THE LAST SHANGRILA: BHUTAN
A hidden gem in the Himalayas, Bhutan is a model of holistic development that prioritizes Gross National Happiness (GNH) over economic growth. The country's culture is deeply rooted in its Buddhist heritage, with vibrant festivals and intricate Thangka paintings. Bhutan's philosophy includes four pillars: sustainable development, cultural preservation, environmental protection and good governance. The country's landscape is spectacular, with towering peaks and lush valleys filled with terraced rice fields and dense forests. Bhutan has made significant strides in environmental protection, with more than 70% of its land remaining forested and the government maintaining carbon neutrality. However, Bhutan faces challenges in balancing tradition and modernization, such as rapid globalization threatening local customs and lifestyles. Initiatives aimed at supporting rural development while preserving cultural identity are essential to combat this trend. Tourism management plays a key role in Bhutan's economy, but managing visitor numbers while protecting cultural integrity is a challenge. The government has a high-value, low-impact tourism policy that requires travelers to book through licensed operators at a minimum daily rate. Bhutan offers valuable lessons for the modern world and challenges us to rethink our values ββand priorities.
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