Environment 

Bhutan’s Biodiversity and Environment Conservation

Location and Global Significance

• Bhutan is located in the eastern Himalayas.

• It is one of the top ten biodiverse regions in the world.

• Bhutan is a biodiversity hotspot with high species density.
  
  

Protected Areas

• Bhutan has the highest proportion of land under protected areas.

• 42.7% of the country is protected.

• Protected areas include:

  • 5 National Parks

  • 4 Wildlife Sanctuaries

  • 1 Nature Reserve
    
    

• Total area covered: 16,396.4 sq. km
  
  

Forest Cover

• Bhutan has the highest forest cover in Asia.

• 72% of the country is covered with forest.
  
  

Role of the Monarch

• Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck played a key role in environmental conservation.

• He was visionary and instrumental in promoting Bhutan’s green policies.

Awards and Recognition

• The Fourth King of Bhutan and the people of Bhutan received a big international award called the “Champions of the Earth Award” in 2004–2005.

  • This award was given by the World Environment Organisation.

  • It was given to appreciate Bhutan’s great efforts to protect nature and the environment.
    
    

• In 2006, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo also received another important award — the “J. Paul Getty Conservation Leadership Award”.

  • This was awarded by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

  • It was given for his strong leadership in protecting Bhutan’s forests, animals, and natural resources.
    
    

Environmental Problems Bhutan Faces Today

• Even though Bhutan has a lot of forests and protected areas, the environment is still facing problems.

• Modern development (like building roads, towns, factories, etc.) is putting pressure on nature.

• These changes can damage forests, rivers, wildlife, and clean air.

Bhutan’s Response to Environmental Problems

• Bhutan understands that nature must be protected for the happiness and health of the people.

• That is why environment conservation is one of the four pillars of Gross National Happiness (GNH).

• It is also included in the Constitution of Bhutan — the highest law of the country.
  
  

Article 5 of the Constitution

• Article 5 is the part of the Constitution that talks about protecting the environment.

• It has 4 sections (or clauses).

• These sections explain that:

  • Every citizen and the government must help to protect, preserve, and take care of the environment.

  • It is the duty of all Bhutanese people to keep the environment clean and safe for the future.

Article 5 

1. Every Bhutanese is a trustee of the Kingdom’s natural resources and environment for the benefit of the present and future generations and it is the fundamental duty of every citizen to contribute to the protection of the natural environment, conservation of the rich biodiversity of Bhutan and prevention of all forms of ecological degradation including noise, visual and physical pollution through the adoption and support of environment friendly practices and policies.
   
   

2. The Royal Government shall:
   2.1. Protect, conserve and improve the pristine environment and safeguard the biodiversity of the country;
   2.2. Prevent pollution and ecological degradation;
   2.3. Secure ecologically balanced sustainable development while promoting justifiable economic and social development; and
   2.4. Ensure a safe and healthy environment.
   
   

3. The Government shall ensure that, in order to conserve the country’s natural resources and to prevent degradation of the ecosystem, a minimum of sixty percent of Bhutan’s total land shall be maintained under forest cover for all time.
   
   

4. Parliament may enact environmental legislation to ensure sustainable use of natural resources and maintain intergenerational equity and reaffirm the sovereign rights of the State over its own biological resources.
   
   

5. Parliament may, by law, declare any part of the country to be a:
   5.1. National Park
   5.2. Wildlife Reserve
   5.3. Nature Reserve
   5.4. Protected Forest
   5.5. Biosphere Reserve
   5.6. Critical Watershed
   5.7. Such other categories meriting protection

Sailent Features and Significance of Environment 

1. Every Bhutanese is a Trustee 

🌿 Importance of Environment in Bhutan

• The environment is very important for the people of Bhutan.

• It gives us many things we need to live, like food, water, clean air, and wood.

• Forests and rivers are homes for many animals and plants.

• Bhutan is rich in nature, and we must take care of it.
  
  

💡 How the Environment Helps Bhutan’s Development

• Bhutan earns a lot of money from hydropower (electricity made from river water).

• This money helps the country build schools, hospitals, roads, etc.

• If our environment (like rivers and forests) is destroyed, hydropower projects will suffer.

• So, a clean and safe environment helps the country grow and develop.
  
  

⚠️ What Happens If We Destroy the Environment

• People may lose their land, homes, and property.

• Rivers may dry up, forests may disappear, and animals may lose their homes.

• Bhutan might face the same problems as some of our neighbouring countries — like pollution, floods, landslides, and poor air quality.

• Our future generations may not enjoy the clean and green Bhutan we have today.
  
  

👥 Our Role and Responsibility

• Everyone in Bhutan — not just the government — must help protect the environment.

• This includes students, farmers, teachers, business people, offices, and organizations.

• We are all trustees, which means we are given the duty to take care of nature.

• Protecting the environment is like protecting our own life and future.
  
  

🗣️ What Our King Said

• His Majesty The Druk Gyalpo King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck spoke about the environment on 24 December 2005 in Lhuentse.

