Bhutan has been named one of 15 finalists for the 2026 Earthshot Prize, recognised for its efforts to protect and restore nature. Bhutan is among three finalists in the Protect & Restore Nature category, alongside Australia’s Indigenous Desert Alliance and Canada’s Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative. The winners will be announced in Mumbai, India, on November 17, with each category winner receiving £1 million.
The Earthshot Prize highlighted Bhutan’s long-standing conservation policies, including its constitutional requirement to maintain at least 60 percent forest cover. Nearly 70 percent of the country remains forested, while more than half of its territory is protected. A key part of Bhutan’s selection is Restore Bhutan, a national initiative targeting the restoration of 50,000 hectares of degraded forests, farmland and urban landscapes through forest restoration, agroforestry and other conservation measures.
The recognition comes as Bhutan faces growing environmental pressures, including drying water sources and forest fires. The Earthshot Prize said Bhutan’s approach combines government leadership, community participation, scientific expertise and conservation finance, offering lessons for other climate-vulnerable countries. The 2026 finalists were selected from nearly 7,000 nominations across 169 countries. All finalists will receive mentorship, technical support and access to the Earthshot Prize’s global network to help expand their work.