Environment and Sustainable Development

Bhutan has placed environmental conservation at the core of it's development strategy and the country is recognized as one of the few countries in the world with specific constitutional obligation to preserve the environment and maintain at least 60 per cent of its geographical area under forest cover for all times. Bhutan's enviable reputation in environment conservation thus far is testimony of its commitment of pursuing sustainable development based on the philosophy of Gross National Happiness, which underscores that development cannot be pursued on the premise of economic growth alone but has to take place in combination with the emotional and spiritual well-being of the people.

Bhutan has one of the highest proportions of area under protected area system encompassing a continuum representation samples of all major ecosystems found in the country. The total area under parks and protected areas represent 51% (19,750 sq. km) of which close to 10% consists of biological corridors allowing free movement of genes between the protected areas. Diversity in wild flora and fauna, which includes more than 5,600 species of plants, 778 species of birds and close to 200 species of mammals, one of the highest in Asia.

One-third of the of the country's GDP is derived from renewable natural resources and employ about 60% of the population. The revenue generation potential of hydropower and tourism is also directly linked to the state of the environment. Poverty alleviation as well as growth in Bhutan has a strong correlation with environmental resources. Thus, sound environmental management is critical for sustained poverty reduction and achievement of the MDGs.

In recent times, the Royal Government is faced with the challenge of maintaining the pristine environment while at the same time reaching development to its isolated mountain communities. Pressures are also mounting in the form of urbanization, infrastructure development, population growth, globalization and climate change. Bhutan is also vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change despite its very insignificant contribution to global warming.

To support the national priority of environmental sustainability, UNDP in partnership with the Royal Government of Bhutan, donors, UN agencies and civil society provides collective and integrated response to national needs and priorities which is consistent with Bhutan's overall development vision articulated by Gross National Happiness.

UNDP's core areas of support include:

Assisting in the development of national policies and plans for sustainable development;
Supporting local conservation initiatives that contribute to rural community development and poverty reduction;
Supporting initiatives to enhancing national capacity to address global environmental concerns;
Strengthening capacity for disaster risk management and reduction, and adaptation to climate change including operationalisation of the National Disaster Risk Management Framework through on-the-ground interventions on disaster risk reduction and mitigation
Supporting programmes to enhance national capacity to mainstream environment, climate change, and poverty concerns into policies, plans and programs; and
Promoting/supporting access to sustainable energy including GEF-SGP support to local communities;