In an effort to combine spiritual principles with sustainable living in Bhutanese society, WWF Bhutan and the Zhung Dratshang launched “Enlightened Stewardship: Bhutan’s Faith-Based Long-Term Environmental Plan” yesterday. Through a long-term behavioral change program, the Central Monastic Body intends to use Buddhist practices and precepts to encourage environmental stewardship among Bhutanese citizens. The strategy will promote sustainable living through a variety of public outreach initiatives, such as large-scale events and lectures. By encouraging sustainable living, waste management, clean environments, and low energy use, the Central Monastic Body is evolving into a model of Buddhist environmentalism. Bhutan is a prime example of the transformative partnerships between faith, communities, and conservation efforts that resulted from the global recognition of faith and science in 1995.
With local spirits and deities residing in rocks, lakes, and other bodies of water, Bhutanese belief systems have a strong connection to nature. Forest care and cleansing rituals support biodiversity by adhering to ecological principles. Buddhism promotes harmony with nature, simplicity, and respect. Bhutan’s urgent environmental issues are intended to be addressed by the Enlightened Stewardship plan. The program seeks to reverse the slow deterioration of Buddhist principles, which have traditionally encouraged environmental awareness. The project document states that the growing gap between modern lifestyles and environmental stewardship in Bhutanese society has never been more urgently addressed.
