The government of Bhutan is planning to offer discounts on electricity and water to fire volunteers in a new scheme launched in Thimphu yesterday.
The Ministry of Agriculture held a workshop with the theme, “Reducing forest fires through volunteerism” and released guidelines for burning agricultural debris. Agriculture Minister, Lyonpo Pema Gyamtsho, issued certificates of appreciation to all the volunteers.
“People think forests are the responsibility of the forest department and the government. They never think they are ours. They belong to all of us. It is our collective responsibility to protect our forests,” he said.
According to the Minister, each volunteer will have an account called “carbon credit”. They will get credits for each time they volunteer in fighting forest fires. Once the volunteers have a certain number of credit points, the government will consider providing concessions on electricity and water charges.
Today, there will be an awareness campaign in Thimphu town. The forest fire volunteers will go to houses next to forested areas and educate the people on burning agricultural debris.
Recruiting volunteers for fighting forest fires started in 2008. Currently there are more than 130 volunteers in Thimphu. According to the head of the Forest Fire Management, Bap Tandin Dorji, they plan to take selected volunteers to different dzongkhags.
The Ministry Guideline aims to assist land managers and the community in burning agricultural debris safely in order to reduce the causes of forest fires. According to the guidelines, any one wishing to burn debris has to notify all residents living nearby. They should also inform the nearest forest office one day before the burn.
According to the guideline, every year, thousands of hectares of forest cover are damaged by forest fires which escape from agricultural land. Between 2003 and 2008, forest fires affected 96,155 acres of forest land and damaged timber and wildlife resources.
“The voluntary service is open to all. People who are interested to join as volunteers can contact the Department of Forest,” added the Agriculture Minister.
By: Phuntsho Wangmo
Source: Bhutan Observer