Sustainable Bhutan: A Model for Development

Bhutan’s unique national dress and promise to remain carbon neutral

I want to share with you the story of a small country in the Himalayas called Bhutan. The first thing that might catch your attention is our unique national dress called “gho” for men and “kira” for women. Unlike many other countries where the traditional dress has become a thing of the past, Bhutanese people still wear their national dress daily.

What makes Bhutan unique, however, is not just our national dress but also our promise to remain carbon neutral. This is what I would like to talk about today.

Despite being a small and underdeveloped country, Bhutan has been able to balance economic growth, social development, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation through our approach to development called “Gross National Happiness” (GNH). Our kings have worked tirelessly to achieve this balance, and in the 1970s, our fourth king famously declared that GNH is more important than Gross National Product.

We are a small economy with limited resources, but we manage to provide free education and healthcare to all citizens. Our culture and environment are also flourishing. In fact, 72% of our country is under forest cover, and our constitution mandates that at least 60% of our total land shall remain under forest cover for all time.

Our commitment to remain carbon neutral started in 2009 during the Copenhagen Summit, where we first made this promise. We reiterated this promise during the 2015 Paris Agreement, and this time, we were heard.

Today, we are not just carbon neutral but carbon negative. Our forests sequester more than three times the amount of carbon dioxide generated by our entire country. We also export renewable electricity from our fast-flowing rivers, offsetting about six million tons of carbon dioxide in our neighborhood. By 2020, we aim to export enough electricity to offset 17 million tons of carbon dioxide.

We are proud of our efforts to combat climate change, especially when we consider the impact it has on our country. Our glaciers are melting, causing flash floods and landslides that have devastating consequences. We have 2,700 glacier lakes that are potential threats to our people and their livelihoods.

Bhutan might be a small country, but we have big dreams. We want to set an example for other countries and inspire them to take action. Imagine if we could mobilize our leadership and resources to replicate our Bhutan For Life initiative to other countries so that they too can conserve their protected areas for all time. We can dream together, work together, and fight climate change together. Because the reality is, we are all in this together.

Balancing economic growth and social development with environmental sustainability

It’s no secret that many countries struggle with balancing economic growth and social development with environmental sustainability. The desire for progress can often come at a cost to the environment, which can negatively impact our planet and our quality of life.

However, there are some countries that have managed to find a balance between these seemingly opposing forces. Bhutan, for example, has developed a unique approach to economic growth and social development that prioritizes environmental sustainability.

Bhutan’s approach is based on the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH), which measures progress not just in terms of economic growth, but also in terms of social and environmental factors. This means that Bhutan’s government considers not only the economic benefits of a particular policy, but also its impact on social well-being and the environment.

As a result, Bhutan has implemented policies that prioritize the protection of the environment, including a commitment to remaining carbon neutral and a ban on logging in their forests. Additionally, Bhutan’s unique national dress, the gho and kira, is made from locally sourced materials, reducing the need for imported textiles and lowering their carbon footprint.

Bhutan’s approach is a shining example of how economic growth and social development can be achieved while also prioritizing environmental sustainability. It serves as a reminder that progress doesn’t have to come at the expense of our planet and our well-being.

Gross National Happiness: Bhutan’s holistic approach to development

Bhutan’s unique approach to development, known as Gross National Happiness (GNH), has gained international recognition for its emphasis on the overall well-being of its citizens rather than solely focusing on economic growth. The concept was first introduced in the 1970s by Bhutan’s fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

GNH measures progress through nine domains: psychological well-being, health, education, time use, cultural diversity and toughness, good governance, community vitality, ecological diversity and toughness, and living standards. This approach prioritizes the importance of spiritual and emotional well-being, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation alongside material development.

Bhutan’s focus on GNH has led to the implementation of policies such as the preservation of the country’s forests, which cover over 70% of the land, and the promotion of traditional arts and crafts. In addition, the government’s emphasis on community-based tourism has provided economic opportunities for local communities while also preserving their culture and environment.

GNH has also influenced Bhutan’s foreign policy, with the country prioritizing the preservation of global ecological diversity and advocating for sustainable development at international forums.

Overall, Bhutan’s holistic approach to development through GNH serves as an important reminder that economic growth should not come at the expense of the well-being of individuals, communities, and the environment.

Bhutan’s Pledge to Stay Carbon Neutral

Bhutan is a small country located in the eastern Himalayas that is widely known for its unique approach to development and commitment to sustainability. Despite being a developing nation, Bhutan has pledged to remain carbon neutral, which means it will not contribute to the increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere that cause climate change.

Bhutan has an abundance of forests that act as carbon sinks, which means they absorb more carbon dioxide than they emit. This allows the country to have a negative carbon footprint, which is a rare accomplishment in today’s world. Bhutan also produces hydroelectric power, which is a clean and renewable energy source that helps to further reduce its carbon emissions.

The government of Bhutan has implemented various policies to support its carbon-neutral pledge, including a ban on plastic bags and the promotion of electric vehicles. Bhutan has also joined international efforts to combat climate change by signing the Paris Agreement and participating in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Bhutan’s commitment to staying carbon neutral is an excellent example of how even small countries can contribute to the global effort to combat climate change. By prioritizing sustainability and making conscious choices, Bhutan is showing the world that it is possible to achieve economic growth while protecting the environment for future generations.

Striking a Balance: Bhutan’s Approach to Economic Growth, Environmental Protection, and Cultural Preservation

Bhutan is a country that takes great pride in its environment, culture, and people. As such, it has made significant efforts to protect its natural resources and preserve its unique culture while promoting economic growth. This approach has been a delicate balancing act that has required careful planning and implementation.

