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Adopting a green child

‘That the article 5 of the constitution of kingdom of Bhutan states every Bhutanese is a trustee of the Kingdom’s natural resources and environment and it is the fundamental duty of every citizen to contribute to the protection of the natural environment, conservation of the rich biodiversity of Bhutan,’ the Department of Forests and Park Services (DoFPS) is proposing adoption of certain portion of Government Reserved Forests by individual or a group.

"Such move is in addition to different types of forest management already in force" 

Such move is in addition to many different types of regimes already in force towards meeting the constitutional commitment of maintaining 60% forest coverage for all time to come. However, this particular policy albeit similar to Community Forest programme will emphasis on encouraging participatory management of government reserved forests by the educated and urban population. The policy is intended to woo the urbanities to come forward to contribute towards participatory management of forest resources.

"Such forests can not only serve as their private plot for conducting research and studies but can also derive diverse good and services"

“Individual or group of people can apply to adopt a chunk of forests. Such forests can not only serve as their private plot for conducting research and studies but can also derive diverse good and services which forests is capable of in a sustainable manner. However, in the return, the owner (s) must protect their forests from different risks and hazards,” said Mr. Karma Dukpa, Director of Forests and Park Services in an earlier interview.

"This is a win-win policy for both the benefactors and beneficiaries"

This is a win-win policy for both the benefactors and beneficiaries. But enthusiast may have to wait since the proposal is in an infant stage. “Before we implement them, we have to put up to the government for approval,” added the forest and park services director.

The positive experiences gained from the Community Forest Programme currently in major strides may also be an attribution towards the policy. This is because experience has taught that such reversal in forest governance from that of by the state to by the communities has brought positive impacts. The handing over of ownership, sustainable management and utilization rights has helped improve forests. This is in terms of protection and managements of the forests.

With such vibrant and dynamic policies in place, maintaining forests coverage as mandated by the constitution may not be a big challenge afterall.

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