The Department of Forests and Park Services (DoFPS) commemorated World Ranger Day 2026 at Tergola under Haa Dzongkhag, honouring the unwavering dedication, courage, and sacrifices of Bhutan’s forest rangers who continue to protect the nation’s forests, wildlife, and natural heritage. The celebration was held under the global theme, “πππ£πππ§π¨: ππͺππ§ππππ£π¨ π€π π πΎπππ£πππ£π ππ‘ππ£ππ©.”
The event was graced by the Dasho Dzongdhag of HAA Dzongkhag Administration as the Chief Guest. Distinguished guests included the Dasho Drungpa of Sangbaykha Drungkhag, Geog Thridzins of Haa Dzongkhag, officials from the Haa Dzongkhag Administration, the Country Director and officials of WWF Bhutan, officials from Bhutan For Life, the Chief Executive Officer of Natural Resources Development Corporation Limited, Chief Legal Officer, Legal Service Division, MoENR and officials from the DoFPS.
In his address, the Chief Guest commended Bhutanese rangers for their resilience, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to conserving the nation’s rich biodiversity and ensuring the sustainable management of its forest resources. He acknowledged the increasingly complex challenges they face, including the impacts of climate change, humanβwildlife conflict, illegal activities, and the demanding conditions under which they serve. Emphasizing their vital role in environmental stewardship, he highlighted that the dedicated efforts of rangers are instrumental in fulfilling Bhutan’s constitutional mandate to maintain a minimum of 60 percent forest cover for all time, thereby safeguarding the country’s natural heritage for present and future generations.
A major highlight of the celebration was the launch of the Divisional Forest Office (DFO) Management Plans for the nine IKI Landscapes and the Conflict to Coexistence (C2C) Strategies, developed under the IKI Living Landscapes Project with support from WWF Bhutan. The newly launched plans and strategies are expected to strengthen integrated landscape management, promote sustainable solutions to human-wildlife conflict, and foster harmonious coexistence between communities and wildlife across priority conservation landscapes.
  |
Recognizing excellence in conservation, Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary was honoured with the Best Ranger Team of the Year Award in recognition of its exemplary performance.
    |
Following the formal programme, participants explored the Red Panda Trekking Trail at Tergola, managed by Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve, highlighting the area’s rich biodiversity and ecotourism potential while underscoring the importance of conserving critical habitats for threatened species such as the Red panda.
Observed annually on 31 July, World Ranger Day honours the dedication of Rangers worldwide and commemorates those who have lost their lives or been injured while protecting nature. The 2026 celebration reaffirmed Bhutan’s commitment to strengthening ranger capacity, fostering partnerships, and recognizing the invaluable contribution of rangers in conserving the Kingdom’s unique natural heritage for present and future generations.
