In observance of Earth Day, Bhutan sounded a clarion call for humans and wildlife alike, urging citizens to recognize that the planet’s future hinges on the welfare of every creature that calls it home. Under the banner “One Earth, Many Lives: Protecting All Beings We Share It With,” the Duedroi Rangwang Zhidey Tshogpa—Bhutan’s foremost animal welfare organisation—staged a day of education, advocacy and inspiration at the Royal University of Bhutan’s Convention Hall.
Organisers opened the event by underscoring how climate change and environmental degradation threaten not only ecosystems but the very habitats upon which animals depend. “This day is more than a reminder of our carbon footprint,” said Kinley Kuenzang, Acting Executive Director of Duedroi Rangwang Zhidey Tshogpa. “It is a pledge to defend every sentient being whose life is imperiled by rising temperatures, deforestation and pollution.”
Central to the programme was a series of presentations illustrating the link between animal welfare and environmental health. International studies presented at the conference revealed that livestock convert only 10–25 percent of their feed into edible meat, with the remainder lost as by-product or used just to sustain the animals’ basic metabolism. This inefficiency, experts explained, puts immense pressure on land, water and energy resources.
“The pollution from the meat industry rivals that of automobiles,” noted Tshering Penjor, chairman of the hosting organisation. “Waste generated by just one animal can have the same environmental impact as a car in a year. Scaling back meat consumption and reducing animal slaughter are among the most effective steps we can take to ease this burden.”
Interactive workshops gave participants hands-on experience in preparing plant-based dishes, driving home the message that adopting vegetarian options can be both delicious and planet-friendly. Skilled chefs guided attendees through recipes that highlight locally available produce, while nutritionists addressed common concerns about protein and micronutrient intake.
Beyond food choices, the gathering featured art installations made from recycled materials, a youth-led panel on habitat restoration efforts, and a pledge wall where guests committed to lifestyle changes—ranging from cycling to work to supporting community tree-planting drives.
To ensure the momentum extends beyond Earth Day, Duedroi Rangwang Zhidey Tshogpa announced a nationwide series of vegetarian-cooking training sessions to be held in every district starting next month. “Our goal is to empower Bhutanese families with practical skills,” explained Kinley Kuenzang. “By learning to cook wholesome, meat-free meals, households will not only lower their environmental footprint but also foster compassion for all living beings.”
As the sun set on the Convention Hall, attendees departed not only with recipes and facts but with a renewed sense of shared responsibility. In a country long committed to Gross National Happiness, yesterday’s Earth Day activities underscored a simple truth: safeguarding our planet means standing up for every life that depends on it.
