We received this very interesting information about Bhutan from

Miss Kencho Wngmo Dorji, Member of the Board

BHUTAN and its NATURE 

The Kingdom of Bhutan is situated in the Eastern Himalaya, features extremely diverse geophysical elements - high, rugged mountains interlocked with deep valleys - as well as spectacular biodiversity at the ecosystem, species and genetic levels. 

It is believed that Bhutan ranks in the top ten percent of countries with the highest species density on earth, and it has the highest fraction of land in protected areas. Further it has the highest proportion of forest cover of any Asian nation. Thus, it is one of a very few countries that have an opportunity to maintain their biodiversity largely unharmed.

Development in Bhutan is guided by principles that emphasize preservation of both natural and cultural heritage, as well as sustainability from subsistence to a more modern economy. Renewable Natural Resources plays the major role, which contributes almost 36 percent of the Gross Domestic Product. Thus, short-term profit at the expense of long-term loss of natural heritage is not for Bhutan. Its cautious approach prioritises conservation and relegates economic benefits to a firmly secondary role.

Although few areas have not experienced human activities, most ecosystems remain substantially intact. The total land area under forest is 29,045 square kilometers, or 72.5 percent of the country. Out of this, 8.1 percent has been classified as degraded or natural scrub forest. Coniferous forests constitute 26.5 percent, broadleaf forests 34.3 percent and plantation 0.2 percent. The interaction of topography, climate and human use has resulted in the development of a complex pattern of vegetation and habitat types.