Bhutan celebrates social forestry day by planting 100,000 trees

As a contribution to its commitment made at the COP 21-Paris to remain carbon neutral, people in Bhutan planted more than 100,000 tree saplings to celebrate its social forestry day on June 2.

The day was celebrated with the theme, "Plant and Nurture trees for a green and healthy environment."

It was especially seen as a moment of pride for Bhutanese women, as 100 women came together in the eastern district of Lhuentse and planted 49,718 trees in one hour at a place called Takila.

They broke the genius world record of maximum plantation in one hour, which was set by 100 Bhutanese men by planting 49,627 trees in one hour in 2015.

Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay took it to the social media congratulating the 100-women who set new record.

Across country's 20 districts more than 1,500 Desuup ,a volunteer group comprising locals, civil servants, teachers and politicians, have planted more than 50,000 tree saplings. In the capital city of Thimphu, 4,500 tree saplings were planted.

Forestry officials told Xinhua that school students, local people and others across the country's school and forest areas also planted trees, however the numbers were not known.

Minister of Forest, Yeshey Dorji in a press statement said plantations are to help fulfill the World Earth Day's theme to plant 7.8 billion trees by 2020, and also to celebrate the birth of Bhutan's His Royal Highness, prince Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck.

The minister said the country has committed to remain carbon neutral with the view that there is no greater need important than keeping the planet safe for life to continue.

The only way forward to make a climate smart environment is to have more trees on the planet, he added in the press statement.

While Bhutan's constitution mandates maintaining 60 percent forest cover for all time to ensure an environment friendly, healthier and safer future, today 72 percent of the country is under forest cover. Environment conservation and mandate to maintain forest cover is also enlisted in the principals of Gross National Happiness, said forest officials.

Forest and environment conservation are considered vital from both religious and political point of view. Less than 70 percent of Bhutan's population lives in rural areas mainly dependent on farming and forests. Tree plantation is part of almost every occasion, and a happy thing to do.

Timber cutting and tree fallings were done under immense care and guidance; the forest is protected with strict rules and regulations and through community groups across the country.

On February 6, the country has planted 108 tree saplings to mark the birth of new prince and planted another 108,000 tree saplings across its 20 districts on March 6, this year.

Meanwhile the day is also celebrated with coronation marathon held by schools in northern district of Haa bordering China, sports and entertainment program in the capital city of Thimphu. Endit