1^st May 2009

Eighteen years ago, under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and the generous support of our development partners, the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation was created to pilot financial sustainability for environmental management.

Today, it is a privilege to be associated with this pioneering organization that has benefited the legal, institutional and operational framework for environmental protection and biodiversity conservation in Bhutan, and demonstrated to the world the relevance and effectiveness of a sustainable financing mechanism. The fund’s important role is attested by its social welfare mission, and the principle enshrined in our Constitution to maintain 60 percent of Bhutan under forest cover in perpetuity. This national policy was a central goal of the establishment of the fund.

In the new era of parliamentary democracy in Bhutan, it is my honor to join all Bhutanese and pay tribute to a century of enlightened leadership by the Wangchuck dynasty that has brought international acclaim for Bhutan as a model of sustainable development. Most recently during 2004-2008, with His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck as Chairman of the Board, the fund was strengthened and its endowment protected from the global economic downturn. Under His Majesty’s personal supervision, the fund was one of a few globally to profit from investments, during a period of extreme capital market volatility.

We now have before us a unique opportunity, with a pristine natural environment and a strong culture of environmental stewardship, to build on and sustain the valuable legacy of our beloved Kings, for the benefit of present and future generations. I welcome your interest and participation in our efforts.

Tashi Delek.

Pema Gyamtsho, PhD.

Minister of Agriculture and Forests
Royal Government of Bhutan