Bhutan Threats

Several potential threats exist that could disrupt the balance of nature and conservation. Bhutan is taking action to avoid these all too common pitfalls. This is a sensible and admirable approach to problem solving—prevention, rather than trying to fix potentially irreparable damage after it happens. Some of the threats include:

• Land Degradation. Deforestation, farming encroachment into forest land, unsustainable firewood extraction and over-grazing of farm animals can all lead to serious degradation of environmentally sound land.
   
• Rural-urban migration. Many more people are moving to larger cities than ever before. This will put new strains on sewage systems, waste management and power generation.
   
• Illegal exploitation of resources. As Bhutan’s biodiversity is a key part of its excellent environmental state, the illegal poaching of animals and medicinal plants can be hugely detrimental to conservation efforts.
   
• “Modern World” influences. Although the people of Bhutan have largely held on to their traditional ways despite opening the doors of the country in the 1960s, consumerism is on the rise and could lead to the often wasteful and damaging ways seen in many “developed” countries