A Study of Nature Conservation in Bhutan: Some Implications for Thailand

Abstract

          The objectives of this research were to 1) study policies, laws and legislations, plans, programs and practices, as well as agencies and organizations involving in nature conservation in Bhutan; 2) conduct an informal opinion survey about Bhutan’s nature conservation; and 3) suggest some implications to Thailand’s nature conservation and sustainable development. This study is a qualitative research, collecting information from documents, a site survey and informal interviews with 30 participants selected from residents and officials who reside or work in or near the nature conservation areas. The results show that the success of Bhutan’s nature conservation is accounted for several factors. Included are national policies, laws and legislations, the ways of life and culture, the ethics from Buddhism Philosophy and national etiquettes. The interviews show that the participants agree with policies, laws and legislations, programs of nature conservation and development. The suggested implications for Thailand include the Integrated Conservation Development Programs (ICDP) with the local communities’ consultations, the approach of B2C2 for the ecological corridors, the sustainable tourism with an increase of high-quality tourists, and development of social norms for nature conservation.