THIMPHU, 11 November 2026: The Department of Forests and Park Services (DoFPS) today introduced Acho Dongka, a red panda mascot who will promote forest-fire prevention and safer behaviour across Bhutan.
Developed with BBS Channel 3, Acho Dongka is a warm, practical and good-humoured elder-brother figure. He explains serious safety messages in clear, memorable language, without blaming or frightening his audience.
The campaign opens with an introductory video in which Acho Dongka presents himself, his role and the campaign’s musical theme. Four public service announcements will follow, each focused on a common activity that can start a forest fire, such as burning crop residue carelessly, leaving picnic fires unattended and discarding cigarette butts. Each video shows the risk, the safer alternative and the part every person can play in preventing a fire.
“Forest fires are preventable, and every one of us has a role to play in protecting our forests. Through Acho Dongka, we want to bring forest-fire prevention closer to people’s everyday lives by encouraging simple but responsible actions. Our message is not just about preventing fires; it is about nurturing a culture of care, responsibility and collective ownership of our forests. We hope Acho Dongka will become a familiar voice, inspiring children, families and communities to make forest protection a shared responsibility,” said Sonam Tobgay, Chief Forestry Officer, Forest Resources Planning and Management Division, Department of Forests and Park Services.
The red panda was chosen because the species is closely tied to Bhutan’s forests and gives children, families and communities a warm, distinctive character to engage with. The campaign is designed to run year-round, not only during the forest-fire season.
“Through Acho Dongka, we are combining storytelling, local language, music and a relatable character to make forest-fire prevention easier to understand, remember and act on. We hope he becomes a familiar and trusted voice for protecting Bhutan’s forests,” said Tsedon Dorji, Managing Director, BBS Channel 3.
With Acho Dongka, DoFPS aims to build a lasting public identity for forest protection, and to remind everyone that one careful action can prevent a devastating fire.
Media contact
Jigme Wangchuk
Senior Forestry Officer
Department of Forests and Park Services
jigmewangchuk@moenr.gov.bt / 77385897
About the Department of Forests and Park Services
The Department of Forests and Park Services (DoFPS) is mandated to conserve and sustainably manage Bhutan’s forest resources, protected areas, and biodiversity while enhancing socio-economic benefits for present and future generations.
About BBS Channel 3
BBS Channel 3 is a non-commercial educational television channel and Royal Project with the guiding message “Learn Something.” It produces and broadcasts educational, cultural and public-service content for audiences across Bhutan.
