3.3 – Case study—Bhutan community tourism[NbS for the local communities]

Summary

Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom, is pioneering a unique approach to development based on Gross National Happiness (GNH), balancing economic growth with environmental conservation. The Gangtay Pubg wetland, home to the endangered black-necked crane, is a focal point for this effort. In response to tourism development pressures, a local NGO has introduced community-based ecotourism, directly linking tourism revenue to local livelihoods. Through partnerships with international organizations, the project promotes sustainable tourism, raising awareness about conservation and creating a virtuous cycle where both the environment and the community thrive together.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bhutan is a small country in the Himalayas known for prioritizing Gross National Happiness (GNH) as the foundation of its socio-economic and environmental development.
• 😀 The country emphasizes a balance between economic development, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation.
• 😀 In 2016, the Gangtay Pubg area was designated as Bhutan's third and largest Ramsar Wetland, an important step in wetland conservation.
• 😀 The endangered black-necked crane is one of the key species protected in this wetland area.
• 😀 There is growing pressure from outside regions to build large hotels in Bhutan, potentially harming the natural environment.
• 😀 The NGO 'NBS' has developed ecotourism initiatives to promote environmental education and sustainable development in Bhutan.
• 😀 The NGO has partnered with both national and local governments to create a system where tourism's economic benefits directly improve local livelihoods.
• 😀 The focus of tourism is on community-based, sustainable tourism, rather than development driven by foreign capital.
• 😀 International partners from Japan and Austria collaborated with NBS to help develop homestays, train local guides, create local souvenirs, and establish eco-trails.
• 😀 A community-based tourism management organization was set up to manage tourism activities and ensure the local community benefits from the tourism economy.
• 😀 As a result of these efforts, local residents have become more aware of the importance of wetland and crane conservation, leading to active participation in conservation initiatives.

Q & A

What is the main philosophy behind Bhutan's development strategy?

Bhutan's development strategy is based on the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH), which aims to balance socio-economic development with the conservation of the environment and traditional culture.

What is the significance of the Gangtay Pogp area in Bhutan?

The Gangtay Pogp area is significant because it was designated as Bhutan's third Ramsar Wetland in 2016. It is also home to the endangered Black-necked Crane, which is crucial for both the local ecosystem and the country’s conservation efforts.

How has economic development and globalization affected Bhutan's environment?

Economic development and globalization have led to proposals for large hotel developments in Bhutan, which pose a growing threat to the local natural environment, especially in areas like Gangtay Pogp that are home to sensitive wildlife like the Black-necked Crane.

What role does ecotourism play in Bhutan's conservation efforts?

Ecotourism in Bhutan serves as a means to both conserve the environment and improve local livelihoods. By linking tourism's economic benefits directly to local communities, it helps foster awareness and participation in conservation efforts.

How has the local environmental NGO, NBS, contributed to Bhutan's ecotourism project?

NBS, the local environmental NGO, has developed and implemented ecotourism as a foundation for environmental education. This includes creating homestays, training local guides, developing eco-trails, and establishing a community-based tourism management organization to ensure the economic benefits of tourism stay within the local community.

What international collaboration did NBS engage in for its ecotourism project?

NBS collaborated with international partners from Japan and Austria to enhance its ecotourism initiatives. These partnerships helped develop sustainable tourism infrastructure and provided training to local communities.

What is the primary focus of Bhutan's community-based sustainable tourism model?

The primary focus of Bhutan's community-based sustainable tourism model is to ensure that the economic benefits of tourism are reinvested into the local community. This contrasts with foreign-led tourism, which often takes profits out of the region.

How have local residents in the Gangtay Pogp area benefited from ecotourism?

Local residents have benefited by becoming more aware of the economic potential of their natural resources, like the Black-necked Crane and wetlands. The tourism generated from these resources has improved their livelihoods through activities such as homestays and guiding, creating a positive cycle of conservation and economic growth.

What has been the impact of the ecotourism project on the local community’s involvement in conservation?

The ecotourism project has created a virtuous cycle in which local residents voluntarily participate in conservation activities. They now recognize that preserving the cranes and wetlands directly benefits their community through tourism-related income.

Why is the protection of the Black-necked Crane important for Bhutan?

The protection of the Black-necked Crane is vital for Bhutan as it is an endangered species and a key part of the country's natural heritage. The crane also serves as an important tourist attraction, which supports the local economy through ecotourism.