50 years of Environmental Journey in Bhutan (Vol-I)

Abstract

Bhutan's rich forest resources served as a source of both food and fuel to the Bhutanese for centuries. Today, the diversity and abundance of natural resources contribute significantly to the country's economic development.

Recognising the importance of Bhutan's forest resources, a pre-investment survey was carried out by the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) in partnership with the Government of India in 1974. This survey was a significant milestone as it captured facts and provided information on composition, growing stock and health of Bhutan's forest.

To further streamline and emphasize on Bhutan's natural resources, a forestry masterplan was developed in 1991. This masterplan provided long-term planning through proper land use, evaluation, implementation, conservation and investment priority in the country's forest development plan. In 2016, the RGoB completed its first comprehensive National Forest Inventory, and it captured information on actual forest coverage in Bhutan including forest types, land uses etc.
Bhutan's forest traps and absorbs enough rainfall across vast watersheds that eventually flow into the river system. They make up a major volume of water that generates hydroelectricity for the economy, and Bhutan's agriculture sector is also dependent on these watersheds. The economy of Bhutan is therefore largely dependent on Bhutan's rich forest resources. With strong and committed conservation efforts by the government, Bhutan has received much international recognition for preserving natural resources. Bhutan's forest absorbs more carbon from than Bhutanese industries can produce.

However, Bhutan continues to face several challenges in its journey of conservation. The forest fire is one which is often a major problem and has been so for a long time. Bhutan lost and continue to lose large tracts of forest to fire, developmental activities and natural calamities such as landslides and floods.

This compendium is an effort by the Institute to provide information on Bhutan's forest conservation efforts since 1967 and the changes and evolution in management practices since then.