Central Monastic Body leads faith-based environmental stewardship initiative
Yangyel Lhaden
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Bhutan, in collaboration with the Zhung Dratshang (Central Monastic Body), launched “Enlightened Stewardship: Bhutan’s Faith-Based Long-Term Environmental Plan” yesterday, aiming to integrate spiritual values with sustainable living in Bhutanese society.
This initiative will harness the power of faith, particularly Buddhist practices and precepts, as a powerful catalyst for conservation.
The Central Monastic Body will implement the plan, which aims to inspire long-term behavioural changes among Bhutanese citizens to promote environmental stewardship.
The plan will use a combination of public outreach, including mass gatherings and teachings, to advocate for sustainable living.
A key initiative is to transform the Central Monastic Body into a model of Buddhist environmentalism, embodying practices such as clean surroundings, proper waste management, low energy consumption, and sustainable living.
Monastic institutions will also serve as hubs for teaching local communities, visitors, and participants in prayer ceremonies how to live sustainably.
“WWF is a science-based organisation, but we have long embraced the wisdom of faith in environmental conservation,” said Roberto Troya, the Senior Vice President of WWF-US.
“This initiative marks a new chapter in the legacy of conservation, as there is a profound connection between faith and the environment. Faith and religious beliefs have always shaped how we live and interact with the world.”
He said that the convergence of faith and science was globally recognised in 1995, and since then, alliances among faith, communities, and conservation efforts have proven transformative and Bhutan is a shining example of this alliance, with its conservation legacy celebrated worldwide and Buddhism playing an undeniable role.
Bhutan’s belief systems are deeply entwined with nature, as local spirits and deities are said to inhabit rocks, lakes, and water bodies. Cleansing ceremonies are performed, and forests are sometimes left undisturbed at specific times due to cultural beliefs. These practices align with ecological principles, supporting forest health and biodiversity.
Buddhism, emphasises the interdependence of all phenomena and the interconnectedness of life, aligns closely with ecological principles. It teaches respect for all life forms, simplicity, and harmony between the natural environment and sentient beings—values that have shaped generations of Bhutanese to live in balance with nature, according to the project document.
Leytshog Lopen Sangay Dorji highlighted that Bhutan’s conservation leadership, rooted in Buddha Dharma and the philosophy of Gross National Happiness, remains strong despite a fast-changing world. “However, balancing traditional values with modernisation is an increasing challenge.”
He expressed concern over the growing consumerist lifestyles influenced by developed countries, particularly among Bhutan’s younger generation. “Their attitudes toward nature and the teachings of Buddha will shape Bhutan’s conservation legacy,” he said.
The faith-based long-term environmental plan, he added, is a roadmap to address Bhutan’s environmental challenges. “I am pleased that the Central Monastic Body, in partnership with WWF-Bhutan, has taken this initiative.”
The Enlightened Stewardship plan is designed as a roadmap to address Bhutan’s pressing environmental challenges. The initiative aims to counteract the gradual erosion of Buddhist values, which have historically supported environmental consciousness.
According to the project document, there has never been a more urgent need to address the growing disconnect between environmental stewardship and modern lifestyles in Bhutanese society.