How Many Trees Did Bhutan Plant?

Bhutan, a tiny Himalayan kingdom with a population of around 750,000, is often referred to as the 'Land of the Thunder Dragon'. It's also known as one of the greenest countries in the world thanks to its commitment to preserving its natural environment. But, how many trees did Bhutan plant to achieve this reputation? Let's explore.

Bhutan's Forest Cover

Bhutan is home to some of the world's most exotic flora and fauna and is covered by verdant forests that constitute over 70% of the country's land area. These forests serve as a habitat to a diverse range of wildlife, including Bengal tigers, Himalayan black bears, and the endangered species of the red panda.

It's estimated that Bhutan has around 7,000 varieties of plants and over 1,000 species of birds and animals. Therefore, preserving the forest cover and maintaining a healthy ecological balance is not only important for Bhutan's tourism but is also essential in ensuring the sustainability of the country's economic development.

The Forestation Drives

Bhutan's commitment to the environment can be seen in the country's forestation drives. According to the Bhutanese government, the goal is to maintain a minimum of 60% forest cover, and they've been successful in achieving this target so far.

In 2006, Bhutan launched an ambitious plan to plant a million trees to commemorate the birth of the Crown Prince. The initiative, dubbed "One Million Trees Plantation Campaign," proved successful, and over 1.5 million trees were planted across the country.

The government also launched another program called the 'Green Bhutan' initiative in 2015, where the country set a new target of planting 100,000 saplings to celebrate the birth of Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck. The program aimed to promote the importance of preserving the country's forest cover and raise public awareness about the need for environmental preservation.

The Benefits of Tree Plantation in Bhutan

The benefits of tree plantation in Bhutan go beyond just conservation. The country's efforts have yielded positive economic, social, and environmental impacts, including:

Economic Benefits: The forests are home to valuable timber species, creating jobs and generating revenue for the Bhutanese economy.

Social Benefits: The plantation drives also create employment for local communities, helping to alleviate poverty and improve livelihoods.

Environmental Benefits: The trees absorb carbon dioxide, reduce erosion, and help to prevent landslides. Additionally, the preservation of the forests ensures the conservation of the biodiversity in the region.

Conclusion

So, how many trees did Bhutan plant? The government's ambitious tree plantation drives have resulted in the planting of millions of trees across the country. The efforts have not only helped conserve Bhutan's environment but have also led to economic, social, and environmental benefits. It's a great example of the positive impact tree plantation can have on a country's development and the importance of preserving and protecting the natural environment.