Here are some interesting facts about Bhutan’s pristine natural resources as presented by Kuenzang Tshering of International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development in Bhutan’s national newspaper, Kuensel:
- The whole country is located within one of 34 designated global biodiversity hotspots.
- Fifty percent of the country’s geographical area is protected.
- Almost 70% of Bhutan’s population live in the rural areas.
- Glaciers in northern Bhutan and other water bodies like rivers, streams, and lakes cover nearly 11% of the country’s total surface area.
- From 2011, hydropower generation accounted for 13.92% of the total GDP.
- Bhutan emits approximately 1.5M tonnes of carbon annually while its forests absorb approximately 6.3 M tonnes