sustainability Guideline, particularly in the areas of Landscape Biodiversity and Nature-based Solutions. These strategies include site preservation, ecological open spaces, biodiversity enhancement, biophilic design, and habitat restoration.
He also addressed sustainable climate adaptation approaches such as water and air purification, stormwater management, resilience to extreme weather, and the use of recycled water for irrigation, all demonstrated through Shma’s real-world projects.
Mr. Prapan also shared insights into Shma’s involvement in Gelephu Mindfulness City, a visionary national-scale project in Bhutan that integrates sustainability, innovation, culture, and well-being.
We’re grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this meaningful exchange and to share how nature-based design can help shape more livable, sustainable cities.
