Cha-Time with SEACHA#31: "How Traditional Ways of Life in Bhutan Help Sustain the Environment"

On 22 June 2024, SEACHA hosted Cha-Time with SEACHA #31, “How Traditional Ways of Life in Bhutan Help Sustain the Environment.” The talk was led by Bhutanese tourism expert Mr. Tashi Topden.

This Cha-Time discussed how the relationship between the Bhutanese people and the environment has been forged over centuries within moral, cultural, and ecological boundaries. Traditional and local beliefs promoted the conservation of the environment, and key ecological areas were recognized as the abodes of gods, goddesses, protective deities and mountain, river, forest, and underworld spirits. Buddhism and animism reinforced this traditional conservation ethic and promoted values such as respect for all forms of life and giving back to the Earth what one has taken away. Despite these deeply embedded environmentalist beliefs, climate change impacts cultures across the globe, and Bhutan is no exception. While globalization and modernization have posed new threats, Bhutan has developed unique philosophies to preserve its ways of life and ecosystem. These philosophies have developed as an imperative of not only traditional values alone, but in conjunction with modern science.

Tashi Topden is from Bumthang in Central Bhutan. He is a senior tour leader/travel agent in Bhutan and has been leading treks and tours for three decades. Tashi was joined by a roundtable of four SEACHA representatives: Ms. Kanitha Kasina-Ubol, SEACHA Director of Thailand and Managing Director of The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage; Ms. Nicha Patradhilok, Communications Officer of The Siam Society; and Ms. Thepduangchan Bounthideth, SEACHA Youth Alumnus. The panel was moderated by Ms. Amanda Ong, International Programme Officer at The Siam Society.

Intro music is Nam-Gunghi Englu Zhugmi (The Skies of Paradise) by Sonam Dorji.