New landscape governance initiative, backed by Canada, sets Bhutan on the path to International Model Forest Network (IMFN) membership
Department of Forest and Park Services (DoFPS) has signed a Contribution Arrangement with the Government of Canada to establish Bhutan’s first Model Forest in the Punakha–Wangdue Phodrang landscape. Signed on 17 July 2026 by Mr. Karma Tenzin, Director of DoFPS, and Mr. Chris Cooter, Canada’s Ambassador to Bhutan, the project is supported by a CAD 46,000 contribution from Canada’s Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), with co-financing from Bhutan for Life (BFL) and RGoB (in-kind), bringing the total project value to CAD 67,796.
Bhutan is the world’s only carbon-negative country and is constitutionally bound to maintain at least 60% forest cover. Yet Punakha–Wangdue currently lacks a formal, coordinated mechanism bringing government, communities, and other stakeholders together to govern the landscape jointly, and women remain largely excluded from forest decision-making. The Model Forest, developed under the globally recognised IMFN, will close this gap through a permanent, voluntary, multi-stakeholder partnership.
Over the next several months, DoFPS will carry out community consultations across Punakha and Wangdue, convene a founding stakeholder assembly, deliver training on gender-inclusive and youth forest leadership, run a landscape exposure tour, and co-develop a five-year Model Forest Strategic Plan with technical support from RECOFTC and IMFN advisors.
Expected outcomes include formal constitution of Bhutan’s first Model Forest with adopted by-laws; progress toward IMFN Candidate Membership, joining a network of 60+ Model Forests worldwide; a minimum 40% women’s representation mandated in governance; and long-term partnership with NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations), INGOs (International Non-Governmental Organisations), and community organisations to sustain the initiative beyond this grant.
“The establishment of Bhutan’s first Model Forest in Punakha–Wangdue Phodrang marks an important milestone in our forest management journey. It brings together conservation, livelihoods, and community stewardship under one integrated landscape approach — building on decades of community forestry experience in Bhutan. We are grateful to the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives for their support in helping us pilot this model, and we look forward to the lessons it will offer for forest landscapes across the country.” Director, DoFPS, Karma Tenzin.
“Canada is proud to partner with Bhutan in establishing its first Model Forest through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to inclusive, community-led approaches to conservation and sustainable development. We look forward to seeing its lasting benefits both for communities and the environment.” Canada’s Deputy Ambassador, Mark Allen.
Media Contact: Tsheltrim Dorji, Senior Forestry Officer | Tel: +975 17446632 | Email: tsheltrimd@moenr.gov.bt
