For centuries Bhutan’s isolated location and its self-reliant character kept the kingdom outside the path of economic development. Although this seclusion prevented Bhutan from fully benefiting from many of the medicinal, technical and scientific advances of the day, it also protected the country from many of the detrimental side effects of poorly planned development. As a result, while most of the Himalayan region has seen its natural resource base severely compromised through deforestation, soil degradation, erosion and pollution, Bhutan’s natural treasure in the form of varied forests, productive farmland, and pristine water and air remain largely intact. Today environmental conservation is an integral aspect of Bhutanese culture and approximately 26% of the country has been declared as protected areas and reserves.
The flora of Bhutan is exceptionally diverse as a result of a great range of altitudinal zones and varied climatic conditions. Over 72% of the country is covered with forests of varied types from broadleaf to mixed coniferous species. The royal Government of Bhutan is determined to conserve this wealth and has set a national policy to maintain at least 60% of land under forest cover. Bhutan’s ecosystem harbours some of the most exotic species found in the Eastern Himalayas. An estimated 770 species of birds and more than 50 species of rhododendron alone, besides a large variety of medicinal plants and orchids, are found in the country. Spring is rhododendron season in Bhutan and the mountainsides all over the country are ablaze in shades of red and orange.
