Bhutan’s commitment to remain carbon neutral and environmental policies continues to collect international appreciation; and especially the country’s role and compliance under the Montreal Protocol.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, Bhutan’s effort in its global environmental issue continues to set a great example for rest of the world. It says the carbon neutrality policy of the government, which is linked to the HCFC phase out plan, is an example every government should follow.
“Bhutan, which is one of the last parties to ratify has achieved enormous strikes, in not only complying with all its obligations, but also showing to the rest of the world and especially in the Asia-pacific region what kind of sustainable development models within the Montreal protocol frameworks can be adopted by the countries.” Said Atul Bagai, Senior Regional Network Co-ordinator, UNEP based in Bangkok. He added that one of the shining examples of this model has been how Bhutan has linked their HCFC phase out within the carbon neutral status.
James Curlin, the Head of OzonAction Programme said Bhutan, despite its size and resources, continues to inspire through sound policies and practices. “In many ways, a small country with perhaps limited economic resources can never less set an example by sound management by forward looking, thinking of future generations and I think your government has demonstrated these in many areas and most notably in Montreal Protocol where it has done an excellent example with full compliance with all of its commitments under this treaty,” he added.
Bhutan is one of the few countries in the world that is linking HCFC Phase-out with climate change mitigation and carbon neutrality policy- which UNEP said is a big step to sustainable development.
