Bhutan From classroom rules being formed

From classroom rules being formed in consultation with students, to adding to a school’s budget through selling waste collected through student cleaning campaigns, the education sector is in the midst of a major reform.

This became apparent at a seminar in Paro, where principals, teachers, lecturers and even a student spoke about their efforts and experiences in trying to implement GNH in their schools yesterday.

Entitled ‘Stories from the Schools and Classrooms’ the seminar is focused on the results of the ‘Educating for GNH’ program. The vision aims to create teachers, who understand GNH, and who will then establish a GNH learning environment for Bhutanese children, by 2012.

In this direction, schools have introduced various initiatives. For instance, some schools now reserve certain days for causes like being environmentally friendly. There are no vehicle days, no plastic days, and even no junk food days in some schools.

One school in Trashigang, Bartsham primary, takes its environment program even further. The school made Nu 45,000 after selling plastic acquired in cleaning campaigns. The money was used to replace blackboards with a better alternative.

Reflecting a move away from the traditional top down teacher-student model, schools are also trying to create a more equal status between teachers and students. This is done by giving students more voice, responsibilities in school administration and simply more respect.

For instance, in Ghumauney HSS, Samtse, classroom rules are formed involving students, and class captains are elected by their classmates. In Wangdicholing LSS, Bumthang, “nature club” student members have been empowered to record and report “violations” of its ‘no vehicle day’ by both student and teachers. Again in Ghumauney HSS, teachers present khadars to new pre-primary students, and they also make an effort to eat lunch with their students at least once a week.

A Paro college of education (PCE) lecturer, Kinzing Lhendup, emphasised the importance and effort he put into remembering the names of his students. He said that, not only is it impolite, but by not remembering a name repeatedly, it demonstrated to that particular student that the teacher did not care about the student.

Some schools are also introducing new ways to bring about awareness among students of the country’s culture and traditions. Traditional sports, like archery, khuru, and degor, are finding their way into some games periods. Driglam namzha and religious clubs are also being formed in certain schools.

In Peljorling MSS, Samtse, a rule that allows students to only speak in either English or Dzongkha could be implemented in an attempt at promoting the national language. But this rule was questioned by the dean of PCE, Dorji Thinley, who said that Bhutan also had a number of other languages and dialects. He asked if the rule might not have an adverse impact on these languages, “many of which are on the verge of disappearance”.

The school’s principal, Sonam Gyamtsho, pointed out that students would be committed to the rule only within the school.

Surprisingly, there were no concrete results presented on what impact mindfulness or meditation sessions were having on the learning or performance of students. Sonam Norbu, a Ghumaunay HSS teacher, said that, when his class got distracted or tired, a meditation session helped them to refocus. While he pointed out that he would not be able to provide a concrete result, he said that he had conducted a survey on students that practice mindfulness and those that do not. He said that he noticed some improvement in performance.

Concerns were raised on whether students are being “burdened” with work, such as cleaning campaigns, “in the name of GNH”. A participant said that GNH implementation in schools should not be only about working.

Some other GNH initiatives being introduced by schools include increasing parent participation, community service, and also in-house assistance for financially disadvantaged students.

Speaking at the opening of the seminar, education minister Thakur S Powdyel said that, while some schools are doing a “wonderful job” at becoming GNH or “green” schools, some schools have “no idea even now what GNH is and what green schools are.” Lyonpo added, “I’m very worried about certain things, which are happening in the name of green schools.” Lyonpo did not expound on his concerns.

“I’m delighted that a lot of schools have taken this very well and, seriously, they’ve gone far beyond, but many schools aren’t changing and we have to make sure every school succeeds, we have to make sure every child succeeds, we have to make sure this country succeeds,” he said.

The two-day seminar ends today.

Source: Kuenselonline

 

Bhutan: The monal pheasant is a rare and highly endangered bird species

The monal pheasant is a rare and highly endangered bird species. Its existence has come under even greater threat because of the national sport, archery.

In traditional archery contests, archers use bamboo bows and arrows. The monal pheasant feathers are highly sought after for making the traditional bamboo arrows.

