Nurture Nature, Secure the Future

RENUKA RAI | Thimphu

Bhutan observed the Social Forestry Day on June 2 with tree planta­tion campaigns, environmen­tal awareness programmes, and community-led conser­vation activities across the country, reaffirming its com­mitment to environmental protection and sustainable forest management.

The annual observance co­incides with the Coronation Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, whose vision laid the foun­dation for Bhutan’s strong environmental policies and conservation efforts. Social Forestry Day is celebrat­ed every year to promote public participation in forest conservation and encourage communities to take an ac­tive role in protecting natural resources.

Bhutan remains one of the few countries in the world with extensive forest coverage. According to the REDD+ Secretariat under the Department of Forests and Park Services, forests cover about 70.45 percent of the country’s land area, while the Constitution requires that at least 60 percent of the land remain under forest cover for all time.

The country’s conserva­tion efforts have earned international recognition, with Bhutan continuing to maintain its status as a carbon-negative nation forests play a crucial role in absorb­ing carbon dioxide, protect­ing watersheds, preserving biodiversity, and supporting rural livelihoods.

Social Forestry Day high­lights the importance of involving local communities in sustainable forest manage­ment. Community forestry programmes allow villag­ers to manage designated forest areas while benefiting from forest products such as timber, fuelwood, fodder, and non-wood forest resources. These initiatives have helped strengthen local steward­ship of forests and improve rural livelihoods. Research indicates that around four percent of Bhutan’s forests are currently managed under community forestry pro­grammes, which continue to contribute to sustainable resource management and climate change mitigation efforts. Community Forest Management Groups work closely with forestry officials to ensure forests are used re­sponsibly while maintaining ecological balance.

According to the Minis­try of Energy and Natural Resources, this year’s obser­vance focused on raising awareness about sustainable forest management and restoring landscapes affected by forest fires, which have be­come an increasing concern due to climate change and human activities. Communi­ties, schools, institutions, and local governments participat­ed in plantation and conser­vation initiatives throughout the country.

Forestry experts say forests are essential for maintain­ing ecological stability and supporting Bhutan’s devel­opment philosophy. Healthy forests help regulate water systems, reduce soil erosion, protect wildlife habitats, and strengthen resilience against climate-related disasters such as landslides and droughts.

The observance also serves as a tribute to the legacy of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, who is widely regarded as the architect of Bhutan’s environmental con­servation framework and the philosophy of Gross National Happiness. Under his leader­ship, environmental protec­tion became a central pillar of national development.

As Bhutan celebrated Social Forestry Day, citizens were encouraged to contin­ue planting trees, protect­ing natural resources, and contributing to conservation efforts. Officials stressed that safeguarding forests remains a shared responsibility and is essential for ensuring environmental sustainability and the well-being of future generations.