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Environment
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Forming
a major part of the fragile Eastern Himalayan's system, Bhutan is a hotbed
of ecological diversity. Owing it its location and geographical and climatic
variations, the ecosystem in Bhutan is diverse. Rainfall ranges from 800mm
in inner mountain valleys to over 5,500mm in the lowlands. Subtropical
forests at an elevation of 150 meters in the south give way to the northern
alpine zone above 7,000 meters. Consequently, Bhutan's high, rugged mountains
and deep valleys are rich with spectacular biodiversity, forming a major
part of one of the world's ten most important biodiversity 'hotspots.'
The
recognition of the importance of this ecological wealth is not something
new to Bhutan. The Kingdom's commitment to the conservation of environment
is rooted in its beliefs and customs, the understanding of sustainable
developments and the importance of the forest systems to the survival of
remote and isolated communities.
Placing environmental conservation at
the heart of its development strategy, Bhutan realizes that its rich ecological
heritage although largely intact, should not be taken for granted. Many
of the laws in Bhutan relate directly or indirectly to the conservation
of the environment. The government is also committed to maintain at least
60 percent of the land area under forest cover, and has designated 25 percent
of the territory as national parks, reserves and other protected areas.
Currently, the total land area under forest cover is 72.5 percent of the
country.
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The
Middle Path
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Extract
from the National Environment Commission Strategy,
The
National Environment Commission, Royal Government Of Bhutan.
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For
centuries Bhutan's isolated location and it's reliant national character
kept the Kingdom outside the path of economic development in South Asia.
Although this seclusion prevented Bhutan from fully benefiting from many
of the medical, technical and scientific advances of the day, it also shielded
the country from many of the detrimental side effects of poorly planned
of haphazard development. As a result, while most of the Himalayan region
has seen its natural resource base severely compromised through deforestation,
soil degradation, erosion and pollution, Bhutan's natural patrimony of
extensive and varied forests, limited yet fertile and productive farmland,
and pristine water and air remains largely intact.
During
the second half of the 20th century, Bhutan has seen its isolation steadily
eroded by the inexorable forces of progress and development. Even if it
wanted to, the country, no longer secluded, could not prevent itself from
being swept up in the surge of economic and social activity that is propelling
the entire region into the 21st century. But Bhutan now realizes it has
much more to gain than to lose by joining in the march of progress. Foremost
among the benefits is vast improvement in the very quality of the life
for the Bhutanese people that result from the breakthrough in medicine
and technology.
"Throughout
the centuries, the Bhutanese have treasured their natural environment and
have looked upon it as the source of all life. This is traditional reverence
for the nature has delivered us into the 20th century with out environment
still richly intact."
His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck (4th Druk Gyalpo)
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