The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Community Forest has not only helped people effectively protect and manage forests and other natural resources within proximity of villages but has also brought communities together.
In the recent fire in Paro where a house was gutted, community forest members of Druk Thuenpa Puenzhi in Dogar gewog came together in helping one of their members who lost everything to the fire.
According to the Chairman, Sangay Wangdi, the 62 CF members turned up late night to contain the fire until morning.
The CF members unanimously agreed to assist the fire affected family by giving Nu.40,000 from the CF account to purchase immediate relief materials such as CGI sheets, ply wood and other necessary items. Members voluntarily rendered services in every possible way by constructing temporary sheds, buying basic items and utensils from their own pocket.
Sangay Wangdi said that through the CF the 62 members have reaped immense benefits and learned to take ownership of the nearby forest area and ensure its sustainable utilization.
Thuenpa Puenzhi Community Forestry has enabled communities to generate income through sale of excess timbers and other CF sources.
The CF incharge in Paro, Nidup, said the Thuenpa Puenzhi Community Forestry has proved that the programme is not only about forests and natural resources management but also about lot of things that can be done by the community.
