Coinciding with World Wildlife Day, WWF-Bhutan today launched the “Learn with WWF-Bhutan” programme in Thimphu as part of the global Earth Hour 2026 campaign. The initiative aims to inspire young conservation champions, with a special focus on Bhutan’s growing tiger population. According to the Global Tiger Forum, Bhutan’s tiger population has increased from 103 in 2016 to 131 as of July 2023, a significant achievement for a small Himalayan nation.
The Bengal tiger took centre stage at the launch held at Panda Explore Learning Centre in Kawajangsa, Thimphu.
Tigers in Bhutan are found across all 20 districts, ranging from subtropical forests in the south to alpine habitats in the north. Conservationists say this wide distribution reflects a healthy and connected ecosystem.
The “Learn with WWF-Bhutan” programme aims to nurture informed and proactive young conservation stewards through immersive, nature-focused learning experiences.
The initiative will feature monthly sessions dedicated to flagship species such as the Bengal tiger, snow leopard, red panda and black-necked crane.
Through interactive discussions and storytelling sessions with local conservation experts, students learned why tigers are considered an umbrella species, meaning their protection ensures the survival of many other species within the ecosystem.
“The programme that we have initiated and launched today is a means by which we are going to engage young people and build stewardship towards nature and conservation. We have a lot of wildlife biologists, where we have lot of nature experts who have that platform. But then most of our young people are unaware of these fantastic people who are doing a lot of good work on the ground, the biologists, the rangers, and that would essentially be the objective of this learn with WWF Bhutan programme,” said Kezang Yangden, Conservation Director, WWF-Bhutan.
She added that protecting tiger habitats is not only about wildlife conservation but also about safeguarding forests that are crucial for water security and hydropower generation, pillars of Bhutan’s development.
“Tiger is an umbrella species, which means that when we have a viable and healthy population of tigers in the country, it means we have a healthy ecosystem. So, tiger conservation is not just for the sake of the species itself. It is a representation of effort to ensure that we have a healthy ecosystem that is supporting the lives of the people at an individual level, but also recognising that a healthy ecosystem is very much important for a healthy development,” said Kezang Yangden, Conservation Director, WWF-Bhutan.
Senior Forestry Officer PHD Lungten Dorji from the Nature Conservation Division, also highlighted the importance of maintaining ecological balance.
Students who attended the programme pledged to take action in protecting wildlife.
“There are a lot of endangered animals, and we should be careful, and we should not do poaching, and we should try to help spread awareness about the animals that can get extinct. I will be willing to plant trees, spread awareness, distribute posters, give speeches, and spread awareness on the extinction, and what we can do to help save these animals,” said Yangchen Lhamo Namgyal, Student, Druk School, Thimphu.
“I will be contributing to wildlife after this program by advising my friends and family about the impact of deforestation. Because deforestation ruins our climate, as well as it also destroys tiger’s homes and habitats,” said Palden Wangchuk, Student, Druk School, Thimphu.
The launch marks the beginning of a month-long build-up of activities leading to Earth Hour 2026, which will culminate on 28 of this month.
Organisers say the programme will continue to engage young people nationwide, strengthening conservation efforts and inspiring future wildlife champions.
According to the Global Tiger Forum, the global wild tiger population has increased from an estimated 3,890 in 2016 to nearly 5,574 as of July 2023 in South Asia, reflecting renewed commitment and stronger governance among tiger range countries.
As conservation efforts gain momentum worldwide, Bhutan’s growing tiger numbers stand as a positive example, reinforcing that with commitment and collective action, the future of wild tigers can indeed be secured.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
