The need to protect the pristine environment has become fundamental with rising climate issues and the poaching of wild animals. The book titled, Bhutan: Conservation and Environmental Protection in the Himalayas, in its little way, promotes and preserves the environmental strategies of the country.
Human-wildlife conflict is reportedly increasing over the years and the problem became worst in 2018 when at least two people were required to guard paddy against wild boars, monkeys, and deer in Punakha according to the book. To balance and safeguard human and wildlife existence, the book recommends non-violent approaches to solve the human-wildlife conflict. For instance, planting chilli pepper plants around the crops would deter elephants as they do not like the smell. From 2017 till 2022, Bhutan has adopted a zero-poaching strategy to halt the illegal trade of wildlife species through strict enforcement and prosecution of offenders.
“I looked at both the short-term and long-term goals required for conservation. And I also looked at advocating some of the Bhutanese values we have that no other countries have, like observing a religious holiday. Where we provide animal protection and close our meat shops. In the book, given our strong conservation ethics according to the Buddhist perspective, I also thought we might as well promote the GNH index for animals that will go a long way in recognising the entity and animal rights,” said Ugyen Tshewang (PhD), the author.
According to the book, Bhutan is recognised as one of the 36 global biodiversity hotspots and also an active member of international communities in conservation. Additionally, the book also focuses on the preservation of seedlings under Permafrost for food security, conservation priorities of animals threatened to extinction and lesser-known animals such as spider and bats in the country.
Kelzang Choden
