Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Royal Government of Bhutan

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

4 𝙅𝙪𝙣𝙚 2026

The Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) under the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR) in collaboration with the Paro Dzongkhag Administration, celebrated World Environment Day 2026 in Paro under the global theme “Now for Climate.”

The event was observed in honour of the Birth Anniversary of Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen, the Royal Patron for the Environment. The celebration was graced by Dasho Peljor J. Dorji, Special Advisor to the National Environment Commission; Hon’ble Secretary of MoENR; Hon’ble Member of Parliament to the National Council; Dasho Dzongda; the Dratshang Rabdhey of Paro Dzongkhag; and representatives from UNDP and JICA. The event commenced with the offering of butter lamps, recitation of prayers and a ceremonial cake-cutting in honour of the Birth Anniversary of Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen.

This year’s celebration was hosted in Paro in recognition of the Dzongkhag’s exemplary leadership and commitment to environmental sustainability. Through sustained efforts in waste management, environmental awareness and community participation, Paro has demonstrated a model of local environmental stewardship that can inspire similar actions across the country.

As part of the programme, Paro Dzongkhag presented its key environmental achievements and ongoing initiatives. The celebration also featured the launch of several important environmental and climate initiatives, including:

1. Launch of the Pilot Initiative for the Reduction of Single-Use Plastic Carry Bags Through the Promotion of Eco-Friendly Alternatives in Paro Dzongkhag

2. Soft Launch of the Environment Clearance Service System (ECSS), a digital platform designed to improve the efficiency, transparency and accessibility of environmental clearance services

3. Soft Launch of the National Waste Inventory Survey Report 2025, providing updated national data on waste generation, composition and management practices to support evidence-based planning and policy development

4. Launch of the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Assessment for Bhutan’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Process, aimed at strengthening climate adaptation planning and resilience-building efforts across sectors.

The celebration also recognized the valuable contributions of individuals, educational institutions, Local governments and community organizations that have demonstrated outstanding commitment towards environmental conservation, sustainable waste management and community-led environmental initiatives.

Speaking on the occasion, the Department emphasized working collaboratively with all stakeholders to advance the country’s environmental and climate change goals and to build a resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.

The Department of Forests and Park Services under the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR) celebrated Social Forestry Day 2026 in Thimphu, coinciding with the Coronation Day of our beloved Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The occasion commemorates His Majesty’s visionary leadership in launching Bhutan’s Social Forestry Programme in 1979, a landmark initiative that empowered communities to actively participate in sustainable forest management and environmental conservation.

The celebration was graced by the Hon’ble Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, Gem Tshering, Dasho Secretary, heads of departments and agencies under the MoENR, representatives from the Royal Bhutan Police, the Principal and students of Motithang Higher Secondary School, the Natural Resources Development Corporation Limited, partner organizations including the Bhutan Ecological Society and the Bhutan for Life Fund Secretariat, as well as volunteers.

Observed this year under the theme, “Plant Together, Restore Forever, Secure Our Future,” Social Forestry Day serves as a national call to action to restore degraded landscapes, strengthen ecological resilience, and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

The day is also being observed across the country through the Divisional Forest and Park Offices, with tree planting campaigns, restoration activities, awareness programmes, and community engagement initiatives involving local communities, schools, institutions, and other stakeholders.

𝙈𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙃𝙤𝙣'𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙎𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙮 𝘿𝙖𝙮 2026
Department of Forests and Park Services

Announcement for Masters’ Scholarship

The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resource is pleased to announce 2 postgraduate scholarship slots for the Master’s Programme in Mountain Forestry at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) for October 2026 intake for a duration of 2 years, fully funded by Capacity Development in Bhutan’s Forestry Sector (CAPFOR) Project. For further information:

𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘

𝗕𝗵𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

The Department of Energy, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, officially launched Bhutan's Standards and Labeling (S&L) Scheme today, marking a major milestone in the country's efforts to promote energy efficiency, empower consumers, and strengthen energy security. The event was held in a hybrid format, bringing together participants both physically and virtually, with remarks delivered by the Asian Development Bank, private sector representatives, and technical consultants.

The S&L Scheme is designed to provide consumers with clear and reliable information on the energy performance of electrical appliances through standardized energy labels. In this phase, the S&L scheme Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and labels for LED lamps, Storage Water Heatersand Refrigerators has been developed. The initiative will encourage the adoption of energy-efficient models under these products, reduce electricity consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.

