On behalf of the royal family of Bhutan, Her Royal Highness Princess Dechen Yangzom Wangchuck accepted the Special International German Sustainability Award 2025 in Düsseldorf, under the theme “Companies for the 2030 Agenda.” The award, celebrating a unique partnership between equals, was conferred for the collaboration between German aromatherapy and natural cosmetics pioneer PRIMAVERA and private company Bio Bhutan, a groundbreaking local enterprise for ecological agriculture. (Deutscher Nachhaltigkeitspreis)
Founded in 1986, PRIMAVERA specializies in high-quality, organic essential oils, natural cosmetics, and aromatherapy products, focusing heavily on sustainability, nature, and pure plant power. In 1990, founders Ute Leube and Kurt L. Nübling travelled to Bhutan for the first time and established a collaboration with the Bhutanese Ministry of Agriculture. In 2005, Dr. Irmela Harz, Karma Yangzom, and Ugyen founded Bio Bhutan, the kingdom’s first enterprise specializing in the sustainable production of natural and organic certified products from raw materials supplied by local farmers.
The National German Sustainability Award was established in 2008 to encourage the acceptance of social and ecological responsibility, and to identify sustainability role models. PRIMAVERA received the German Sustainability Award 2022 in the category “Biodiversity.” (Deutscher Nachhaltigkeitspreis) According to the website of the National German Sustainability Award, Bhutan has ambitious environmental goals, including:
. . . 100 percent organic agriculture by 2035, “zero waste” by 2030, exclusive use of renewable energy, and the development of “Gelephu Mindfulness City” — a new southern city setting global standards in sustainable urban planning.
Since 1990, PRIMAVERA has supported these goals with concrete projects and, since 2023, through its newly established subsidiary “Terra Himalaya.” The work of Terra Himalaya aligns with the vision of the Bhutanese King and government to shape the country’s future through sustainable transformation.
(Deutscher Nachhaltigkeitspreis)
According to a press release released by the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Brussels, Her Royal Highness first paid tribute in her speech to her brother, His Majesty the Fifth Druk Gyalpo, stating that he places the wellbeing of Bhutanese citizens and the environment of Bhutan at the center of the kingdom’s progress. She additionally noted that His Majesty is a leader who embodies simplicity, balance and deep respect for the natural world. These are values drawn from the philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), which in turn have laid the foundation for contemporary sustainable Bhutan. (Royal Bhutanese Embassy, Brussels, Belgium)
The award’s mention of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC)—perhaps the most ambitious project of His Majesty the Fifth Druk Gyalpo’s reign—references its “sustainable urban planning,” likely a nod to the fact that the Special Administrative Region (GMC) will be integrated in the natural sanctuaries of Royal Manas National Park and Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary. A critical core of the SAR’s planning will be harnessing renewable (geothermal, solar, and hydropower) energy to power the city. Bhutan is especially strong in the realm of hydropower. GMC is projected to build hydropower plants intended to provide clean and renewable energy for the region, including India. Her Royal Highness stressed that GMC, as Bhutan’s new economic and cultural gateway, is a testament to the ideal of serving the people and preserving the environment, and embodies a pledge to future generations that “national progress can be thoughtful and sustainable.” (Deutscher Nachhaltigkeitspreis)
This is the second time Bhutan has received the German Sustainability Award. The first recognition was awarded in 2016 to Dasho Tshering Tobgay, the prime minister of Bhutan, for the country’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection.
See more
HRH Princess Dechan Yangzom Wangchuck Receives Prestigious 2025 German Sustainability Award (Royal Bhutanese Embassy, Brussels, Belgium)
PRIMAVERA und Bhutan (Deutscher Nachhaltigkeitspreis)
Related news from BDG
His Majesty the King of Bhutan Offers Gelephu Mindfulness City Full Support with Official Visit
Related features from BDG
Sacred Pilgrimage – Journey through the Magical Kingdom of BhutanBuddhistdoor View: The Global Peace Prayer Festival in the Bigger Picture of Bhutan’s National Agenda
