16th December 2025
German Sustainability Award for partnership with Bhutan
"If we want a sustainable future,
our children must grow up feeling connected to the natural world,
not separated from it."
From the Acceptance Speech of Her Royal Highness Dechan Yangzom Wangchuck at the Award Ceremony in Düsseldorf on December 5th 2025
From left to right: Adrian Graf von Bernstorff, HRH Princess Dechan Yangzom Wangchuck, Dasho Jigme Singye Wangchuck, Kurt L. Nübling, Ute Leube, Dasho Ugyen Dorji Wangchuck, Dasho Tandin Namgyel (Photo: Dariusz Misztal)
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The Kingdom of Bhutan and the aromatherapy and organic cosmetics pioneer PRIMAVERA LIFE GmbH have been honoured for their exceptional long-term collaboration with the Special Award of the International German Sustainability Award (IDNP). The jury recognizes an exordinary partnership that has exemplified for more than 35 years how entrepreneurial commitment, ecological responsibility, and intercultural cooperation can go hand in hand. According to the jury, this partnership embodies the spirit of the 2030 Agenda and serves as a shining example for companies worldwide.
The roots of the partnership between PRIMAVERA and Bhutan date back to 1990, when PRIMAVERA founders Ute Leube and Kurt L. Nübling first travelled to the country. In search of high-quality lemongrass oil, they discovered a pristine, culturally rich nation that follows the development philoshophy of “Gross National Happiness” with mindful stewardship of nature as one of its four pillars.
“The unique beauty of nature and the way people live in harmony with it fascinated us from the very beginning. What we experienced in Bhutan corresponded one hundred percent with our deepest values,” said PRIMAVERA co-founder Ute Leube.
Primavera Founders Ute Leube and Kurt L. Nübling
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The Land of the Thunder Dragon
The Kingdom of Bhutan is a global biodiversity hotspot, ranging from the subtropical primary forests of the lowlands to the world’s highest unclimbed peaks. According to the jury’s conviction, Bhutan can demonstrate remarkable achievements in the field of sustainability. It is the world’s first carbon-negative country and absorbs approximately five times as much carbon as it emits. According to its constitution, at least 60 percent of the country must remain forested for all time, and more than half of Bhutan’s territory consists of protected national parks. Looking ahead, Bhutan continues to pursue ambitious environmental goals, such as achieving 100 percent organic agriculture by 2035 and relying exclusively on renewable energy. The newest chapter in Bhutan's unique development journey is the Gelephu Mindfulness City in Southern Bhutan, founded by His Majesty the King.
Accompanied by her two sons and her husband, H.R.H. Princess Dechan Yangzom Wangchuck accepted the award at the ceremony in Düsseldorf :
Her Royal Highness Princess Dechan Yangzom Wangchuck (Foto: Dariusz Misztal)
"It is a profound honour to accept this award on behalf of His Majesty the King and the people of Bhutan.
In Bhutan, we believe the land itself is alive— every mountain, tree, and rock carries a spirit. This belief shapes our culture, our values, and the way we live.
I offer my deepest gratitude to the German Sustainability Award Foundation, and to Mr. Kurt and Mrs. Ute of PRIMAVERA. For more than thirty years, you have approached Bhutan with humility, respect, and genuine care — showing that when relationships are rooted in trust, something extraordinary can grow."
Pioneering Work for Sustainable Development
Following many years of cooperation with Bhutan’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forests in the 1990's, a close collaboration developed with the local company Bio Bhutan, which is dedicated to organic agriculture and certified wild-collection. In addition to the distillation of wild lemongrass in remote areas of eastern Bhutan, PRIMAVERA also supported Bio Bhutan in establishing a manufactory for high-quality soaps.
“Our commitment over the past 35 years has been driven by the desire to support Bhutan’s extraordinary path and to help ensure that its transformation toward a prosperous future in harmony with nature succeeds.” said Kurt L. Nübling, co-founder of PRIMAVERA.
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Terra Himalaya – a new chapter
Bhutan’s intact and pristine natural environments foster a rich diversity of powerful medicinal plants. To connect people around the world with their healing effects, PRIMAVERA founded the company “Terra Himalaya” in 2023, together with the Bhutanese entrepreneur Choitsho Eudel Dorji and CEO Adrian von Bernstorff, who has been living in Bhutan with his family since 2013. Terra Himalaya researches and produces essential oils and medicinal plant extracts.
Kurt L. Nübling at the first visit in Bhutan in 1990
Signing of the Partnership Agreements between Choitsho Eudel Dorji, Adrian Graf von Bernstorff and Primavera
Two years after its founding, Terra Himalaya is working with a steadily growing network of more than 165 farming families in different regions of Bhutan — and this is only the beginning. Knowledge transfer to rural communities, collaborative research with the Government of Bhutan and establishment of strong partnerships with some of Bhutan's most remote communities are essential to the company's philosophy.
“Terra Himalaya is being built on a foundation of trust and mutual understanding, nurtured between Primavera and the people of Bhutan.” said Adrian von Bernstorff, CEO of Terra Himalaya. “It is a great privilege to work on a new chapter in this relationship.”
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Press Contact:
Ugyen Zangmo
Phone +975 17417956
E-Mail Ugyen.zangmo@terrahimalaya.com