Bhutan sets an example to the world as a hub for sustainable tourism

Interestingly, several nations in the world are currently struggling to stay carbon neutral and Bhutan is setting an example to these countries.

The country emits 2.2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, and the vast forests that cover nearly three-quarters of the country absorb more than four million tons. The country’s constitution mandates that forest cover be maintained at no less than 60 per cent. The nation with a population of nearly 8 lakh citizens harbours one of the 10 most biodiverse regions in the world, reports The Bhutan Live.

But all this doesn’t mean the Himalayan country remains untouched by climate change. Due to the increase in temperature, people living here are vulnerable to landslides and flooding due to glacial lake outbursts. His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has warned that conservation must remain an active commitment in the years ahead.

Tourism remains one of the important industries here and Bhutan adopted sustainable tourism even when most countries were not even talking or thinking about it.

“Bhutan’s noble policy of high-value, low-volume tourism has existed since we started welcoming guests to our country in 1974. But its intent and spirit were watered down over the years, without us even realizing it,” Dr. Lotay Tshering, the Honourable Prime Minister of Bhutan in one of his speeches last year when the country opened itself to the tourists again after the pandemic, told the news portal.

“We must also ensure that we are a high-value society, one that is infused with sincerity, integrity and principles, where people must always live in safe communities, among serene environments and derive comfort from the finest facilities,” continued H.E. Dr. Lotay. “Typically, ‘high value’ is understood as exclusive high-end products and extravagant recreational facilities. But that is not Bhutan. And ‘low volume’ doesn’t mean limiting the number of visitors. We will appreciate everyone who visits us to treasure our values, while we also learn as much from them”, he continued.