Bhutan’s constitution mandates that at least 60% of the country must remain under forest cover at all times. This commitment to environmental protection has led to Bhutan being one of the few carbon-negative countries in the world. In addition, the country has placed a strong emphasis on renewable energy, with the goal of generating 100% of its electricity from hydropower by 2025.

While protecting the environment is a top priority, Bhutan has also worked to promote economic growth in a sustainable manner. The government has implemented policies to attract foreign investment and create jobs while ensuring that development is balanced and respectful of the environment and local communities.

Furthermore, Bhutan has taken significant steps to preserve its unique culture. The country’s national dress, the gho and kira, is worn by both men and women and is a source of national pride. In addition, the concept of Gross National Happiness, which measures the well-being of the people based on factors such as cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and good governance, is deeply ingrained in Bhutanese culture.

In conclusion, Bhutan’s approach to economic growth, environmental protection, and cultural preservation is a testament to its commitment to creating a sustainable future for its people. By balancing these three priorities, Bhutan has created a model for other countries to follow in their own efforts to promote sustainable development.

Bhutan’s Carbon-Negative Status and Efforts to Offset Carbon Emissions

Bhutan, a small country in the Himalayas, is not only carbon-neutral but also carbon-negative. This means that it absorbs more carbon dioxide than it emits, making it a leader in the fight against climate change. Bhutan’s lush forests, which cover over 70% of its land, play a vital role in its carbon-negative status, as they absorb three times more carbon dioxide than Bhutan emits. The country has also implemented policies such as hydroelectric power, which generates renewable energy and reduces its dependence on fossil fuels.

Moreover, Bhutan is actively working to offset any carbon emissions it does produce. The country has set aside more than 50% of its land as protected areas, including national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, to preserve its biodiversity and ecosystems. Bhutan also promotes sustainable tourism, with a focus on low-impact activities that do not harm the environment.

To further offset its carbon emissions, Bhutan has implemented a program to plant trees throughout the country. In 2015, the country broke the Guinness World Record for the most trees planted in one hour, with 49,672 trees planted. Bhutan aims to maintain at least 60% forest cover to continue its carbon-negative status and preserve its rich biodiversity.

Bhutan’s carbon-negative status and efforts to offset carbon emissions demonstrate that economic growth and environmental sustainability can coexist. As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, Bhutan serves as a model for countries to follow in balancing economic development with protecting the environment.

Protecting Biodiversity in Bhutan through Biological Corridors

Bhutan is not only known for its stunning landscapes and unique culture but also for its rich biodiversity. The country’s commitment to conservation is evident in its efforts to connect national parks and protect wildlife through the creation of biological corridors.

Biological corridors, also known as wildlife corridors or ecological corridors, are strips of land that connect fragmented habitats, allowing animals to move between them safely. By creating these corridors, Bhutan aims to protect and preserve its wildlife, which includes endangered species such as the Bengal tiger, snow leopard, and black-necked crane.

These corridors not only benefit the wildlife but also help maintain the overall health of Bhutan’s ecosystems. They allow for the exchange of genetic material between populations and facilitate the movement of pollinators and seed dispersers, which are crucial for the growth and reproduction of plant species.

Bhutan’s efforts to create these biological corridors have been successful in protecting its biodiversity. For example, the biological corridor between the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park and the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary has helped in the conservation of the black-necked crane, whose population has been increasing steadily in recent years.

Overall, Bhutan’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage through the creation of biological corridors is a model for other countries to follow. It highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity and how it can be achieved through innovative conservation strategies.

Bhutan For Life: A Funding Mechanism for Conservation Efforts in Bhutan and Beyond

Bhutan is a country that values its environment and culture. With the aim of protecting these assets for generations to come, Bhutan has created a unique funding mechanism known as Bhutan For Life. This initiative aims to support conservation efforts not only within Bhutan but also in neighboring countries.

Bhutan For Life is a joint venture between the Bhutanese government and a number of international organizations, including the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). It is a fund that provides long-term financing for conservation efforts. The fund is managed by the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation (BTFEC), which was established in 1992.

The main goal of Bhutan For Life is to protect the country’s rich biodiversity and ensure the sustainable management of natural resources. This is achieved by supporting conservation projects that help to maintain ecological balance, promote sustainable livelihoods, and protect cultural heritage.

The initiative has been successful in mobilizing resources from both domestic and international sources. Bhutan For Life has raised over $40 million in funding from a range of sources, including the Global Environment Facility, the Green Climate Fund, and private philanthropy. The fund is also supported by the government of Bhutan, which has pledged to contribute $7 million annually for the next 14 years.

Bhutan For Life is not only helping to conserve Bhutan’s environment and culture, but it is also providing an example for other countries to follow. By creating a sustainable funding mechanism, Bhutan is ensuring that conservation efforts can continue long into the future.

Conclusion

Bhutan’s unique approach to development, centered around Gross National Happiness, has garnered attention and admiration from around the world. By prioritizing the well-being of its citizens and the environment over economic growth, Bhutan has achieved remarkable progress in areas such as conservation, sustainable tourism, and carbon neutrality. The country’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage, protecting biodiversity, and maintaining a healthy ecosystem is a shining example for other nations to follow.

Bhutan’s initiatives, such as the Bhutan For Life funding mechanism and the creation of biological corridors, demonstrate the government’s commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental and social sustainability. By investing in conservation efforts, Bhutan is ensuring that future generations will have access to a healthy and thriving natural world.

As the world continues to face pressing environmental challenges, Bhutan’s model offers a beacon of hope and a roadmap for sustainable development. By valuing happiness, compassion, and responsibility, Bhutan is showing us that a better future is possible, one where people and the planet can thrive together.