Bhutan has called on international donors not to reduce environmental financing as the country transitions out of its Least Developed Country status. Delivering the country statement at the Eighth GEF Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Bhutanese delegates said climate vulnerabilities continue to rise regardless of development status.
Bhutan maintains over 70 per cent forest cover and remains carbon-negative.
However, its mountainous ecosystem leaves it highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
The country faces growing risks from receding glaciers, floods, and erratic weather patterns.
The country graduated from LDC category in 2023 which is a major economic milestone.
But at the Eighth GEF Assembly in Samarkand, officials warned this milestone brings new challenges.
“As access to concessional financing and grant-based support declines, our exposure to climate and environmental risks continues to intensify. This widening gap between vulnerability and access to finance is a serious concern for countries like Bhutan. Graduation from LDC status should not lead to reduced support for environmentally fragile and climate-vulnerable countries that continue to provide critical global environmental benefits,” said Tshering Dorji, the Director General of the Department of Macro-Fiscal and Development Finance.
While thanking the GEF for past support in biodiversity conservation and climate resilience, Bhutan urged the international organisation to provide more flexible and responsive resources for transitioning nations.
Phub Gyem, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
This story is produced as part of a reporting fellowship to the Eighth GEF Assembly supported by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network.
