Long before climate change became a global concern, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck, envisioned a nation where progress would never come at the cost of nature. Today, his legacy endures as the guiding force behind Bhutan’s green and sustainable path safeguarding the environment. With forests covering around 70 per cent of the country, Bhutan stands as one of the world’s few carbon-negative nations, a living testament to his foresight and leadership.
During the reign of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, visionary environmental policies laid the foundation for Bhutan’s conservation legacy.
Protected areas were established as early as the 1960s, even as the country embarked on planned development. In 1993, Bhutan’s protected area network was revised to make it more representative of the major ecosystems in the country and for realistic management.
Pema Wangda (PhD), the Executive Director of Bhutan for Life said, “Under His Majesty’s leadership in the 1970s and 1980s, Bhutan began mapping and designating vast tracts of land as protected areas. This was well before the global environmental movement, such as the Rio Earth Summit. His Majesty had already envisioned this long before the rest of the world realised its importance.”
Currently, 52 per cent of the land falls under protected areas with ten protected areas and nine biological corridors.
A Forest Department was formed, the Forest Act was enacted in 1969, and a Forest Policy was drafted in 1974 to ensure sustainable management of Bhutan’s forests.
His Majesty’s far-sighted leadership not only safeguarded the nation’s rich biodiversity and ensured the country’s lasting
commitment to conservation by mandating over 60 per cent forest cover in the Constitution.
“Maintaining sixty per cent forest coverage at all times has been enshrined in the Constitution for the country’s benefit and security. I feel this is very important.”
Since the 1960s, the nation’s pool of trained researchers, scientists, and park managers has grown significantly, strengthening the management of forests and protected areas across the country.
Moreover, His Majesty’s care for the environment extended beyond policy. In 1979, the Social Forestry Day was launched, encouraging communities across Bhutan to plant trees, manage forests, and nurture nature. This initiative continues to inspire generations, reflecting His Majesty’s deep wisdom and compassion for both people and the planet.
Pema Wangda (PhD) said, “Every forest, river, and wildlife species echoes His Majesty’s foresight that true prosperity lies in living in harmony with nature. Bhutan’s ongoing success in conservation is not merely a policy outcome but a living legacy of a monarch who saw environmental stewardship as an act of love for his people and for future generations.”
His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo’s unwavering commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship has earned him and Bhutan numerous prestigious international honours. In 2005, His Majesty and the people of Bhutan were awarded the UN’s highest environmental honour, the Champion of the Earth.
The following year, His Majesty received the J. Paul Getty Conservation Leadership Award from the World Wildlife Fund in recognition of his visionary leadership.
In 2011, His Majesty was inducted into the Kyoto Earth Hall of Fame for his outstanding contributions to global environmental protection, and in 2022, His Majesty was honoured with the Blue Planet Prize for his remarkable achievements in applying scientific knowledge to address pressing environmental challenges.
These accolades reflect His Majesty’s lifelong dedication to preserving Bhutan’s natural heritage and promoting a sustainable future for the world.
Through decades of visionary policies, compassionate leadership, and global advocacy, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo has ensured that Bhutan’s natural treasures are preserved for generations to come. His legacy is not just the lush forests and protected landscapes but also a model for the world on how development and conservation can coexist in harmony.
Kinzang Lhadon
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
