Bhutan

Revision of National Environment Strategy

The National Environment Strategy for Bhutan has guided Bhutan’s development paradigm since 1998 with regard to environmental safeguards and development. In addition, the article 5 of the constitution of Bhutan (2008) provides for the rights and duties with regard to the environment in relation to its citizen and government. In 2009, with the declaration of carbon neutrality, the Royal government committed to ensure that green house gas emissions would not exceed the sink capacity of the forests. Following the declaration, an economic development policy to promote green growth was also developed in 2010.

Since the launch of NES 14 years ago, Bhutan’s socio-economic and environmental conditions have changed. Threats linked with the growing population and the economy are immense due to the high dependence of the population and economy on climate sensitive sectors like water, hydropower generation and agriculture. There is a need to consider the impacts of climate change and the global trend towards mainstreaming climate change in development planning.

Therefore, this project aims to revise the NES from 1998 to reflect new policies and priorities, the economic development scenario, environmental conditions and the challenge of climate change.

UNDAF Outcome	5: By 2012, national capacity for environmental sustainability and disaster management strengthened.
CT Outcome	5.1.1: Capacity of national and local authorities to mainstream environmental concerns strengthened.
CT Output	5.1: National capacity to address current environmental challenges and mainstream environmental concerns into policies, plans and programs enhanced
Project Location	Central
Project Duration	January 2012 - June 2013
Budget Outlay	USD 150,000
MDG Goal	Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability
Link to Workplan	Click on the icon to download