Environment—a liability and an asset for economic development: some views on environmental protection with economic development in Bhutan

SUMMARY

National rights of utilization of natural resources (depletion of primary forest, decrease in range of biodiversity, etc.) and rights of polluting the ‘global commons’, contributing to global warming, depletion of the ozone layer, etc., have become central themes in today's international debate.

For a small, least-developed country like Bhutan, which began modern economic development only 35 years ago after centuries of self-imposed isolation and hence still has most of its natural resources and environment intact, the question is how to spur much needed economic growth while preserving its pristine environment. Rapid population growth and the desire for economic development in a rugged mountainous terrain imposes a potential threat to the environment. Bhutan's National Environment Strategy has identified intersectoral contradictions and possible synergies in resource utilization and the need for institutional reforms, policies, manpower development, information, and legislation to achieve the goal of balanced sustainable development. The challenge ahead is the implementation of this strategy, as environmental regulations must be fitted into the society's economic and social structure.

While promoting economic development, preservation of the environment can easily become a liability to Bhutan. There is the great danger that Bhutan's unique environment will come to be seen by other nations as just another unexploited asset.

Key words:

• Bhutan
• economic development
• environmental protection