According to the Bhutan Indigenous Games and Sports Association, it is mandatory to use bird feathers for making the traditional bamboo arrows. Archers cannot use alternative feathers like the flexible plastic feathers. While many bird feathers can be used, most archers, if they can help it, want the monal pheasant feathers.

The monal pheasants are found between 2800 and 4200 meters above the sea level. Otherwise seen in large groups, the bird is slowly disappearing.

Hishey Tshering is an avid bird watcher and a keen archer. He is also a tour operator and often takes tourists on bird watching excursions.

“Just four to five years ago, on any mountain pass, if we arrive on time, we could see 20-30 birds at a time but of late it has become extremely stressful taking people there.”

The Indigenous Games and Sports Association also agree alternatives have to be found.

Jurmin Wangdi, the Assistant General Secretary of the Bhutan Indigenous Games Sports Association said “as an individual I feel sad because making a pair of arrows costs the life of a bird. We should give it a thought. Bhutan is a biological hotspot for bird watching. If monal pheasants are vanishing, we should see how we can bring about a good change.”

Arrows made with monal pheasant feathers cost around Nu.1200 a pair. Arrows made with feathers from less exalted birds cost around Nu.300.

Source: BBS

 

His Majesty the King attended the Zhabdrung kuchoe at the Punakha dzong

His Majesty is escorted by the prime minister and Punakha dzongda, to the Punakha dzong to attend the Zhabdrung Kuchoe yesterday.

His Majesty the King attended the Zhabdrung kuchoe at the Punakha dzong yesterday where 800 monks led by His Holiness the Je Khenpo performed the Jigten Wangchuk Dungdrup for three days.

The dungdrup ended yesterday and was attended by hundreds of people. His Majesty offered butter lamps and dhar in the sacred Machen Lhakhang.

In the afternoon, 41 people including 28 students under His Majesty’s personal care received an audience from the King.

Zhabdrung kuchoe or death anniversary of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel is observed, every year, on the 10th day of the third Bhutanese month ever since Zhabdrung Rinpoche entered into meditation in 1651 aged 58 for 12 years in the Punakha dzong.

While in meditation, only Desi Tenzin Drukgyal and Dung Damchoe visited him. Zhabdrung’s death was announced only after 25 years. Until then it was believed that he remained in meditation.

Source: Kuenselonline

 

The Container: Co-production between Bhutan and Australia

The short film is based on a true story

The Container, a co-production between Bhutan and Australia, and shot in Gaselo village, Wangduephodrang, is screening at the short film corner of the Cannes film festival.

Inspired by a true event that took place in the 1980s, the 15-minute movie, directed by Jamyang Dorji, was shot in less than two weeks, and is about a mother’s devotion to her child, as she travels great distances from her poor, remote community, to get some medicine from a small basic health unit for her very ill child.

In a cruel twist of fate, she learns that, even though the medicine is provided for free, she must have a container to hold the precious liquid. She does not have a bottle and cannot afford to buy one, and the search begins.

At one time, the mother played by Deki Yangzom, who acted in Travelers and Magicians, even tries to sell her dzee (antique jewelry) to get herself an empty bottle. Her desperate search reveals the emotional core of a mother, who is constantly worried about the safety of her child. It also reflects the trials and tribulations of parenthood.

The container symbolizes protection from the uncertainties of life. Life itself is difficult to hold and, sometimes, simple things affect it in a big way.

In the end, it also renders a spiritual touch, as the mother finally gets hold of a vase (bumpa) from a lhakhang to hold the medicine. The movie is art-based, focused on a subject and targeted at a select audience. The movie was screened at the Cannes film festival yesterday at 12am.

The purpose of short movies is not to make money, but to convey one’s artistic message, according to Tashi Gyeltshen, a filmmaker, who also said that short film making is almost non existent in the country.

A short-film festival, called the Beskop Tshechu, was organized last year among Bhutanese short filmmakers.

Source: Kuenselonline

 

Olympic committees of Bhutan and Japan signed MoU

The two Olympic committees of Bhutan and Japan will focus on developing relationships in the field of sports; support each other in developing organised sports, including aspects of sport equipment and infrastructure.

