Bhutan explores wildlife and nature-based tourism to boost conservation and local livelihoods

YK Poudel

Bhutan’s tourism sector remains largely focused on cultural experiences, with around 90 percent of current offerings centred on heritage and tradition. However, growing interest in wildlife and nature-based tourism has prompted renewed national dialogue, with the aim of enhancing Bhutan’s regional competitiveness, strengthening conservation, and creating sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

To explore these opportunities, a national consultation workshop on “Wildlife and Nature-based Tourism” was held on April 16 in Thimphu.

The event was organised by the Department of Forest and Park Services (DoFPS) in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Bhutan. It brought together officials, conservation experts, and private sector stakeholders to identify ways in which nature tourism could support biodiversity conservation, foster public-private partnerships, and position Bhutan as a premier destination for high-value, low-impact tourism.

The initiative builds on the work of a taskforce formed in 2024, led by Karma Tshering, secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR).

A taskforce was set up to explore how wildlife and nature-based tourism can be developed to benefit both people and ecosystems.

The one-day workshop focused on how sustainable financing, sound policies, and clear regulations can be used to support this emerging sector. Participants discussed how wildlife tourism could offer meaningful income to rural communities, especially those living in and around protected areas.

Karma Tshering emphasised that nature-based tourism should not be viewed merely as a new product offering but as a strategic national opportunity.

“Only when communities see real and tangible benefits from nature-based tourism will they continue to support conservation. Their support is critical to the long-term success of our conservation efforts,” he said.

Chimi Rinzin, country director of WWF Bhutan, added that Bhutan’s current tourism business model does not adequately support or reward those involved in conservation at the grassroots.

He said Bhutan now has an opportunity to adopt a conservation-focused tourism model, which can deliver sustainable financing and preserve the progress achieved over decades.

“Bhutan must take an industry approach that ensures exclusivity and authenticity at a premium,” he said, referring to the concept of “Banking on Protected Areas”—an approach where protected landscapes are actively used for eco-tourism to support conservation.

Globally, nature-based tourism is recognised for its potential to conserve biodiversity while creating economic opportunities. Bhutan, with its rich natural environment and long-standing conservation values, is seen as especially well-suited to develop this form of tourism.

However, the country currently lacks national standards and certification, and the use of terms like “eco” is widespread and often unregulated. There is also limited understanding of eco-tourism concepts, few trained guides, and limited community participation.

The Bhutan for Life (BFL) fund has invested over USD 867,000 in 18 eco-tourism products so far and is supporting the development of a new business model for nature tourism. This includes investment in infrastructure, homestay development, community training, and the creation of enabling policy frameworks.

According to the implementation roadmap, Bhutan will undertake site selection, community engagement, and feasibility assessments between 2025 and 2028. The following phase, from 2029 to 2032, will focus on attracting private investment, strengthening local government involvement, and promoting tourism through public-private partnerships and policy incentives.

Participants at the workshop also discussed the introduction of a concession framework—an alternative to traditional public-private partnerships. This approach would provide more flexibility and allow tailored models for different regions, such as community-based concessions or private sector-driven initiatives.

Potential pilot sites like Norbugang and Jomotshangkha were highlighted for wildlife watching and safari activities.

Damcho Rinzin, director of the Department of Tourism, underlined the importance of focusing on a few strategic areas. He called for carrying capacity assessments to ensure sustainability, and for identifying suitable sites for wildlife tourism.

“Supportive policies, infrastructure development, and cultural integration are key to creating a favourable environment for tourism growth,” he said.

The workshop also proposed simplifying processes through one-stop services for land leasing, product development approvals, and access to finance. Other ideas included fiscal incentives, digital permits, and greater regulatory flexibility to enhance Bhutan’s appeal as a high-end, sustainable destination.

Representatives from MoENR, DoFPS, Department of Tourism (DoT), BFL, the National Land Commission Secretariat (NLCS), conservation groups, and private stakeholders participated in the consultation.

A follow-up consultation, supported by WWF US, is scheduled for next month to further refine strategies for nature-based tourism in Bhutan.