Skip to main content

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.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My New Found Love: - What shall thy name be???

I count myself lucky having met her one sunny day near the place I presently stay. I purely attribute it to the destiny or the fate we shared since it was the invisible string of love and passion that brought us together. None would dare to agree to believe me that she just decided to stay with me midway in Chukha in her journey to Thimphu, having consulted neither her parents nor anyone who took her care. So bold she is, is she? If ever I have been waiting for the fresh love, it was she who would give me the correct doze. "Lucky girl she is!" We have now developed so much of attachment that we can hardly think of time away from each other. We love each other so much that we eat together in same plate, sleep in one bed, go for evening walk and literally do everything together. What love is this if it is not one genuine one? The time I have to be in office is the time I miss her most while she stay at home, sleeping all day till I return home. Lucky girl she is! She eats th...
Post a Comment
Read more

Cypress Surprise

It’s said that every cypress tree in Bhutan tells a tale. And indeed each one has a story. It just takes going around asking about the tree to unveil it. Besides being the national tree of Bhutan the cypress is associated with diverse myths and beliefs. Every grain of the cypress tree seen majestically towering over the dzongs, temples and stupas is imbued with intricate stories. Such stories are the greatest surprise surrounding the cypress. The two formidable trees at Baylangdra in Wangdue and at Kurjey in Bumthang are no exception to this. Their origin can be traced to the walking stick of the great Indian saint who visited Bhutan in 8th century. When such trees are planted, they’re done to serve as the ‘standing proof’ of the flourishing dharma. Often it is said that the trees will grow only if there is a prophecy that Buddhism will exist without waning. The trees cater to the locality as symbol of worship and blessings. The giant cypress tree growing near the Kurjey Lhakahng is ...
Post a Comment
Read more

What is the National Butterfly of Bhutan?

Ludlow's Bhutan Glory (Ludlowii bhutanitis) to be designated as the national Butterfly What is the National Butterfly of Bhutan? We do not have one yet. But we may have one soon. The rediscovered Ludlow’s Bhutan Swallowtail (Bhutanitis ludlowi) may become the national butterfly of Bhutan. "The research and the filming of this project will be carried out in partnership" The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed this morning between Department of Forests and Park Services (DoFPS) under Ministry of Agriculture and Forests (MoAF) and Japanese researchers and film crew from NHK and The Butterfly Society of Japan will take up comprehensive research and filming on Bhutan’s Butterflies with special emphasis on Ludlow’s Bhutan Swallowtail. The research and the filming of this project will be carried out in partnership with Wildlife Conservation Division (WCD) and Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment (UWICE) as the national counterpart. “While w...
Post a Comment
Read more