Speaking at the launch event, the Director General highlighted that energy efficiency remains one of the most cost-effective strategies for addressing growing energy demand while supporting Bhutan's commitments to sustainable development and climate action. The scheme is expected to play a key role in improving the efficiency of appliances entering the Bhutanese market and preventing the country from becoming a destination for inefficient products.

The development of the S&L Scheme represents the culmination of several years of collaborative effort involving government agencies, development partners, technical experts, and private sector stakeholders. The initiative was first initiated under the USAID South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP) Programme, subsequently supported by WWF-Bhutan, and successfully completed through the Asian Development Bank's Technical Assistance programme.

The Department expresses its sincere appreciation to the Asian Development Bank, WWF-Bhutan, Environment Design Solutions, members of the Technical Working Group, and all stakeholders who contributed to the successful development of the scheme. Their technical expertise, guidance, and continued support were instrumental in ensuring that the scheme aligns with national policies, regulatory frameworks, and international best practices.

The launch marks the beginning of the implementation phase, during which the Department will work closely with the technical working group agencies, importers, retailers, and consumers to operationalize the scheme. Continued stakeholder engagement will be critical to ensure its effective adoption and long-term success.

Building on this achievement, the Department also intends to expand its energy efficiency initiatives through the development of MEPS for key appliances and equipment, including solar photovoltaic panels, inverters, electric motors, and air conditioners.

The Department reaffirms its commitment to advancing energy efficiency as a cornerstone of Bhutan's sustainable energy transition and looks forward to working with all stakeholders in realizing the objectives of the Standards and Labeling Scheme.

𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲

Mr. Kaka, Principal Forestry Officer, Divisional Forest Office (Wangdue), Department of Forests and Park Services, and Mr. Dorji Gyelsthen, Chief Programme Officer, Department of Water, were recognized for their dedicated service to the community.

Her Majesty Gyalyum Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck presented them with certificates of recognition for Establishment of Payment of Environmental Services (PES) in Omchu Watershed with the Phuentsholing Thromde and upstream communities.

The recognition was conferred during the inaugural ceremony of the 20th Tarayana Fair held at Changyul Park.

The Ministry congratulates both officials and hopes their commitment continues to inspire others to embrace a spirit of volunteerism and dedicated service to the community.

May 26, 2026

The Ministry started the Zumba/ CrossFit Program today with the aim of promoting staff well-being, teamwork, and a healthy work culture within the organization. The initiative provided an opportunity for staff to engage in physical fitness activities, relieve workplace stress, and strengthen interaction among colleagues.

All staff members are encouraged to actively participate in the program. The initiative will be conducted four times a week.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠

22nd May 2026

The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR) today inaugurated its first Staff Engagement Program, marking a significant step towards fostering a healthier, more cohesive workplace. The initiative, which featured a Mixed Doubles Badminton Tournament, was held at the Ministry Badminton Hall, Thimphu.

The program was graced by the presence of the Honorable Lyonpo and Dasho Secretary at the opening ceremony, underscoring the Ministry's commitment to staff welfare and institutional wellbeing. Four teams of staff members participated in the Mixed Doubles format, competing in a structured fixture culminating in a grand final.

The Staff Engagement Program was conceived with three core objectives: to build team coordination and camaraderie among staff, to cultivate a healthy and positive workplace culture, and to address the growing concern of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) through active promotion of physical activity and a healthy lifestyle among civil servants.

The Ministry intends to sustain and expand the Staff Engagement Program as a regular institutional activity, with plans to incorporate a broader range of sports and wellness activities in subsequent editions. Prizes were presented to the winning team at the conclusion of the tournament.

𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤 (𝐀𝐃𝐁) 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐧’𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐋𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐩𝐨
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐮 - 𝟐𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

A high-level delegation from the ADB, led by Vice President for Market Solutions Mr. Bhargav Das Gupta, met with leadership from the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR) along with representation from DGPC and BPC at Lyonpo’s Conference Hall. The meeting aimed to reinforce the long-standing partnership between the ADB and the Royal Government of Bhutan, focusing on the country’s ambitious energy transition and climate resilience goals.

During the session, MoENR officials highlighted Bhutan's strategic target to achieve 25,000 MW of power generation by 2040, comprising 20,000 MW from hydropower and 5,000 MW from solar energy. Discussions centered on the urgent need to fast-track energy projects, explore market solutions for private sector engagement, and address the impacts of climate change through reservoir schemes and pump storage. The ADB delegation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Bhutan’s energy security through accelerated financing and technical cooperation in areas such as solar-hydro hybrids, battery storage, and carbon markets.