The inaugural plantation under the “One Tree Initiative” was launched today in Thimphu, coinciding with the International Day of Forests and marking Bhutan’s contribution to Earth Hour. His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck graced the occasion. The event was led by the Bhutan Insurance Limited in partnership with WWF Bhutan and the Thimphu Divisional Forest Office.
During the first phase, around 500 fire-resistant saplings were planted across more than four acres of degraded land in Tsewgang. The plantation includes species such as oak, chir pine, and robinia, selected to support restoration and resilience.
Launched in November last year, the initiative pledges to plant one tree for every newly insured fuel vehicle and environmentally impactful industry under Bhutan Insurance Limited, with the programme running until November this year.
“Under the One Tree Initiative, BIL has pledged to plant one tree on behalf of all those internal combustion engine fuel vehicles and those industries with environmental impact, basically to mitigate the emissions that are created by this section of transport and those establishments,” said Tobgay Dorji, the head of marketing and research division, BIL.
Around 520 fuel vehicles have been insured as of March this year.
Officials say while planting trees is important, ensuring their survival remains the key priority, with long-term care and monitoring planned in collaboration with technical partners and the local community.
The next phase of plantation is scheduled for June 2, to mark Social Forestry Day.
The initiative also forms part of the broader Earth Hour movement, which encourages individuals and organisations to take meaningful action for the planet beyond switching off lights.
As Bhutan strengthens its commitment to environmental conservation, initiatives like this highlight a growing effort to link development with sustainability.
Namgay Wangdi
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
