Bhutan: Eastern Himalayan Forests and Rural Livelihoods

  Bhutan

Term: Summer 
Dates: June - July

Description: Many eastern classics and books of wisdom have referred to Bhutan as the abode of the gods and home to immortals. Nestled in the remote and rugged mountains of the eastern Himalayas, the culture and the traditional lifestyle of Bhutan is still richly intact and permeates all strands of modern day secular life.

The eastern Himalayan region is characterized by extensive and numerous mountains and valleys, hosting the world's highest peaks and a diversity of vegetation types ranging from subtropical broadleaf forests through subalpine conifer and alpine shrub and meadows. The country has also been identified as one of the ten biodiversity hot spots in the world. Bhutan is home to an estimated 770 species of birds and an astonishing variety of medicinal plants and orchids. Takin, snow leopard, golden langur, blue sheep, tiger, water buffalo, and elephant are among Bhutan's diverse wildlife.

In Bhutan, progress is not purely defined by economic achievements as in most countries, but also based on the level of cultural and environmental preservation and development. In the Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan, people have developed rich cultural traditions and social and political institutions that reflect Buddhist principles of The Middle Path, integrating people and nature, traditional knowledge and Western science. Sustainable management of natural resources, including soil, water, species and minerals, is critical for this country whose economy is largely based on these resources.

In early 2008, Bhutan's government shifted from a monarchy to a constitutional democracy, opening the door for devolution of authority over natural resources to regional offices and communities. Since the majority of the population resides in rural areas, sustainable management of natural resources is critical for achieving the dual goals of poverty alleviation and biodiversity conservation in this country where limited transportation routes and communication lines reduce access to markets.

Highlights: SFS is partnering with the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment, an international research and training facility in Bhutan. SFS students and faculty will help the Institute advance its research agenda in several priority areas, including community and private forest management, the role of non-timber forest products in rural livelihood, human-wildlife conflict in agricultural areas, and pollution of fields and waterways.

After a few days of cultural orientation and acclimatization in the capital city of Thimpu, students drive through four major vegetation zones on the journey to the field station. Field visits to community forestry projects and agricultural areas and multi-day expeditions, with wilderness camping, to neighboring valleys, national parks, and along established eco-trails; day hikes and multi-day treks to 4,000m.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Inquire for more info

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Bhutan in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 4-6

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

The School for Field Studies's Mission Statement: The School for Field Studies (SFS), an accredited, international non-profit academic institution, provides environmental education and conducts research through its field-based programs. SFS is committed to providing: *Hands-on, field-based interdisciplinary education *Environmental research in partnership with natural resource dependent communities. Our goals are to: *Provide students with a unique and challenging educational and life experience that assists them in successfully advancing their careers as skilled professionals and globally aware citizens; *Work with local community stakeholders to develop models for the sustainable management of their natural resources.

Year Founded: 1980