Bhutan

World Environment Day, Bhutan

The celebration of World Environment Day (WED) is one of the main vehicles through which the UN stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and encourages political attention and action. Through WED, the UN is able to personalize environmental issues and enable everyone to realize not only their responsibility, but also their power to become agents for change in support of sustainable and equitable development. WED is also a day for people from all walks of life to come together to ensure a cleaner, greener and brighter outlook for themselves and future generations.

In Bhutan, the WED 2011 event was celebrated in Paro on June 5, 2011 amongst officials from the National Environment Commission, Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation, UNDP, district representatives, teachers, students and the public of Paro Dzongkhag.

Addressing the gathering at Paro Town Square, the Chief Guest His Excellency Dasho Paljor J. Dorji, Advisor to the National Environment Commission thanked the teachers and students of Paro Dzongkhag for taking part in the event and reminded all present that it was our sacred responsibility to take care of the environment for our future generations.

He also highlighted the vital role played by forests in mitigating climate change, maintaining our river systems and in bringing about ecological, economic, social and health benefits to the people of the world.

Based on the theme for this year - "Forest: Nature at Your Service," the event showcased an exhibition prepared by the students and teacher of schools under Paro Dzongkhag. Students displayed art work and models depicting the role and importance of forests in our day-to-day lives. Students also read out the UN Secretary General's Message on World Environment Day in both English and the national language - Dzongkha. 

During the event, the Chief Guest awarded prizes to the winners of the essay competition held among students on the theme of the World Environment Day.

The Chief Guest and other guests also took part in a tree planting activity in the Children's Park in the heart of Paro town. The event was organized by the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature with financial support from the United Nations Development Programme.

Contributed by Karma Rapten, Assistant Resident Representative - Environment Unit, UNDP Bhutan