Forest Resource Management in the Context of Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Bhutan

Abstract

Deforestation has continued to be a major global problem as large areas of forests are lost every year. On an average 13 million hectares of forest is being lost annually which emits approximately 6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Such emissions contribute to global warming and climate change which may undermine nations’ effort to biodiversity conservation and timber production. This article presents an analytical review of forest resource management in Bhutan, highlighting relevant policy issues and mitigation and adaptation measures taken to reduce the impact of climate change. Considering 70.46% of Bhutan’s geographical area under forest cover and 51.44% under protected area system, forest resources management has been a priority for the Royal Government of Bhutan. Forest plays an important role in mitigation and adaptation of climate change. Forests also provide many socio-economic functions and ecosystem services to support livelihoods and ecosystem processes. However, change in climate variables raises critical question for forest management in Bhutan. Climate change is a new component in Bhutan’s forest management policy, which will become one of the main components in shaping its development preferences in future. Incorporating sustainable strategies in forest management and payment for ecosystem services can contribute significantly to forest conservation and reduces vulnerability to climate change.