- Feb 19, 2026
- by Ashley Chen
- 165
A Legacy in Bloom: Druk Asia and YDF Partner to Cultivate Flowering Forests and Youth Leadership in Bhutan
A landmark collaboration between BYDF, Druk Asia and Soul Trips supports youth empowerment, biodiversity and long-term environmental stewardship in Bhutan.
In a meaningful step towards strengthening environmental stewardship and youth empowerment, the Bhutan Youth Development Fund (BYDF) and Druk Asia/Soul Trips formally signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Thimphu on 16 February 2026. The partnership sets the foundation for two flagship initiatives: the “Nurture A Tree” Programme and an Annual Environment Forum dedicated to shaping Bhutan’s sustainable future.
The signing holds a special significance as it coincides with BYDF’s year-long celebration of His Majesty the Great Fourth, Jigme Singye Wangchuck’s 70th Birth Anniversary, reflecting the partnership’s alignment with Bhutan’s enduring legacy of visionary leadership, environmental stewardship and youth development.
The agreement was formalised by Ms Dorji Ohm, Secretary General of BYDF, and Ms Ugyen Dema, Travel Agency Manager of Druk Asia, marking a meaningful alliance between Bhutan’s leading youth-focused Civil Society Organisation and a premier tourism partner.
A Vision of Blossoming Landscapes
At its heart, the partnership reflects a shared and enduring commitment to Bhutan’s natural heritage. Championed by Mr Joni Herison, Managing Director of Druk Asia, the initiative seeks to complement Bhutan’s globally recognised conservation efforts by introducing the concept of “flowering forests”.
By focusing on the plantation of flowering tree species, the project aims to enhance biodiversity while weaving vibrant seasonal colours into Bhutan’s landscapes. Beyond ecological benefits, it is also an expression of deep affection for the Kingdom’s serene beauty — a reminder that conservation can be both purposeful and poetic.
Empowering the Next Generation
Under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Mother Tshering Pem Wangchuck, President of BYDF, the organisation continues to place youth at the centre of national development. Through this collaboration, Bhutanese youth will take the lead in shaping tangible environmental action.
Active Stewardship:
BYDF’s Young Volunteers In Action (Y-VIA) network will be mobilised for annual plantation drives across various districts.
Up-skilling:
Participants will engage in lifecycle management planning, environmental monitoring, and community outreach, building practical knowledge and long-term responsibility.
Leadership:
Young people will help shape the agenda of the Annual Environment Forum, creating a platform for youth voices to contribute meaningfully to Bhutan’s sustainability narrative.
A Full-Circle Journey
The signing also carried a deeply personal significance for the Druk Asia delegation. Representing the company was Ms Ugyen Dema, whose professional journey began as an active youth volunteer. Returning now in a leadership capacity to sign the MoU, she embodies the very growth and transformation that both BYDF and Druk Asia hope to inspire in Bhutan’s next generation.
About the Partners
Bhutan Youth Development Fund (BYDF)
Under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Mother Tshering Pem Wangchuck, BYDF is one of Bhutan’s premier civil society organisations, with over 25 years of dedicated service. The organisation works to ensure that every young Bhutanese has the opportunity to realise their full potential through education, employment, and meaningful participation in nation-building.
Druk Asia (Singapore) / Soul Trips (Bhutan)
As a dedicated specialist in travel to Bhutan, Druk Asia has long served as a bridge between the Kingdom and the world. Guided by Bhutan’s “High Value, Low Volume” tourism philosophy, the company seeks not only to promote the country globally, but also to contribute meaningfully to its social and environmental priorities.
Looking Ahead
Under the terms of the MoU, Druk Asia will make an annual contribution equivalent to 888 tree saplings, alongside providing strategic advisory and international marketing support.
Both teams expressed a shared commitment to nurturing these saplings into a vibrant and lasting legacy — one that honours Bhutan’s environmental ethos and empowers future generations to carry it forward with pride and purpose.