New landscape governance initiative, backed by Canada, sets Bhutan on the path to International Model Forest Network (IMFN) membership
Department of Forests 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 17th July 2026 by the Director of DoFPS (Mr. Karma Tenzin) and Mr. Chris Cooter, High Commissioner of Canada to India, 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 DoFPS 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 Organizations), INGOs (International Non-Governmental Organizations), and community organisations to sustain the initiative beyond this grant.
Media Contact: Tsheltrim Dorji, Senior Forestry Officer | Tel: +975 17446632 | Email: tsheltrimd@moenr.gov.bt
