The “Inception Workshop on Pilot Forest Certification in Bhutan” was successfully held from 25–27 May 2026 at Gangtey Palace, Paro, bringing together key stakeholders from government, civil society, and international partners.

Organized by the Bhutan Ecological Society (BES) and the Department of Forests and Park Services (DoFPS), in collaboration with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the workshop marked a significant step toward promoting sustainable forest management in Bhutan.

The initiative aims to pilot FSC forest certification across 50,000 Ha in selected landscapes, targeting improved forest governance, biodiversity conservation, and enhanced livelihoods, while aligning with global sustainability standards.

Key highlights included the signing of a contract agreement, expert sessions on FSC certification systems and forest management requirements, and the presentation of a 2026–2029 implementation roadmap guiding Bhutan’s journey toward certification.

This inititiative is being supported by the RNR-Jobs project financed by the World Bank Group.