The MoU is to initiate cooperative projects and programmes to improve the social welfare and enhance sustainable development of the most vulnerable communities in Bhutan.

The MoU was signed between the Founder and the President of Tarayana Foundation, Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck and the President of BUSSI-EN Social Welfare Corporation, Ryo Sei Ohya.

Addressing at the singing, the Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck said through this MoU they would share a meaningful partnership. “I have to say that even though Tarayana is nine years old, from the presentation you have seen that we are doing a lot for our people. Our cause strategy is a holistic upliftment of a community that is the very poor section in our country. And in nine years we tried our best and we are committed and we pledge to do even much better till our services are no longer required,” said the Queen Mother.

With signing of the MoU, Tarayana Foundation and BUSSI-EN will collaborate in improving the lives of the under-served communities through the promotion of domestic industries in the country.

It is also aimed promoting eco-friendly industries based on the sustainable use of natural resources in keeping with the philosophy of Gross National Happiness

BUSSI-EN Social Welfare Corporation is a non-governmental organisation based in Ishikawa Prefecture in Japan.  The Organisation is now in its 52nd year and supports disabled citizens and socially excluded individuals in Japan.

BUSSI-EN currently operates three residential facilities, seven job supporting facilities, five day-care facilities and sixteen group-homes.

The nineteen-member delegation was led by the President of the BUSSI-EN Social Welfare Corporation.

At a meeting in Samtse, the Prime Minister reviewed the progress of developments works. Lyonchhoen commended the progress made so far after failing to achieve much during last year’s review meeting.

According to a presentation, the Dzongkhag recorded 100 percent cellular network coverage compared to 71 percent during the last review. A total 32.5 kilometre farm road has been constructed in one year. The target was set at 45 kilometres. The remaining 12.5 kilometers are under construction.

The Prime Minister also informed that poverty alleviation is a priority as Samtse is one of the Dzongkhags with the highest poverty rate in the country.

Courtesy : BBS

Pilot Project: 

Drukair, along with the tourism council of Bhutan, had held a promotional fair in Japan in January this year.  Tshering Penjore said that, in addition to the promotional fair, Their Majesties the King and the Gyaltsuen’s visit to the island nation had created much interest among Japanese to visit Bhutan.

Japanese tour companies had also expressed their desire for a direct air link between Bhutan and Japan, said Tshering Penjore.  As a result, some Japanese tour groups have chartered Drukair’s airbus jet in August.  Drukair will fly to Tokyo via Bangkok, Thailand and Taipei, Taiwan.

As the aircraft will be flying empty to Tokyo to pick up the Japanese tourists, Tshering Penjore said the airline is considering selling seats to local passengers wishing to travel the route in August.

Tshering Penjore said that the charter flights to Japan could become an annual event if the pilot run is successful.  He added that scheduled services are not being considered currently.

In September, Drukair also expects a third airbus jet, which will allow it to connect to Mumbai, India, and Singapore.

By Gyalsten K Dorji, Paro

Courtesy : Kuenselonline

The walk began from Dodena to Jasamja in Thimphu.

Two hours after walking along slippery, narrow trails through dense broad-leafed forest of hemlock, oak and birch participants came across bear pugmarks and deep scratch marks on some trees.

Forest officials said that tigers normally did so to mark their territories.

Each tiger dwells within 50-square mile of the territory.

Participants also had the chance to witness a camera trap demonstration at the park.

Park’s chief forestry officer said 50 camera traps were fixed at various locations in the park and the tiger population was yet to be studied.

World Wildlife Fund organised the program in collaboration with Information and Communication Services and Park.

The draft master plan of Bumthang Dzongkhag Thromde states that the boundary of Throm stretches from Kurje in the north till Jalikhar in the south. The areas within the Thromde are categorised into commercial zone, residential zone and heritage site.

Since the area near Kurje Lhakhang and Jampa Lhakhang are included under Thromde and categorised as heritage site, the Dzongkhag administration has restricted to build houses or open shops.

This, according to the people, will make them economically disadvantaged.

