In a noteworthy move towards enhancing environmental stewardship and empowering youth, the Bhutan Youth Development Fund (BYDF) and Druk Asia/Soul Trips entered into a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 16 February 2026 in Thimphu. This partnership establishes two key initiatives: the “Nurture A Tree” Programme and an Annual Environment Forum aimed at promoting sustainable practices in Bhutan.
The signing ceremony is particularly significant, coinciding with the year-long celebrations of His Majesty the Great Fourth, Jigme Singye Wangchuck’s 70th Birth Anniversary, underlining the partnership’s alignment with Bhutan’s legacy of visionary leadership, environmental sustainability, and youth development. The formal agreement was signed by Ms. Dorji Ohm, Secretary General of BYDF, and Ms. Ugyen Dema, Travel Agency Manager of Druk Asia, symbolizing a meaningful collaboration between a leading youth-focused civil society organization and a prominent tourism partner.
At the core of the partnership is a shared commitment to preserve Bhutan’s natural heritage. Led by Druk Asia’s Managing Director, Mr. Joni Herison, this initiative introduces the idea of “flowering forests” by planting flowering tree species, enhancing biodiversity and adding vibrant seasonal colors to the landscapes. This project not only aims to contribute to ecological restoration but also reflects a deep appreciation for Bhutan’s natural beauty, emphasizing that conservation can be both meaningful and aesthetically pleasing.
The collaboration is underpinned by the strong patronage of Her Majesty Queen Mother Tshering Pem Wangchuck, who plays a pivotal role in placing youth at the forefront of national development. Through this partnership, Bhutanese youth will actively participate in tangible environmental initiatives. BYDF’s Young Volunteers In Action (Y-VIA) network will lead annual plantation drives across various districts, focusing on lifecycle management, environmental monitoring, and community outreach, thus fostering practical knowledge and long-term responsibility among young participants.
The agreement also facilitates youth leadership, allowing young people to influence the agenda of the Annual Environment Forum and contribute to Bhutan’s sustainability discourse. This initiative serves as a full-circle moment for Ms. Ugyen Dema of Druk Asia, who began her career as a youth volunteer and now returns in a leadership role, embodying the growth and transformation that both organizations aim to inspire in Bhutan’s youth.
Looking ahead, Druk Asia is committed to making an annual donation equivalent to 888 tree saplings and will provide strategic advisory and international marketing support as part of the MoU. Both organizations have expressed a dedicated commitment to nurturing these saplings into a lasting legacy that honors Bhutan’s environmental values and empowers future generations to uphold and carry forward this mission with pride and responsibility.
