Haa, 2 June 2026 โ Coinciding with the Coronation Day of the Great Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Haa Dzongkhag launched a mass oak plantation program as a tribute to His Majestyโs visionary leadership and enduring commitment to environmental conservation and the well-being of the Bhutanese people.
The initiative is our small efforts to enhance environmental sustainability while safeguarding monasteries, lhakhangs, and other cultural and religious heritage sites from the increasing threat of forest fires. The program involves the planting of Quercus semicarpifolia (Himalayan Oak), a native tree species valued for its relatively high resistance to fire and its ability to serve as a natural firebreak.
Over the long term, establishing oak plantations around monasteries is expected to strengthen protection against forest fires while contributing to ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, watershed protection, and climate resilience.
As part of the program, 100 oak seedlings were planted at each participating monastery. To ensure the survival, growth, and long-term management of the plantations, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed among the respective Lams, Gewogs, Haa Dzongkhag Administration, and the Department of Forests and Park Services (DoFPS). The MoUs clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder in protecting, maintaining, monitoring, and managing the plantations.
Furthermore, 243 avenue tree seedlings were planted at the Moenlam Chenmo ground with the active participation of civil and public servants. The avenue plantation is expected to enhance the landscape, provide shade, improve environmental quality, and create a greener and more welcoming public space for residents and visitors alike. A separate MoU was signed among the Dzongkhag Administration, the designated custodian, and DoFPS to ensure the plantationโs proper maintenance and long-term success.
The oak plantation program will continue across the remaining 15 monasteries in Haa Dzongkhag in the coming months and years. This phased expansion will further strengthen efforts to protect religious and cultural heritage sites while enhancing environmental conservation across the dzongkhag. To reinforce accountability and responsibility for the care of each plantation, every seedling is being geo-tagged and will be monitored throughout its growth.
The observance of the day was further extended to community and institutional planting initiatives across the dzongkhag. Members of the Youkha Sherpa Community Forest actively participated in the programme by planting 550 saplings of high-value tree species within their community forest area, contributing to sustainable forest management and ecological restoration. Similarly, staff of Gakiling Gewog undertook plantation activities at the Eco-Lodge site near Mochu Zam, demonstrating their commitment to environmental conservation and the creation of greener landscapes.
The initiative highlights the collective commitment of local communities, monastic institutions, the Haa Dzongkhag Administration, Judiciary, all regional offices and the Department of Forests and Park Services towards sustainable environmental management and disaster risk reduction.
