Bhutan sets new tree-planting record

(ANSA) - Rome, June 11 - The tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan has made its way into the Guinness book of records for the first time ever by becoming the country to plant the largest number of trees in an hour, media reported Thursday.
    On June 2 a team of 100 volunteers planted 49,672 trees near the capital Thimphu, beating the record of 48,885 trees established by an Indian team three years previously. The tree planting was organised by Bhutan Eco-Green Initiative Network in partnership with the agriculture and forestry ministry on the occasion of the annual social forestry day. "The entire country is happy," said organiser Karma Tshering. "The world record shows that Bhutan's young generations want a clean and green future. We will never compromise on this." Over 75% of the country is currently covered by forest and under the constitution forest cover must never fall below 60%. Nature is also a key component of the 'gross national happiness' concept originally coined by Bhutan's King Jigme Singye Wangchuck in 1972.