Residents living nearby the locality will also not get free firewood and timber at rural rate. Residents say this has left them with no avenues to earn incomes for their livelihood.

“Although this area falls under Thromde, we are not allowed to build houses nor run business. But we will have to pay urban taxes. This will badly affect us as we have been farmers since ages,” said Tshewang Namgay, a resident, “and we will not get free firewood like those in the rural places.”

A resident near Jampa Lhakhang, Tenzin, said that if the area falls under Thromde, they should be provided with urban amenities like water supply and electricity. “We have electricity but we still didn’t get water. Before we used to get firewood and timber at rural rate but after it is included under Thromde, we do not get firewood and timber. This has affected us especially when we perform rituals.”

Last year, the residents had put up a letter to the Dzongkhag administration to consider their issues. However, the administration submitted the letter to the parliament to be discussed during the winter session last year. But, the parliament could not discuss the matter as there were numerous bills to be discussed. The issue will be discussed in the upcoming parliament session.

«Lyonchhoen Jigmi Y Thinley leads the delegation from Bhutan outside the UN house in New York 

The new economy, Prime Minister Jigmi Y Thinley said, at the end of the three-day meeting, was one based on a genuine vision of life’s ultimate meaning and purpose, that of fostering true human potential, fulfillment and satisfaction through its bond with nature and community.

The first day of the conference saw government officials, UN staff, Nobel laureates, economists, scholars, think tanks and spiritual leaders, among others, come together to help beat a path towards realising the vision of the new economic paradigm.

Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla Miranda, in her keynote address, said happiness is a sentiment that nested within each person.

“There are many paths to reach it,” she said.

Nobel laureate economist Joseph Stiglitz said, whatever the indicators, be it wellbeing or others, what nations had to be conscious about was people in various societies, different people experiencing different things and the commitment to equitable development.

“We have to focus on the experiences, not of the average, but on what’s happening to all of our citizens, including those at the bottom and middle,” he said.

In reference to the insatiable greed for the world’s finite natural resources, India’s minister of state for environment and forests reminded the audience of an important quote from Mahatma Gandhi: “The earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, not every man’s greed.”

In similar vein, but more tuneful, and in accord with the time, David Cadman said: “We’re living in a rock star mentality, as if there’s no tomorrow.”

High-level representatives from other countries, like the United Kingdom, Finland, Japan, Israel and India, participated at the conference for the subject of discussion intrigued them.

In fact, most of these nations had already begun committing to the new ways of measuring development and progress.

For instance, England and France had commissioned Nobel prize-winning economists Joseph Stiglitz and Amartya Sen to examine new ways of measuring social progress.

Similarly, in Japan, a council on national strategy and policy was following up with visions and concrete measures for government policy-making, based on 130 wellbeing indicators a government commission proposed last December.

The indicators focused on bonds between families, communities and nature.

Even Finland had agreed on a national set of sustainable development indicators and tools since the late ‘90s, claiming to be one of the first nations to consider such measurement.

Representatives from Australian talked about its implementation of carbon taxes to reduce its emission, and Israeli representatives spoke about their lead in alternative energy and clean technology, especially with respect to water shortage.

Many cities, communities and corporations, including schools in Brazil, had already begun applying the GNH model.

A few other nations shared their own initiatives towards a sustainable and environmentally friendly development processes.

The outcomes, based on four areas of strategic planning, expert and civil society involvement and communications will be submitted to the UN Secretary-General, to distribute a set of recommendations for national economic policies, based on happiness and wellbeing, to all heads of governments around the world.

It is to help draft a new development paradigm to be submitted to the Rio+20 conference in June this year.

By Samten Wangchuk

Courtesy : kuenselonline.com

B

Of the 64,028 visitors, 47,610 were the dollar-paying tourists and 1,648 high-end tourists from the neighboring countries in the region.

According to the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB), a foreigner who pays a tariff of USD 250 is considered a tourist. “The figure of 47,610 is inclusive of the tariff payers but government officials are not included,”  said the council’s officiating media focal person, Phuntsho Gyeltshen.  He added that visitors  are divided into different categories like business, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) visiting friends and relatives.

