World’s Most Eco-Friendly Country Bhutan Plants 108,000 Trees to Celebrate Their New Prince

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Bhutan, often celebrated as one of the greenest countries in the world, has once again demonstrated its profound commitment to the environment and its deep-rooted cultural values. In a heartwarming tribute to the birth of their new prince, the tiny Himalayan kingdom recently undertook a massive tree planting initiative, embedding each sapling with prayers and hopes for the future monarch.

A Royal Celebration Rooted in Nature

Earlier this month, Bhutan marked the arrival of King Khesar and Queen Jetsun's first child, born on February 5, with an extraordinary event. Approximately 100,000 volunteers, including Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, key ministers, and the leader of the opposition, joined forces to plant 108,000 trees across the nation. This remarkable effort not only signifies a celebration of new life but also underscores the Bhutanese people's reverence for their monarchy and the environment.

Why 108,000 Trees?

The number 108 holds profound spiritual significance in Buddhism, representing the cleansing of 108 defilements that hinder enlightenment. Coordinated by Tenzin Lekphell, who heads a private management institute, the initiative, aptly named Tendrel, aimed to invoke blessings for the newborn prince through these symbolic plantings. Lekphell noted, "A tree is the provider and nourisher of all life forms, symbolizing longevity, health, beauty, and even compassion." It’s fitting then, that Buddha attained enlightenment under a banyan tree, reinforcing the act's spiritual depth.

A Nationwide Effort

In a remarkable show of unity and dedication, each of the 82,000 households in Bhutan contributed to the effort by planting a tree, while the remaining 26,000 saplings were carefully placed by volunteers in special plantations across the country's 14 districts. Each tree planted carries a heartfelt prayer and a wish for the prince to grow up healthy, strong, wise, and compassionate.

Gross National Happiness and Environmental Stewardship

Bhutan's unique philosophy of Gross National Happiness, which balances economic growth against social well-being and environmental conservation, is woven deeply into the fabric of national policy. The constitution mandates that at least 60% of the country must remain under forest cover, but Bhutan consistently exceeds this, reflecting its commitment to environmental preservation.

The term Gross National Happiness itself was coined by the fourth King Singye in 1972 and has guided Bhutan's development philosophy ever since. Even as the nation transitioned to democracy in 2008, these principles continue to drive its policies, ensuring that every developmental step is in harmony with nature and national happiness.

Inviting the World to Share in Happiness

In conjunction with the tree planting, the Ministry of Tourism inaugurated the “Happiness Garden” in the national capital of Thimphu. This garden invites tourists from around the globe to plant “happiness trees,” aiming to have trees representing every country in the world. “To have a happiness garden is therefore logical,” said Damchoe Rinzin, a spokesperson for the Tourism Council of Bhutan. “With this garden, we hope to bring the peoples of the world closer.”

Bhutan's latest tree planting initiative not only celebrates the birth of a new prince but also fortifies the nation’s reputation as an environmental steward and a beacon of sustainability. Through such acts of collective participation and symbolic gestures, Bhutan continues to lead by example, showing the world that development and conservation can go hand in hand, guided by the principles of happiness and well-being for all.

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