Bhutan Named Earthshot Prize Finalist for Restore Bhutan Forest Initiative
Bhutan has been selected as a finalist for The Earthshot Prize in the category of Protect & Restore Nature, highlighting its commitment to environmental sustainability and the upcoming 2025 initiative, Restore Bhutan. This initiative aims to rehabilitate 50,000 hectares of degraded land by 2030, in collaboration with multiple organizations. According to Bhutan's constitution, a minimum of 60% forest cover is required, and currently, forests encompass nearly 70% of the country. Recognized as the first carbon-negative nation globally, Bhutan generates 99% of its electricity from hydropower. Nevertheless, around 2,000 water sources are diminishing, and from 2021 to 2024, forest fires impacted nearly 18,000 hectares. The £1 million prize winners will be revealed during Mumbai Climate Week on November 16–17, 2026.
Key facts
- Bhutan is a finalist for The Earthshot Prize in the Protect & Restore Nature category.
- The Earthshot Prize was founded and led by Prince William of Wales and awards £1 million ($1.12 million) to each of five winners from 15 finalists.
- Bhutan launched Restore Bhutan in 2025 to restore 50,000 hectares (123,553 acres) of degraded forests, farmlands, and urban landscapes by 2030.
- Bhutan's constitution requires at least 60% of the country to remain under forest cover in perpetuity; forests currently cover nearly 70%.
- Hydropower accounts for approximately 99% of Bhutan's installed electricity-generating capacity, and its forests absorb more carbon than the country emits, making it the world's first carbon-negative nation.
- Nearly 2,000 of Bhutan's water sources are drying, and forest fires affected almost 18,000 hectares (44,479 acres) between 2021 and 2024.
- Bhutan's Gross National Happiness philosophy has guided the country since the 1970s and treats nature, economic prosperity, culture, and community wellbeing as interdependent for its 800,000 residents.
- Winners will be announced during Mumbai Climate Week, happening November 16 to 17, 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Prince William of Wales
- Princess Chimi Yangzom Wangchuck
- Eugene Kim
Institutions
- The Earthshot Prize
- My Modern Met
- MyBhutan
- Department of Forests and Park Services
- Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation
- Bhutan Ecological Society
- Conservation International
- Depositphotos
Locations
- Bhutan
- South Asia
- Himalayas
- Mumbai
- India