Message from the Hon’ble Minister
Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR),
On the Occasion of Social Forestry Day – 2nd June 2025
On this significant day, I extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt wishes to all Bhutanese citizens as we observe Social Forestry Day, which coincides with the Coronation Day of our beloved Fourth Druk Gyalpo, His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
This day is nationally significant as it honors His Majesty’s visionary leadership and celebrates Bhutan’s strong commitment to environmental stewardship. It was under His Majesty’s profound guidance that the Social Forestry Program was launched in 1979, empowering communities to plant trees, manage forest resources sustainably and take active ownership of Bhutan’s natural heritage.
As we observe this noble initiative, we reflect Bhutan’s core values of harmony with nature, community participation, and intergenerational responsibility, which are deeply embedded in Bhutan’s development philosophy of Gross National Happiness and enshrined in the Constitution. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Social Forestry Day- A Tribute to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo’s Legacy of Conservation and Environmental Stewardship” reminds us of the growing challenges from climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation, while calling on all Bhutanese, especially youth, to be active stewards of the environment.
Bhutan’s forests are not only for timber resources, but also provides essential ecosystem services, supports rural livelihoods, serve as carbon sinks, watersheds, wildlife habitats, and spiritual sanctuaries. Around 70% of our country is under forest cover, and it is a testament to the collective commitment for our Kings, government, and people.
On this day, I urge all schools, communities, organizations and individuals to reaffirm our shared responsibility in protecting and nurturing our forests. Tree planting symbolizes hope and renewal, and every contribution matters, whether through expanding community forestry, adopting climate-smart practices, or integrating forest conservation into local development plans.
The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources is committed to inclusive and sustainable forest management by strengthening community forestry, encouraging afforestation, and integrating nature-based solutions. While celebrating Social Forestry Day, let us not forget the challenges that our forests face like deforestation, illegal logging, habitat degradation, and climate change. Addressing these challenges requires collective action, innovative solutions, and a deep sense of stewardship towards our natural heritage.
Let us remember that the decisions we make today will shape the forests of tomorrow. Let us plant trees not just for shade, but for shelter, for sustenance, for spiritual connection, and for the survival of generations yet to come. This day should inspire collective action for a greener, sustainable and more resilient future. Together, we can create a world where forests thrive, biodiversity flourishes and people live in harmony with nature.
On behalf of the Ministry, I offer my deepest gratitude to all the foresters, communities, volunteers, and everyone who works tirelessly to safeguard Bhutan’s green legacy.
Tashi Delek and Happy Social Forestry Day!
[Gem Tshering]
Minister
Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources
Royal Government of Bhutan
