Long before modern conservation theories emerged, Bhutan and its people championed a form of sustainable living deeply rooted in Buddhism. The power of faith, reflected in a new initiative by the World Wildlife Fund and the Zhung Dratshang, serves as a reminder of these values.
As the Leytshog Lopon pointed out, growing materialism has disrupted the balance between consumerism and traditional values. The faith-based environmental plan acts as a timely catalyst, addressing the challenge of reconciling unlimited human wants with the need for conservation. Faith-based conservation initiatives have proven effective in the past. The destruction we witness today—of forests, rivers, lakes, and even entire mountains—would have been unthinkable in the past, not due to a lack of machinery or technology but because our belief system discouraged such harm.
It is often said that the best conservation policy is our belief that every tree, stone, gorge, hill, cliff, lake, and pond has a spirit and should not be destroyed. Buddhism has played a vital role in fostering harmony and peaceful coexistence with nature. In Bhutan, conservation is as old as our belief system. Disturbing a lake was once unthinkable, as it was believed that its protector would retaliate with floods. Felling a tree was avoided, as trees were seen as living beings whose spirits could cause harm.
Despite our cautious approach to development, modernisation has led to the depletion of natural resources. Springs and lakes have shrunk, if not disappeared entirely. Hills have been cleared to make way for concrete structures, and in places like Thimphu, vast wetlands have been lost to urbanisation. The pressures of development will only increase, and we are already feeling the consequences—glaciers are melting in high-altitude regions like Lunana, forming new glacial lakes.
The Zhung Dratshang’s leadership in inspiring long-term behavioral change toward environmental stewardship comes at a crucial time. Our faith in Buddhism and trust in religious figures, as the saying goes, can move mountains. Despite concerns about westernisation, the power of religion remains evident in the massive gatherings at religious events. If this initiative successfully integrates public outreach, mass gatherings, and teachings to promote sustainable living, it offers hope. The thousands who stand in long queues at events like those at the Tendrel Thang demonstrate the potential reach of such efforts.
This initiative also aligns with Bhutan’s broader vision, such as the development of the Gelephu Mindfulness City. Planned with the principles of mindfulness, this city prioritises the well-being of both people and nature. Buildings will not surpass the height of trees, elephant corridors will be preserved, and mass tree plantations will enhance both aesthetics and ecological balance.
Faith-based initiatives can be particularly effective when led by religious institutions. One immediate change based on Buddhist environmentalism could be the adoption of the eco-friendly electric incinerator at the Thimphu cremation ground. Despite significant investment, this facility remains underutilised, as many hesitate to accept electric cremation as a viable alternative in Bhutanese Buddhist traditions.
The Zhung Dratshang could lead by example by using the electric incinerator for high-profile cremations and discouraging the widespread practice of erecting 108 mani prayer flags using freshly felled trees. Such a shift could save thousands of trees annually while maintaining the sanctity of religious rituals.