Thimphu, 28 January 2025: To mark the partnership between the Zhung Dratshang (Central Monastic Body) and WWF-Bhutan, the Enlightened Stewardship: Bhutan Faith Long-term Environmental Plan was launched today.

The partnership is aimed at cultivating conservation stewardship to address emerging conservation challenges and to sustain Bhutan’s conservation legacy for perpetuity.
The Secretary for the Monastic Council for Administration and Development Affairs Venerable Choten Dorji, Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, Lyonpo Gem Tshering, Chief Operating Officer of WWF-US, Ms Loren Mayor and Senior Vice-President of WWF-US, Dr Roberto Troya launched the faith long-term plan.

The Zhung Dratshang in partnership with WWF-Bhutan will be implementing the long-term plan by engaging faith organizations, communities and youth to raise awareness on environmental conservation.

Growing consumerism, disconnect between conservation and spirituality, and lack of innovative means to support sustainable religious practices and rituals are some of the key challenges in nature conservation identified in the long-term plan. Strategies identified to address these challenges are innovative and eco-friendly alternatives, value-based environmental education, and green monasteries program.

During the launch, His Eminence Leytshog Lopen Sangay Dorji, in a video message, said that the faith-long term environmental plan, developed in partnership with WWF would be of immense benefit to environmental management and nature conservation efforts. His Eminence also emphasized that the plan not only benefits Bhutan but also the global environment and nature conservation efforts.

Dr Roberto Troya said that beliefs and value systems associated with faith have always had a strong influence in shaping human society and culture.

 “WWF embraces the wisdom of faith in conservation, and the Buddhist ideals that hold nature in high esteem are amazing. This partnership between Central Monastic Body and WWF provides framework to work with faith bodies, communities, and youths to further cultivate stewardship for sustaining Bhutan's conservation gains into the future," he said.
Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, Lyonpo Gem Tshering said that this partnership would help nurture conservation ethics in general and cultivate a young generation of champions to help sustain the future of our planet.

“I am sure through this partnership we will be able to harness the power of faith and knowledge of science. The great many conservation milestones that we have achieved together are a testimony to our partnership, and it is exhilarating to have Zhung Dratshang join this conservation partnership today.”

Mr Chimi Rinzin, Country Director, WWF-Bhutan said in Bhutan, the integration of faith and local belief system, reinforced by Gross National Happiness, has been crucial in establishing the country as a global conservation leader.

“The faith long-term plan recognizes the value of faith as powerful catalysts for conservation. Through stewardship, reverence, interconnectedness, and sacred traditions, the plan aims to drive meaningful action towards maintaining Bhutan’s conservation achievements and promoting nature-positive behaviors.”

The Central Monastic Body and WWF-Bhutan initiated works on the Faith Long-term Environmental Plan in 2022. WWF-Bhutan started working with various faith bodies in 2018 and one of the first engagements was with the community of Norbugang located near Royal Manas National Park. In 2019, the community members pledged to end hunting and become guardians of nature and wildlife. WWF-Bhutan continues to support the community with nature-based livelihood projects.

For more information, please contact:  
Kinley Wangmo|+975 2345 2345 |kinleywangmo@wwfbhutan.org.bt
Tandin Wangdi| WWF-Bhutan |+975 1766 4985|twangdi@wwfbhutan.org.bt
Nima| +975 17965819| nima@wwfbhutan.org.bt
 
About WWF 
WWF is one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with over 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the Earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. Visit www.wwfbhutan.org.bt for the latest news and media resources and follow us on Twitter @WWFBhutan. 
 
About Bhutan faith long-term environmental plan
The Faith Long-term Environmental Plan is a roadmap aimed at addressing some of the environmental challenges in Bhutan. The Central Monastic Body in partnership with WWF-Bhutan started the initiative. The plan recognizes the value of faith, particularly Buddhist practice and precepts as powerful catalysts for conservation. Through stewardship, reverence, interconnectedness, and sacred tradition, the plan aims to drive meaningful action towards maintaining Bhutan’s conservation achievements and promoting nature–positive behaviors.