Sustainable Livelihoods

Bhutan is a small Himalayan kingdom with a well-preserved culture; however, due to the lack of good-quality tourism infrastructure, the government has adopted a cautious approach to developing tourism, opting for a high-spending market and a policy of ‘high value, low volume’. The daily tariff set by the government implicitly controls the number of tourists who can afford to come to the country as well as the length of their stay. Bhutan possesses unique and spectacular cultural and natural attractions that draw tourists to the country. Tourism is the second-largest economic sector after hydroelectric power, a major source of foreign exchange, and is also seen as an important tool to alleviate poverty in Bhutan. While the development of tourism in remote areas around the world has been successful in spurring economic development and aiding in environmental conservation, the introduction of the multifarious forces of modernization brought by tourism in isolated communities has also challenged local values and ways of life.

The ‘livelihood diversification’  brought by the introduction of such new elements into a local economy must be achieved in such a way that traditional livelihoods and the core values of the society are not threatened by the new livelihood options, raising the issue of the cultural sustainability of a livelihood mix. There are also equity issues, such as the fair distribution of the benefits gained from such diversification among all members of society.

To promote Sustainable Livelihoods, people-centered programs are put in place to include local residents in the planning and implementation of conservation actions. They are also locally known as Integrated Conservation Development Programs (ICDPs), defined as “projects that link biodiversity conservation in protected areas with local socio-economic development”.

 Why is it important to conserve livelihood for better conservation?

Conservation efforts often rely on natural resources and ecosystems, which makes the livelihoods of local communities closely intertwined with preserving these areas. When people depend on these resources for their well-being, they naturally develop a vested interest in managing them sustainably. This involvement in responsible resource management helps to curb overexploitation and prevent environmental degradation.

Unfortunately, limited livelihood options can drive communities towards harmful practices like illegal logging, poaching, or overfishing to meet their immediate needs. To mitigate such detrimental activities, it is crucial to provide alternative, sustainable livelihood options. One effective approach is to transform individuals, such as hunters, into eco-tour guides. This way, their livelihoods improve without posing any threat to wildlife, fostering a more sustainable and harmonious relationship with nature.

Moreover, engaging local communities in conservation initiatives offers an excellent opportunity for education and awareness. When people who depend on the environment for their livelihoods understand the importance of conservation and its direct impact on their well-being, they can become powerful advocates for protecting the natural world.