YDF Launches Bhutan’s First Biodiversity-Based Textiles Innovations
Bhutan’s YDF showcases Himalayan Iris Crafts — eco-textiles made from the invasive Iris clarkei, empowering highland communities through innovation.
The Youth Development Fund (YDF) marked the 70th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, with the soft launch of a new line of eco-friendly textile products in Thimphu. Her Majesty Queen Mother Tseyring Pem Wangchuck graced the occasion, accompanied by members of the Royal Family. The showcase highlighted an ongoing research and design project that weaves together biodiversity, cultural heritage, craft innovation, and youth creativity.
Transforming Ecological Challenges Into Sustainable Opportunities
Held on 7 December, the launch introduced a biodiversity-based collection that reflects Bhutan’s growing focus on turning environmental challenges into community-centred solutions. The event was graced by Her Majesty Gyalyum Tseyring Pem Wangchuck and drew attention to one of the country’s most pressing highland issues: the spread of invasive Himalayan Iris.
For the first time, attendees saw products crafted from Himalayan Iris fibres — a plant that has long threatened the health of rangelands essential to yak-herding livelihoods in Dagala.
Yangka, Project Director of RADA under YDF, highlighted the scale of the challenge. “Highland communities face the severe challenge of invasive iris, which degrades the pasture essential to yak-herding livelihoods,” he said.
Yangka, Project Director of RADA under the Youth Develop Fund (YDF)
The Himalayan Iris Craft: A Community-Led Solution
The Himalayan Iris Craft collection, presented under YDF’s RADA initiative, is a pioneering highland community project that transforms the invasive iris from Dagala into natural fibre. To create a viable livelihood, YDF partnered with Nepal Knotcraft to train community members in fibre extraction and craft production.
“These products represent a circle of renewal, transforming an ecological threat into a source of beauty, skill, and sustainable income,” Yangka said, adding that the initiative inspires youth to continue their pastoral way of life.
Over a 10-day workshop, artisans worked with iris, bamboo, and yak wool from their own lands to produce the collection showcased at the event.
YDF Programme Officer Tshering Choden shared the significance of this milestone. She noted that such products were being developed in Bhutan for the very first time and emphasised the opportunity it presents for Dagala’s communities. Besides yak-herding, this new livelihood pathway may encourage young people to remain in their villages.
Himalayan Iris Crafts, created from natural fibres extracted from the invasive Iris clarkei of Dagala
Celebrating Creativity Rooted in Nature
The launch also featured two other major collections developed under YDF’s flagship initiatives: the Bioacoustic Scarf Collection and the Bhutan–Bharat Sari.
The Bioacoustic Scarf Collection transforms the calls of Bhutan’s iconic and endangered birds — including the raven, black-necked crane, and white-vented heron — into woven patterns using sonograms. As Yangka described, each scarf is “a visual melody, a sonic map allowing you to wear and project the living soundscape that forms the heartbeat of Gross National Happiness.”
Meanwhile, the Bhutan–Bharat Textile Design celebrates cross-cultural collaboration. Master artisans from Kutch, Gujarat, worked with Bhutanese weavers to blend Indian loom technology with Bhutanese natural dyes and motifs. The result is a range of high-value textiles that support women, youth, and traditional craftsmanship.
Bharat-Bhutan Sari, a collaboration combining Indian weaving techniques with Bhutanese natural dyes and motifs
A Tribute to His Majesty’s Enduring Legacy
The event also displayed prototypes showcasing natural dyeing, fibre extraction, and design research by young Bhutanese artisans and designers — a testament to the country’s growing creative sector.
Prototypes of natural dyes and fibre extraction by young Bhutanese artisans.
According to YDF, the initiative not only pushes the boundaries of innovative craft but also honours His Majesty the Fourth King’s lasting vision for environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and prosperity for all communities.