• He said that Bhutan is known worldwide for good environmental protection.

• He reminded us that with more development and more people, it will be harder to protect nature.

• Still, His Majesty said it is our responsibility to protect the environment no matter how difficult it becomes.
  
  

2. Government is Responsible 

🏛️ Main Role of the Government in Environmental Conservation

• Every Bhutanese has a duty to protect the environment.

• But the government has the main responsibility for conservation.

• The government leads efforts to:

  • Improve and protect the environment.

  • Stop pollution and environmental damage.

  • Conserve forests, rivers, and wildlife.
    
    

⚖️ Ensuring Balanced Development

• The government must make sure that:

  • Development is fair and equal for all parts of the country.

  • Economic growth does not harm nature.

  • There is a balance between development and environmental protection.

👑 Royal Message on Culture and Environment

• His Majesty The Druk Gyalpo King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, during the public consultation in Samdrup Jongkhar on 22 April 2006, said:
  “We endeavour to preserve our culture and protect our environment as we regard them as a priceless treasure and thus indispensable.”
  
  

• This means our environment and culture are very valuable and must be protected at all costs.

⚡ Hydropower and Forests: Key to Bhutan’s Economy

• Hydropower (making electricity from rivers) is Bhutan’s main source of income.

• Bhutan still has many rivers that can be used for future hydropower projects.

• To keep earning from hydropower, Bhutan needs to:

  • Protect rivers and forests.

  • Avoid deforestation and pollution.

🌲 Forest Cover for Sustainability

• Bhutan has a constitutional requirement to keep at least 60% of the country covered by forests.

• Forests:

  • Keep rivers healthy.

  • Help in reducing damage to the environment.

  • Support the ecosystem and wildlife.

  • Ensure long-term income and well-being.

3. Legislation by Parliament 

🏛️ Parliament’s Role in Environmental Conservation

• Section 4 of the Article gives the Parliament the duty to:

  • Make new laws about how we use natural resources.

  • Change or improve existing laws if needed.

  • Pass laws that ensure the environment is used wisely and sustainably.
    
    

♻️ Focus on Sustainable and Fair Use

• Parliament must make sure that environmental resources are used:

  • Wisely, without wasting or damaging them.

  • Sustainably, so that nature is protected for many years to come.

  • Fairly, so both present and future generations benefit.
    
    

👶 Rights of Future Generations

• The Constitution says that:

  • Every generation has the right to enjoy nature and culture just like the past generations.

  • This includes forests, rivers, clean air, animals, and cultural heritage.

• Therefore, today’s people must take care of the environment for the future.
  
  

🛡️ Parliament as the Environmental Custodian

• The present generation acts as a “custodian”, meaning:

  • We are keepers or protectors of the environment.

  • We must leave nature in good condition for those who come after us.

• Parliament can do this by:

  • Using laws and rules to protect the environment.

  • Making sure these laws are followed and enforced.

  • Using proven methods and principles to make smart decisions.

👑 Royal Message on Environmental Legacy

• His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck, on 30 November 2009, said:
  “The environment is the natural legacy that is our responsibility to preserve for future generations.”
  
  

• This means:

  • Nature is a gift from our ancestors.

  • It is our duty to protect and pass it on to our children and grandchildren.

4. Parliament can Declare Protected Areas 

🌍 Bhutan: A Global Environmental Hotspot

• Bhutan is known worldwide for its rich natural environment.

• It is considered a "hotspot" – a place with high biodiversity and rich ecosystems.

• Bhutan has a forest cover of 72%, one of the highest in the world.
  
  

🏞️ Protected Areas in Bhutan

• 51.44% of Bhutan's land is under protected areas.
  
  

• These include:
  
  

  • 10 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

  • Biological corridors that connect these parks for animals to move freely.
    
    

🏛️ Parliament’s Role in Declaring Protected Areas

• Parliament has the legal power to:

  • Declare certain areas as national parks, wildlife reserves, biosphere reserves, protected forests, or critical watersheds.

• This is important to:

  • Save forests, rivers, and animals.

  • Protect areas important for water and biodiversity.

  • Support the livelihood and happiness of Bhutanese people.
    
    

🧑‍🌾 Why Protection is Important for Bhutan

• The environment is deeply connected to Bhutanese people's:

  • Livelihood (farming, herding, etc.)

  • Income (from tourism, hydropower)

  • Homes (safe living conditions)

  • Happiness (clean and peaceful surroundings)
    
    

📜 Constitutional and Legal Framework

• The Constitution gives Parliament the authority to declare protected areas.

• This power led to the creation of the National Environment Protection Act 2007.
  
  

• The Act helps:

  • Protect nature.

  • Create rules for environmental use.

  • Punish actions that harm the environment.
    
    

🌐 Current Protected Area Network

• 51% of Bhutan's land is officially protected under:

  • National parks

  • Wildlife sanctuaries

  • Biological corridors
    
    

• This network helps:

  • Maintain biodiversity.

  • Ensure sustainable use of natural resources.