Keynote Address by Her Majesty Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck at the Ceremony to Launch ‘ for Life’

It is a pleasure to be here today at the launch of the ‘Bhutan For Life’ initiative. I cannot think of a more special, and meaningful day to celebrate the launch of this important milestone in Bhutan’s conservation journey than today- the Birth anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, ; whose extraordinary contributions to the protection of the global environment is most renowned.

The launch of ‘Bhutan For Life’ will play a vital role in ensuring the continuity of our country’s long- standing efforts of environmental preservation. It exemplifies our collective commitment to our shared goal of addressing one of the most compelling challenges of our time.

In this era of climate change, as scientists continue to reveal alarming rates of global warming, Bhutan pledged at the COP 15 in Copenhagen, to remain a net carbon sink for all time to come. Today our forests absorb three times more CO2 emissions than we emit, making Bhutan world’s only ‘carbon negative’ country. In framing an approach to holistic progress, His Majesty the Fourth King nurtured a deep-rooted reverence for our natural environment. Today, environmental conservation remains at the center of Bhutan’s development philosophy, as one of the four main pillars of Gross National Happiness.

As Bhutan progresses under the guidance and leadership of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, our efforts continue to be resilient and sustained. At a personal level, I know and understand how important this is to His Majesty. If I may quote His Majesty, “Where we live must be clean, safe, well-organized and beautiful; for national integrity, national pride and for our bright future. This too is nation building.” There is a sense of awareness, participation, ownership and in turn responsibility, whereby people across the country have contributed in their own ways through activities such as tree plantations, clean up campaigns, floricultural activities, improved health and sanitation, proper waste management, etc. So I must take this opportunity to thank the Government, various Non Governmental Organizations and Civil Societies, and our people across the country, and especially the youth.

Within the constitution a clause requiring 60 percent of the country to remain under full forest cover at all times epitomizes Bhutan’s commitment. Today we have over 70% of our land under forests, of which more than half are fully protected as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and biological corridors. These protected areas harbor immense natural diversity ranging from the unicellular diatoms to the enigmatic yet majestic tigers and snow leopards that roam the mountains and snow-capped highlands of Bhutan.

We remain attentive to the threat of climate change that affects ecosystems, glaciers and all life forms. Ensuring the survival and continued vibrancy of our natural heritage will require innovative efforts, especially in terms of assured financial sustainability to manage this unique tapestry of conservation space.

Bhutan for Life is an important step in ensuring that our country’s natural heritage will live forever. Bhutan will be the first in Asia to adopt the innovative “Project Finance for Permanence” approach to funding conservation, allowing Bhutan to continue to improve the sustainable management of its protected area systems, while also preparing the nation to adapt to the impacts of climate change. In doing so, Bhutan can strive to be one of the first developing countries in Asia to complete its protected area goals and make significant contributions to the global Aichi Targets under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, and fulfill our share of the promise for the historic Paris Climate Agreement.

There are many organizations whose commitments have been very important for the establishment of Bhutan For Life. I would like to thank the Royal Government, World Wilde Fund (WWF), Green Climate Fund (GCF), Global Environment Facility (GEF), Bhutan Trust Fund (BTFEC), United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and Bhutan Foundation. There have also been several individuals whose contributions have been invaluable. I would like to thank Mr. Michael Philipp, Khun Thippaporn and Dr. Tan, Ms. Anne Reece, Mr. Nicholas and Ms. Carmen. We also give our gratitude too Dechen Dorji, the WWF Bhutan country Representative for giving his time, dedication and effort wholeheartedly to Bhutan for Life.

But above all, we thank the Prime Minister Lyonchen Tshering Tobgay for his leadership and the hard work that he has contributed to make all of this happen. Lyonchen, Kadrinche and Tashi Delek!

We are all aware that the positive impacts and benefits of Bhutan For Life will go beyond Bhutan. Protecting the forests and critical watersheds of Bhutan will ensure fresh water provision for a significant portion of the world’s population. As one of the most bio diverse places in the Eastern Himalayan region, our country will continue to be home to some of the most endangered flora and fauna species in the world.

As Bhutan For Life is launched on November 11th, it is a befitting tribute to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo’s enlightened leadership; and the lasting legacy of His Majesty’s profound commitment to environmental conservation.

May Bhutan For Life be a source of inspiration for everyone, to find meaning across Asia and the world, for securing our precious, living planet.

As I was working on this speech, I asked His Majesty if he had any suggestions and His Majesty spontaneously said, “Bhutan For Life is not for the youth, it belongs to the youth.”

Thank you, have a wonderful evening and Tashi Delek!

Source: page/ Jetsun Pema