In its NDC, Bhutan reaffirmed its goal to remain carbon neutral, by ensuring that GHG emissions will not exceed the sink capacity of its forests. The government also called on the international community to support its effort to achieve this target. However, it has not specified a concrete financial or technical support requirement.
The forestry sector is pivotal for the Bhutanese carbon neutrality pledge, as its sequestration capacity currently exceeds GHG emissions from other sectors and thus leads to carbon neutrality. Forests currently cover 70% of Bhutan’s land, and it has a constitutional mandate to maintain this share above 60%. In its NDC, the Government of Bhutan pledges to maintain current levels of forest cover (Royal Government of Bhutan, 2015). Government estimates found that the forestry sector in Bhutan provides ecosystem services worth USD 14 billion per year (Royal Government of Bhutan, 2012).