Ecotourism Australia Conference

Karma Tshering
Royal Government of Bhutan

Karma Tshering is the Head for the Protected area planning and integrated conservation & Development programs under the Nature Conservation Division, which is the focal agency for the Government of Bhutan responsible for the management of the extensive protected areas of the country covering over 35 % of the total size of the country.

I have been involved in nature conservation for the last 11 years. I was the National Coordinator for the country's first species-specific program - the tiger conservation program from 1996 - 2000. I helped write the tiger conservation strategy for Bhutan.

Presently I am involved in identifying and developing eco-tourism programs in the Parks. I am also the Project Manager for a project that is supporting the implementing of conservation programs for three biggest protected areas in Bhutan.

I got my MSc. in Resource Management from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. Recently enrolled as a PhD student in the University of Sydney. The topic of my research will be to develop a sustainable tourism model for the protected areas in Bhutan.

Nature Conservation and Tourism Development in Bhutan

The presentation gives an overview of Nature Conservation and Tourism development in Bhutan. Two important components in contributing towards the nation's development philosophy of "Gross National Happiness". The country with over 72.5 % under forest cover has formulated strong policies for biodiversity conservation.

However, as a developing country the government faces the challenge of fulfilling the development aspirations of its people. In this context tourism is considered as one viable option. The country with its beautiful and largely unspoiled Himalayan setting, rich flora and fauna and its vibrant Buddhist culture is increasing becoming an attractive travel destination.

Founded on the principle of "High Value Low Volume" tourism development in Bhutan besides making significant revenue contribution to the country is also seen as a means of promoting biodiversity conservation and cultural preservation.

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