However, this high-end arrival figure does not include the 36,805 regional tourists and those who travelled by land into Bhutan and visited Thimphu and beyond.

Of 36,805, about 1,728 regional visitors have stayed in tourist accommodation facilities rated up to three stars and above, a TCB  survey revealed.

The general secretary of  the Association of Bhutanese Tour Operatos (ABTO),  Sonam Dorji, attributes the boom of tourism sector to ever increasing number of tour operators in the country.

He says it is an indication of local tour operators being able to market Bhutan well through travel fairs.

The tour operators are now able to create creative tour packages that attract more tourists every year, said the general secretary.

The general secretary of Guides Association of Bhutan (GAB), Sangay Phurba, said tour guides are the amabssador of Bhutan to tourists. He said they play a vital role in promoting Bhutan as a travel destination.

He said GAB’s focus is to make tour guides more competent and professional.

The general secretary of Hotel Association of Bhutan (HAB), Tashi Rabgyel, said TCB should not consider only visitors who come via air as high-end tourists.

He said the council should come up with a proper policy to account regional tourists. He says the survey TCB did based on which the number of high-end tourists was determined  might not be accurate.

The information used for the survey were from Tashel data where  information is collected online, the Source Markets Summary where collection of findings is summarized to a particular source market and the Exit Survey (collecting data by interviewing  departing tourists for their first-hand feedback three times a year during two peak seasons).

The figure, 47,610 was derived from Tashel data while processing for the visas. When the tourists pay details are recorded. 16,418 was the figure based on the information from Druk Air and  the permits issued by the department of Immigration. The information  were also used to arrive at 36, 805 regional tourist arrivals.

“We always aspire to achieve the target,” said Sonam Dorji.

Tourism receipts from international visitors (dollar paying) alone generated USD $47.68mn as direct gross earnings, which is an increase of 32.52% from 2010.

Of this, $14.89mn was earned as direct revenue for the government through ‘royalty’. These earnings do not include revenue from other sectors like airline, handicraft, and additional out-of-pocket spending.

Meanwhile, TCB targets to bring in 100,000 tourists in 2013. The council hopes to accomplish it.

Source: thebhutanese.bt

On the first day of the Tshechu, Nangtens are displayed for public veneration inside the Dzong. Since the Nangtens cannot be taken out of the Dzong for spiritual reasons, the first day of the Tshechu is performed inside the Dzong. Thereafter, it is performed at the Dey-Yangkha outside the Dzong.

Among the Nangtens on display is a cymbal retrieved by Terton Sherub Mebar from Nob Tsho Na Pata.  It is believed that by just hearing the sound of the cymbal, one will not be born in the three lower realms of suffering.

Today, monks and laymen performed mask dances. Traditional dances were also performed. The five day Tshechu will end on Friday with the unfurling of the Guru Thongdrol.

It is probably easiest if I say right from the beginning this trip was probably the best trip I have done in my history in travel. Not only is it an amazing destination which is quite unique, and the standard of accommodation and service was excellent, but you also had the opportunity to enjoy the experience with your partner – absolutely amazing!! I think I got more out of the trip by travelling as a couple as I got to see Bhutan through the eyes of not only someone in travel, but also as a couple on a unique journey enjoying some of the finest accommodation, food and service you could possible want.

Reece Farmilo, Australia

Bhutan is a wonderful country which offers tourists an opportunity to experience a pristine and unspoilt holiday destination. The absence of neon lights, billboard advertising, takeaway food chains, traffic lights, etc is refreshing. The landscape is magnificent and the local people respectful and happy living life according to their Buddhist beliefs and traditions.

Shelley Buswell July 2010

My time in Bhutan was without doubt one of my greatest ever travel experiences and one I will never forget and I cannot wait to return, hopefully one day in the not so far future.

