Earth Hour, the world’s largest grassroots movement for environment marked its 20th anniversary this year. This participation reflects Bhutan’s deep-rooted commitment to conservation and collective action for a nature-positive future.

The hours were accumulated through a month-long national campaign, with individuals, schools, youth groups, private sector entities, corporations, and government agencies contributing by carrying out nature-positive actions. These included cleaning campaigns, waste management initiatives, adoption of sustainable practices, switching off non-essential lights, and spending time reconnecting with nature.

This year, Earth Hour was observed in Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). Gelephu Mindfulness City is envisioned as a carbon-negative, wildlife-friendly city, integrating protected areas and biological corridors into its urban landscape. The city aims to pioneer the world’s first urban coexistence model through an elephant corridor, while advancing mindful prosperity through nature-positive development, where people and nature thrive in harmony.

The event formally opened at Gelephu Middle Secondary School, where 100 students participated in the program.The Governor of GMC, Dasho (Dr) Lotay Tshering, presented the keynote address, setting the tone for a panel discussion on GMC and Nature.

Showcasing how small actions, such as responsible waste management, can make a meaningful difference for nature, powerful videos on the sustainable waste management initiative of the winning schools that participated in a video challenge were screened.

Three winners for an art competition on ‘Nature and Coexistence” organized by Trashi Yangtse Nature Club in partnership with Cora Art Studio were also recognized and awarded certificates. They also organized an art exhibition at the Gelephu Thromde Park, where hundreds gathered to join the Earth Hour countdown.

At 8:30pm, GMC joined millions across the world showing solidarity to the planet, sparking conversations and action on climate crisis and nature loss. Over 20,000 hours alone were contributed by GMC.

Prior to the day-long event at GMC, an Earth Hour campaign commenced with the launch of the Learn with WWF-Bhutan Program coinciding with World Wildlife Day. The program engages students through interactive learning on nature and wildlife at WWF-Bhutan’s learning centre, Panda Explore.

Throughout the month, a series of activities were organized across the country. These included a bird-watching trip to Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary and an art competition for children organized by the Trashi Yangtse Nature Club. In Thimphu, coinciding with the International Day of Forests and as tribute to His Majesty The Fourth King, 1,000 trees were planted at Tsewgang under the One Tree Initiative of the Bhutan Insurance Company.

Youth-led actions played a significant role in the campaign. Scholars from the Education for Nature (EFN) program of the Royal Thimphu College mobilized fellow youth through challenges focused on nature-positive actions. Meanwhile, the Touching the Earth group organized a two-day digital detox retreat, encouraging participants to reconnect with nature through reflection and mindful living.

Beyond the organized events, numerous schools, youth groups, corporations, and individuals across Bhutan carried out their own initiatives, contributing to the collective national effort.

This year’s Earth Hour campaign was jointly organized by Bhutan’s Environmental Partners: Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation (BTFEC), Bhutan for Life (BFL), Bhutan Ecological Society (BES), Bhutan Foundation, and WWF-Bhutan, demonstrating strengthened collaboration for conservation impact.

Earth Hour continues to inspire youth-led climate action, encourage sustainable lifestyles, and invite individuals to give an hour for Earth, while reinforcing partnerships and the role of environmental organizations as trusted conservation partners.

In comparison, Bhutan dedicated 7,000 Hours for Earth in 2025, marking a significant increase in participation and impact in 2026.

In pictures