Spiritually Motivated Natural Ressource Protection in Eastern Bhutan

In: The Spider and the Piglet: Proceedings of the First Seminar on Bhutan Studies. Thimphu, Centre for Bhutan Studies 2004, pp. 529-563 . ISBN 99936-14-19-X

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Abstract

Bhutan’s historical seclusion and relative lack of influence from industrialized, mass-media culture allow religion and traditional cultural norms to dominate and influence nearly every aspect of life, including resource use. In seeking to understand how internal motivations guide the use of natural resources and thus can contribute to biodiversity conservation, this study examined the ways in which both the formal teachings of Buddhism and the tradition of local and protector deities influence perceptions about and actions involving natural resources. In the homes of deities, resources use is prohibited according to tradition. Resources may not be taken from the deity habitats without facing the wrath of the deity. Because of these beliefs, villagers avoid deity habitats or "citadels".