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Public perceptions of Bhutan's approach to sustainable development in practice

Author

Listed:
  • Chhewang Rinzin

    (Royal Institute of Management, Semtokha, Thimphu, Bhutan)

  • Walter J. V. Vermeulen

    (Utrecht University, The Netherlands)

  • Pieter Glasbergen

    (Utrecht University, The Netherlands)

Abstract

This paper focuses on the practical approach to sustainable development in Bhutan and specifically on public views on and experiences with the implementation of this strategy. Bhutan's development goal is 'gross national happiness'. The strategy it has adopted to achieve this goal is known as the 'middle path strategy', which essentially addresses four sources ('pillars') of gross national happiness: economic development, ecological preservation, cultural preservation and good governance, without giving greater emphasis to any one pillar over the others. The paper is based on a survey conducted in 10 districts of Bhutan. Standard pre-designed questionnaires were used for interviews with representatives of three main groups in society: the state, civil society and the market. The results of this survey, the first of its kind to be carried out in the country, revealed that there is general agreement with the substance of the development strategy, although not everyone is fully aware of its scope and implications. A remarkable outcome of the survey, and one that contrasts with happiness studies conducted elsewhere in the world, was the high score for happiness in a country whose gross domestic product is so small. However, people do feel uncertain and the chosen development path is still fragile. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Chhewang Rinzin & Walter J. V. Vermeulen & Pieter Glasbergen, 2007. "Public perceptions of Bhutan's approach to sustainable development in practice," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 15(1), pages 52-68.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:15:y:2007:i:1:p:52-68
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.293
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    Cited by:

    1. Kent Schroeder, 2015. "Cultural Values and Sustainable Tourism Governance in Bhutan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(12), pages 1-15, December.
    2. Kâzım Anıl Eren & Ahmet Atıl Aşıcı, 2018. "Subjective Well-Being in an Era of Relentless Growth: The Case of Turkey Between 2004 and 2014," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 19(5), pages 1347-1371, June.
    3. Peter Dobers & Minna Halme, 2009. "Corporate social responsibility and developing countries," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 16(5), pages 237-249, September.
    4. Samdup, Tashi & Udo, Henk M.J. & van der Zijpp, Akke J., 2014. "A Participatory Framework to Identify Gross National Happiness Issues for the Development of Smallholder Mixed Farming Systems in Bhutan," Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development, Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), vol. 11(1), pages 1-19, June.

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