Bhutan is an Asian country located on the eastern edge of the Himalayas and is known for its spectacular landscapes, ranging from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys. Unfortunately, hunger and poverty are prevalent in many parts of Bhutan, especially in the eastern and central regions, caused in part by deforestation and underutilized wasteland. Planting fruit trees supports the food supply for many of Bhutan's approximately 770,000 indigenous people.
The “Fruits for All” project – for people and the environment
The "Fruits for All" project, which involves planting a variety of fruit trees, aims to benefit both people and the environment. The project will increase the long-term productivity of these landscapes and help relieve pressure on the remaining forests, while also providing a range of tangible benefits—from food security to clean water and carbon sequestration. The fruit trees will be planted 7.5 m x 7.5 m apart—a total of 178 trees per hectare. Failing seedlings will be replaced in the next planting season.
A long-term and far-reaching project
The "Fruits for All" project has just begun and has so far been implemented in four regions in Bhutan. One Tree Planted has planted over 1,000 fruit trees in the provinces of Thimphu, Paro, Wangdue Phodrang, and Tsirang. A total of around 100,000 food-producing fruit trees are to be planted in Bhutan.
Ecological impact and help for the population
This project promotes the creation of new, open and functional green spaces in the country. Unused brownfield sites are utilized, and the productivity of these landscapes is increased. As an important side effect, the trees provide new habitat for numerous bird and insect species, creating a biodiverse landscape. The "Fruits for All" project also brings many benefits to the local community. The fruit trees will provide the local population with a variety of fruits (walnuts, hazelnuts, chestnuts, cherries, plums, apples, peaches, pears, avocados, mangoes), thus contributing to the food supply. The project will make the entire area greener, which will improve the quality of life of the population and promote sustainable environmental management.
You can find information about this and many other tree planting projects in our TreeTracker .
