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Sustainable Development in Bhutan

Introduction

Bhutan's philosophy of development is based on four pillars of GNH i.e. Gross Domestic Happiness which is essentially the protection of the environment. Several development activities, which were initiated in Bhutan, were based on environmental protection. There is something unique about the norms of Bhutanese people. They believe that all living creatures as well as, forests, mountains, rivers are linked to God. Bhutanese people believe in the protection of all forms of live and elements which support life. These beliefs form the base for Bhutanese sustainable development initiative.

Not surprisingly, the Bhutanese constitutes make it mandatory that 60 percent of the country should be under forest exposure. Today, 72 percent of the country is under forest coverage. There are around 775 species of birds and 3,200 plants in Bhutan. Some of the world's most endangered animals are found in Bhutan. There is diversity of fauna and flora in Bhutan. Furthermore, there are many medicinal plants found in Bhutan. All these ecological aspects make Bhutan one of the most gifted countries in the world (Sherpa, pp. 1; Purdy, pp.1).

Ecological Norms

For centuries, Bhutanese people have preserved their natural resources and lived in balance with nature. Ensuring the integrity of forests, rivers and soil, was vital to survival in the high valleys of the Eastern Himalayas. There are ecological, cultural and moral boundaries, which have tied Bhutanese people with their environment (Hofstede, pp.1). Historically, there were many informal norms and rules which ensured the respect for the boundaries. Conservation of environment was promoted through local and traditional beliefs. Many areas rich in ecology were viewed as abodes of spirits and gods. Any act which resulted in polluting such areas resulted in famine, disease or death. It was animism along with Buddhism which promoted the values of respect and reciprocity towards Mother Nature. With the backing of such values, Bhutan has managed to emerge in a new century rich, in natural resources and ecology (Royal Government of Bhutan, pp.14).

Bhutan has recognized the need to preserve this rich conservation heritage. The king of Bhutan Singye Wangchuck has said that growth must not take place at the cost of Bhutan natural resources. Currently, we have kept more than 26% (FSD, 1995) of the country as a protected areas system and have more than 72.5 % (CSO, 1994) of the country under forest cover. Bhutan has introduced environmental studies into the curriculum of primary students; and has begun formulating policies and programs, legislation and financing mechanisms for the conservation of Bhutan's rich natural environment.

Sustainable Development

The future of Bhutan will depend on how Bhutan natural resource base is managed and utilized in the next decade. The core of Bhutan's The Middle Path National Environment strategy is based on the objectives of highlighting issues, constraints, choices and potential bottle necks which are impeding the conservation natural resources in Bhutan.

This goal was recognized by the king of Bhutan (King Jigme Singye) as middle path towards development of Bhutan. This is development that recognizes ...