BHUTAN’S DEVELOPMENT

PARADIGM

Presentation for friends of BhutanMay 23, 2014

Latha Chhetri, Chief Urban Planner – Department of Human Settlement, Bhutan

Bhutan: Location

Bhutan: Fact Sheet

Economy Hydro Power , Tourism

Background: Modernization

Initiation of Bhutan’s modernization process -1960’s - Urban development process began in 1961.

Background: Trend

Bhutan is undergoing rapid socio-economic changes and a rapid rural urban migration.

The pattern of human settlement is changing rapidly.

Source – www.google.bt

Background: Housing

Rural Housing and Settlement

Traditional materials & construction.

Blends well with environment – Minimal Excavation.

Reflects cultural beliefs & systems.

Background: Housing

Urban Housing & Settlement

New materials & construction styles.

Increased densities with better facilities and infrastructure.

Five Year Plans/Vision 2020

Valley Development Plans/Structure Plans / Local Area Plans

Guidance for Development

Development Philosophy: Maximization of Happiness

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Zqdqa4YNvI

GROSS NATIONAL HAPPINESS

Gross National Happiness : Towards holistic approach to development

Governance

1. Sustainable Socio-Economic Development

Source – Happiness: Towards a New Development Paradigm Report of the Kingdom of Bhutan

Accessible jobs and affordable housing.Economic activities with low impact and positive influence on health and environment.

2. Conservation of Environment – Forestry and Biodiversity

Bhutan is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna including globally threatened species.

2. Conservation of Environment- Climate Change

Source – NAPA

3. Preservation and Promotion of Culture

4. Good Governance

Governance based on Efficiency, Transparency, AccountabilityDecentralization / Strengthening Local Governments and other Institutional Structures.

Democratic Elections, Political Stability, Social Harmony

Bottom- Up approach to development /ParticipatoryCoordination amongst agencies for healthy, livable cities.

Urban Population Distribution - By 2050, it is expected that more than half of the population will live in urban areas.

Challenges for Regionally Balanced Development

Challenges on EnvironmentEmerging Development issues.

Challenges on land useUnprecedented growth outside urban boundaries.

Fragmented land holdings.

Way Forward – Act Globally

Source – Happiness: Towards a New Development Paradigm Report of the Kingdom of Bhutan

Way Forward

“When we accept that this is a world of people all alike, of families all alike, of communities all alike – of countries facing the same challenges – of human beings ultimately seeking the same thing – then we will truly be in a position to foster well being, security and happiness”......His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

Bhutan – A definite opportunity for ecologically healthy cities

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Zqdqa4YNvI

THANK YOU&

TASHI DELEK!