His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo is the recipient of the Blue Planet Prize 2022. Blue Planet Prize is presented to individuals or organisations from around the world in recognition of outstanding achievements in scientific research and its application that have helped provide solutions to global environmental problems. Asahi Glass Foundation based in Japan established the prize in 1992, the year of the Earth Summit. Two recipients are chosen annually. The other recipient is Professor Stephen Carpenter from the US.
According to the press release from the Foundation, His Majesty is the visionary leader who introduced the development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH) which places the well-being of the people at the heart of the development activities and programmes.
The release also states that GNH gives importance to environmental conservation, sustainable and equitable development, and promotion of culture and social values which contribute to collective happiness.
Meanwhile, His Majesty expressed his deep appreciation to the Asahi Glass Foundation for establishing the Blue Planet Prize to encourage and recognise efforts by committed citizens of the world to protect and restore the health of the Earth’s fragile natural environment.
