The aim of this forum is to bring together both Bhutanese and international foresters as well as professionals from other disciplines such as economics, finance, and social sciences who are interested in the issues of forest for Gross National Happiness in Bhutan. With much of the forests in pristine condition, Bhutan offers the best hope for the preservation of the Eastern Himalayan ecosystems,recognised as one of the 10 global biodiversity hotspots in the world. But, Bhutan also has a huge aspiration of quality life for its people.

The underlying principle of the forum therefore is that when science, technological innovation and human imagination are employed, conservation and development mutually reinforce each other. We thus believe that individually we can make a difference, but collectively we can make a bigger difference in the lives of rural people who must depend upon the surrounding forests while at the same time we also see that the health of our forest environment is maintained in the best possible manner for future generations.

The Forum is moderated by Dr. Phuntsho Namgyel with the Election Commission of Bhutan.

For membership, please write to phuntshonamgyel2001@yahoo.com