Nestled within the Eastern Himalayas biodiversity hot-spot, Bhutan is often described as one of the world’s last untouched ecological treasures. Known as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” Bhutan has emerged as a beacon of conservation and environmental purity, safeguarding a wealth of biodiversity that sustains not only its people but also contributes to global ecological balance.
Bhutan’s unique geography, ranging from subtropical lowlands to alpine highlands, makes it one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world. Despite its small size, the country harbours an astonishing variety of flora and fauna, with a home to 11,248 species of flora and fauna, including 4,978 species of flowering plants, 3,511 insects, 129 mammals, 736 birds, 125 fish, and 158 amphibians and reptiles (BSB, 2017). Unlike many regions facing ecological decline, Bhutan has enshrined conservation in its constitution—mandating that at least 60% of the country remain under forest cover for all time.
With 69.71% of its land as forest area (FMID, 2023) and 52% as a protected area network, more than 300 species of medicinal plants have been documented so far at elevations ranging from 200 to 7,800 meters above sea level (masl). While over 150 crop species are known to occur in Bhutan, the country’s key agricultural biodiversity comprises more than 55 priority crop species.
In Bhutan, biodiversity conservation is deeply rooted in traditional beliefs, socio-cultural values, and the philosophy of Gross National Happiness, all of which have contributed to the country’s exceptional biodiversity richness in the twenty-first century.
Bhutan is one of the few carbon-negative countries in the world, absorbing more carbon than it emits. Its rivers flow clear and untamed, its air is pure, and its soil remains fertile and free from industrial contamination. These conditions make Bhutan a sanctuary for medicinal plants and herbs, long treasured in traditional Bhutanese medicine (Sowa Rigpa) and now recognised worldwide for their therapeutic properties.
The Himalayan herbs of Bhutan grow in some of the cleanest environments on earth, absorbing the vitality of high-altitude ecosystems and untouched soils. For centuries, local healers have harnessed these plants in tinctures, tonics, and remedies that support holistic health and well-being. From adaptogenic roots that combat stress to antioxidant-rich leaves that restore balance, Bhutan’s herbal biodiversity offers pure, potent, and sustainable solutions for modern wellness needs.
As the world seeks alternatives that are natural, sustainable, and ethically sourced, Bhutan’s biodiversity stands as a living example of how ancient wisdom and modern innovation can work hand in hand.
Contributed by Thukten Sherab, Horticulturist, National Biodiversity Centre, Bhutan.