Julie King

MP Travel Pty Limited

“ Discovering the kingdom of Bhutan is quite an experience. The country is unique : for example, watching the Himalayan chains end enjoying a temperature of some 20°C. First of all we appreciated the kindness of the local people, whether they live in towns or in the mountains. Our guide dedicated all his time to us and submitted all answers related to his country, its culture and geography. Vernacular Bhuddist monks always paid attention to our interest and accepted our questioning. How surprising it is to travel from a low plain to high mountains, experiencing quite different altitudes within short distances. Subtropical forests are also surprising.Hotels are usually very nice, living in private houses let us have rich discussions.We were moved by the dance festivals in temples. The respectful attitudes of the local spectators impressed us. Thank you to all, Bhutanese citizens. We wish you the best successes in the future. “

Jean-Jacques MARCHAND

I am Savitha Gowda from Bangalore,India. I was traveling in Bhutan as tourist from 19th feb to 25th feb 2011. It was indeed an amazing experience, while coming down Tigers nest i slipped and fractured my ankle,immediately 3 boys came to me and asked if i was OK,they saw my ankle swelling …and made a bandage from my dupatta to protect from more harm. They held me either side and literally took all my weight upon themselves strategising all the way to take the best path,successfully brought me down that steep mountain.once down they didn’t desert me, they came all the way to paro hospital with me.

I was embarrassed for troubling them so i apologized, they humbly replied “you are our guest it is our duty to help”.It was like God sent these 3 angels to help. Tenzin gyeltshen,Sonan wangchuk & Tshenten studying 10th & 12th at Drugyel HSS showed me that human values are in abundance at Bhutan.

It is very rare that people help strangers these days & here in Bhutan children exhibit such responsibility, humanity & Kindness is highly appreciable….This trip bhutan will always be cherished & would love to come back again & again..

Kudos to Bhutan & its eminent King!!

Regards

SavithaGowda
Bangalore

“Your words,your dreams, and your thoughts have power to create conditions in your LIFE”

«Participants from the SAARC countries with NCWC chairperson  

“We have so many wonderful acts and policies in place, government agencies and institutions, huge resources being expended by different agencies for children but, at the end of the day, there’s still no visible impact on improving both the protection and rights of children, and particularly protecting children from violence,” said SAIEVAC director general, Dr Rinchen Chophel, on the sidelines of a regional workshop being held in Paro.

In terms of Bhutan, Dr Rinchen Chophel said that the impact so far is below initial expectations.  Dr Rinchen Chophel in 2004 founded and headed the national commission for women and children until 2010, before moving to SAIEVAC.

He pointed to the corporal punishment situation in Bhutan.  He said that, despite it being banned as early as 1997 through education policy, and the existence of various acts and legislation adopted since then, many involved in promoting and protecting rights of children still believed and argued that corporal punishment is necessary.  He said this reveals a “strong gap” in the understanding of the issue in Bhutan.

“I’m a little disturbed, if we continue to think that children will do better if they’re subjected to violence, then I think we definitely can’t be justified to be a GNH country,” he said.

Dr Rinchen Chophel added that a child’s failure to meet societal expectations, or stay within the boundaries of the law, can be attributed to society itself. “The family, the community, elders, who are responsible to protect, who aren’t providing the environment for that child to grow,” he said.

He pointed out that the child labour market is still very visible in Bhutan today.

Dr Rinchen Chophel said that SAIEVAC is hoping to strengthen both the understanding of such issues, and build evidence through research and studies, and reinforce the capacity of implementing agencies to better the situation and protection of children in the region.

The workshop’s objective is to bring together all stakeholders involved in SAIEVAC’s goal, define their roles and responsibilities, expected outputs, and strengthen cooperation, among others.  Seven member nations are attending the workshop, which ends today.

SAIEVAC was approved by the 12th SAARC development fund in December last year.  The overall objective of the body is to enhance protection of children in South Asia, especially the most vulnerable, from all kinds of violence, namely in five areas: early marriage, child labour, sexual abuse and exploitation, trafficking and corporal punishment.

By Gyalsten K Dorji, Paro