About Me

Ugyen Dorji, Freshwater Ecologist, Asst. Professor
College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan

As a Freshwater Ecologist and Head of Centre for Environment and Climate Research at the College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan, I bring over a decade of experience in teaching, research, and environmental consultancy. With a Master's degree in Forestry specializing in Freshwater Management and a passion for the conservation of aquatic biodiversity, my work centers on understanding freshwater ecosystems and addressing challenges like climate change and anthropogenic impacts.

I have led numerous research projects on freshwater macroinvertebrates, fish diversity, and aquatic habitat assessments across Bhutan’s pristine water systems. As a member of the National Technical Working Group for Water Resources Management, I actively contribute to Bhutan's environmental policies, particularly on environmental flow guidelinesand hydropower projects. My expertise also spans GIS applications, statistical tools such as R, SPSS, and SAS, and delivering capacity-building workshops for local and international stakeholders. I am also the Co-Founder of Water Research Bhutan (visit https://www.waterresearchbhutan.org/home). 

I am a dedicated researcher with over 40 publications focusing on aquatic biodiversity, environmental conservation, and ecosystem services. I strive to bridge science and practice, ensuring that freshwater resources remain resilient amidst changing environmental and developmental pressures.

Beyond academia, I serve as a consultant for hydropower and river health projects, reflecting my commitment to sustainable water resource management in Bhutan and the greater Himalayan region.

Field of Interest:

• Freshwater biodiversity conservation

• Aquatic ecosystem health and hydropower impact assessments

• Climate change and water resources

• Capacity building and community-based conservation

Contact Information:
Email: ugyen.cnr@rub.edu.bt
Phone: +975 17943865