Bhutan building Mindfulness City to create jobs, lure young Bhutanese home from abroad

Summary

Bhutan, nestled in the Himalayas, offers a unique model of development based on Gross National Happiness (GNH), prioritizing well-being, culture, and environmental sustainability. Despite its success in preserving its traditions and becoming carbon-negative, the country faces challenges with a rising youth exodus seeking better economic opportunities abroad. In response, Bhutan's King has launched the Galu Mindfulness City project, aiming to create a sustainable, tech-driven city that respects Bhutan’s values while attracting businesses and creating jobs. Bhutan’s quest to balance tradition with modernity presents a fascinating case of navigating growth while maintaining its identity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bhutan is a small, isolated kingdom nestled in the Himalayas, between China and India, known for its strong Buddhist culture and scenic landscapes.
• 😀 Bhutan's first King coined the phrase 'Gross National Happiness' (GNH), making it the nation's top priority and a unique economic and social framework.
• 😀 GNH focuses on balancing economic growth with cultural preservation, ensuring happiness and well-being are the central goals of development.
• 😀 Bhutan’s government measures happiness through a nationwide survey every five years, considering factors like education, material wealth, and mental health.
• 😀 Bhutan is carbon-negative, with over 60% of its land covered in forests and much of its energy coming from renewable hydroelectric power.
• 😀 The country has made significant strides in development, including free education and healthcare, but continues to face challenges like emigration and economic pressures.
• 😀 The introduction of democracy in Bhutan in 2008 was a peaceful transition, with the King abdicating and implementing a parliamentary system despite initial resistance from the people.
• 😀 Many young Bhutanese are leaving the country for higher-paying jobs abroad, especially in countries like Australia, leading to an 'existential crisis' for Bhutan.
• 😀 To counter this, the King has launched a bold plan to create a new city, called the Galu Mindfulness City, which will balance economic development with cultural preservation.
• 😀 The success of GNH is evident in Bhutan's transformation from a medieval society to one with a growing economy, but maintaining traditional values and sustainable development remains a challenge.

Q & A

What makes Bhutan's Kingdom unique compared to other nations?

Bhutan's uniqueness lies in its fiercely protective Buddhist culture, its emphasis on Gross National Happiness (GNH) over GDP, and its isolationist policies until the 1970s. The country is also one of the few that remains carbon-negative, earning revenue through sustainable energy sources like hydroelectric power.

What is the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) introduced by Bhutan's fourth King?

Gross National Happiness (GNH) is a holistic approach to development introduced by Bhutan's fourth King, which prioritizes the well-being and happiness of citizens over traditional economic measures like GDP. It includes factors such as sustainable economic growth, preservation of culture, environmental protection, and the mental and physical well-being of people.

How does Bhutan measure Gross National Happiness?

Every five years, Bhutan conducts surveys throughout the country to measure citizens' happiness, asking about factors like education, salary, material possessions, mental health, and time spent working, praying, and sleeping. The results are then analyzed and used to guide public policy.

Why does Bhutan forbid mountain climbing?

In Bhutan, mountains are considered sacred and home to deities. The belief is that nature should be respected rather than conquered, which is why mountain climbing is prohibited.

What challenges does Bhutan face as a result of its success with Gross National Happiness?

One of the challenges is that many young Bhutanese, especially those with higher education and skills, are leaving the country for better job opportunities abroad, particularly in places like Australia. This has led to a significant brain drain, leaving Bhutan facing an existential crisis in terms of its future development.

What steps is Bhutan taking to address the problem of its young citizens leaving?

The Bhutanese government is launching an ambitious project to build a new city, the Galu Mindfulness City, which will focus on economic development while remaining true to the country’s values of Gross National Happiness. This project aims to attract businesses and tourists, while providing modern job opportunities for the youth.

What is the Galu Mindfulness City and why is it important for Bhutan?

The Galu Mindfulness City is a new city being developed in southern Bhutan, designed to integrate modern economic activities with Bhutan’s cultural and environmental values. It is seen as a high-stakes experiment in balancing prosperity with sustainability, and it is hoped that it will help address the country’s economic challenges without compromising its traditions.

How does Bhutan ensure environmental preservation in its development projects?

Bhutan requires that at least 60% of its land remain forested by law. Additionally, the country generates most of its energy from hydroelectric power, making it the world’s first carbon-negative country. The new Galu Mindfulness City is also designed with sustainability in mind, including wildlife corridors and minimal environmental impact.

What role does Bhutan’s monarchy play in the country’s development?

Bhutan’s monarchy has played a pivotal role in guiding the country’s development, from introducing Gross National Happiness to initiating democratic reforms. The king, who introduced GNH, also transitioned the country to a parliamentary democracy, and now, the fifth king is working on innovative projects like the Galu Mindfulness City to address the country’s modern challenges.

Why is the Galu Mindfulness City seen as a crucial project for Bhutan’s future?

The Galu Mindfulness City is viewed as a potential solution to Bhutan’s economic challenges, especially the outflow of young talent. It aims to create a modern, prosperous hub that still aligns with Bhutan’s cultural values and environmental sustainability, offering a model for balancing development and tradition.