Bhutan Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™ Forum

Hosted at the College of Natural Resources in Punakha, Bhutan the 1st edition of the Bhutan Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™️ Forum brought together leading academics, communities, senior government officials and civil servants to explore key issues in community-driven conservation and livelihoods emerging in Bhutan. The forum hosted 50 representatives from leading institutions in Bhutan such as the College of Natural Resources, the Royal University of Bhutan, the Bhutan Institute of Himalayan Studies, the Nature Study Centre and Bhutan’s department of forests & park services, including forest guards from Royal Manas National Park. Through deliberations, they explored themes in community-based conservation in montane ecosystems and the challenges of conservation in the difficult mountainous terrain of Bhutan. Speakers highlighted the importance of the Gross National Happiness index in shaping development strategies, community based conservation in mountain landscapes and the vital importance of cooperation across borders in conservation, while centering local communities and needs in debating solutions.