Paper short abstract:

This study examines the cultural politics of forest grazing in a protected nature reserve of Bhutan. It investigates how global conservation methods and paradigms are mediated by traditional value systems and practices of rural communities.

Paper long abstract:

The aim of this presentation is to interrogate the cultural politics of "Environmental Conservation" discourses in contemporary Bhutan through a case study of pastoral villages within a national park. Bhutan has represented itself as an eco-friendly country, which always takes positive action for environmental conservation. For instance, the government has established 10 protected park areas which cover almost half of its land area. It has also implemented a range of policies and regulations to protect the forest and biodiversity of the country. Most protected areas have inhabitants, and in case of Bhutan, the government and environmental NGOs have not implemented policies which prevent them living inside the protected areas. This study therefore examines how the government and foresters' attempts to "preserve" nature are at the same time posing new challenges and difficulties for local residents.

In this study, I would like to highlight the practice of the pastoralists who live in the high altitude areas of central Bhutan and examine the way in which they interpret global conservation methods through their cultural value systems, everyday practice and Buddhist faith.