The Asahi Glass Foundation has recognised His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo as one of the two recipients of the Blue Planet Prize, the international environmental award for this year.

Every year, the foundation recognises two individuals or organizations who have made significant contributions to the resolution of global environmental problems.

The foundation’s press release stated that His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck is the visionary leader who introduced the development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH) which places the well-being of the people at the heart of development activities and programmes.

“GNH gives importance to environmental conservation, sustainable and equitable development, and promotion of culture and social values which contribute to collective happiness. Using happiness as a social indicator was taken on by the United Nations and OECD also employed it in their reports, giving inspiration for an alternative paradigm to modern society,” the release stated.

The release quoted His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo: “The challenges from global warming, air pollution, contaminated water and increasing natural disasters have become so severe that corrective measures require concerted and sustained efforts by nations across the world.

“Scientists and economists through their groundbreaking discoveries and research have important roles to play in promoting sustainable ways of balancing economic growth and technological progress along with environmental preservation. Political leadership and their commitment to the efforts of scientists and economists will bring us closer towards planning and taking the steps required to maintain the health of the planet we call home.”

The foundation awards each recipient a certificate of merit, a commemorative trophy, and 50 million Japanese yen. The award ceremony is scheduled for October this year.

The Asahi Glass Foundation in 1992, the year of the Earth Summit, established the Blue Planet Prize, an award presented to individuals or organizations from around the world in recognition of outstanding achievements in scientific research and its application that have helped provide solutions to global environmental problems.