Bhutan, a country known for its commitment to environmental conservation, has reported a single fire incident in the region of Thimphu on January 4, 2025. This incident comes in the context of a broader environmental analysis, revealing that over the last two decades, Bhutan has seen a net increase in tree cover. The country's total area spans over 3.80 million hectares, with tree cover extending across approximately 2.60 million hectares.
A closer look at the data shows that while there have been fluctuations in tree cover loss due to various factors, the overall trend is positive. Shifting agriculture and forestry have been the primary drivers of tree cover loss, contributing to a significant portion of the observed changes. Notably, wildfires, which can have a devastating impact on forests, have accounted for a smaller fraction of the total tree cover loss.
Explore country profileOver the years, the net change in tree cover has been an increase of 14,541 hectares, which represents a change of approximately 0.49%. This indicates a resilient forest landscape in Bhutan, capable of recovering from disturbances and maintaining its crucial role in the ecosystem.
The latest fire incident, while isolated, serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in forest management and the importance of continued vigilance to protect these vital natural resources.