The presidents of Bhutan and Japan Olympic committees, HRH Dasho Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck and Tsunekazu Takeda, at the signing ceremony

A memorandum of understanding was signed yesterday in Thimphu between the presidents of the committees, His Royal Highness Dasho Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck and Tsunekazu Takeda. A press release from BOC stated that the MoU would mainly focus on developing amicable relationships in the field of sport, for the good health of both the countries, and maintain the principles of their mutual advantages, contributing to the preservation of peace and deepening of understanding between the two countries.

The agreement will encourage planned development of athletes and coach exchanges between the national sports federation of both countries for participation in bilateral and multilateral competitions and training. Both the committees will share international information on the Olympic movement and will support each other, the press release stated.

To give effect to the agreement, the parties will execute an annual protocol of exchange for each year. Each protocol will document intended activities to be undertaken during the forthcoming year.

HRH Dasho Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, at the signing, said Japan has always been helpful in Bhutan’s development and evolution into the 21st century. Tsunekazu Takeda said, “I hope this partnership agreement becomes a starting point for development of strong sports relationship between the two countries, as well as for the Olympic movement in both countries.”

He said Japan’s national training centre in Tokyo started operating in 2008, and comprises 14 different sport facilities. He encouraged Bhutanese athletes and coaches to visit the centre and have joint training with Japanese teams for judo and other sports like boxing. “It would be beneficial for Japanese athletes to take advantage of the high altitude of Bhutan for training in the highland with rich natural environment,” he said.

The president also said such opportunities and exchanges would improve the competitive level of athletes in the two countries.

Source: Kuenselonline

 

Bhutan and the Maldives have signed an Air Services Agreement

Bhutan and the Maldives have signed an Air Services Agreement, paving the way for the two high-end tourist destinations to be connected by direct flights or flights transiting through other countries in the region.

The flight details and routes will be worked out between the airlines of the two countries, one a tourist hot spot on the roof of the world and the other an ultimate destination for those interested in sunbathing and deep sea diving.

The Maldives Minister for Transport and Communication, Mohamed Adil Saleem, and the Secretary for Information and Communications in Bhutan, Dasho Kinley Dorji, signed the agreement on May 8, 2011. They emphasised the fact that air connectivity was vital for tourism and broader economic development. High-end tourists could find the connection a very attractive possibility with the tourism industry viewing both countries as niche markets.

Bhutan, which saw about 40,000 tourists last year, is currently building three new domestic airports. The Maldives, which is constructing its third international airport, has achieved an escalation of tourist numbers to about 800,000 tourists a year and is still expanding.

With Bhutan holding the chairmanship of SAARC, the agreement is also a step forward in one of SAARC’s goals, to connect all the capitals of the region.

Source: Kuenselonline

 

Bhutan National Airline Drukair is presenting a bottleneck

While the economy is gearing towards increasing tourist numbers, local tour operators say seat availability during peak seasons on national airline Drukair is presenting a bottleneck.

“It’s very, very difficult,” Namgay Dorji, the owner of Bhutan Majestic travel, said. “The non-availability during this peak season, which is March and April, had led to tourists cancelling their trips.” He pointed out that this could present a problem when viewed in the context of achieving 100,000 tourists by 2013.

As a result, tourist operators have been using regional airports, such as Bagdogra and Guwahati in India, to bring in tourists.

But Anan Gurung, of Keys to Bhutan adventures and holidays, said his tour company usually used the two airports only for regional tourists. He also described Bagdogra as a “worse case” option, when it comes to international high-end tourists. He explained that this was because Indian flights arrived at the airport late afternoon, while Drukair departed Bagdogra for Paro earlier in the day.

Drukair commercial manager, Tshering Penjore, said that the airline had experienced about five percent more passenger traffic than estimated during the present peak season. The airline experienced an 18 percent growth in passenger traffic for the first quarter of 2011. It carried 35,197 passengers this year, compared to 29,791 during the same period in 2010.

This increased passenger traffic has also caused Bhutanese travellers to drive to Bagdogra, about 150km from Phuentsholing, to fly on other airlines. Tshering Penjore said Drukair was aware of the development. “Yes, there have been difficulties, where our Bhutanese aren’t getting adequate seats,” he said. He explained that this was because most seats are “pre-sold” to tourists, whose trips are planned “well in advance”.

Deepak Tamang of Raven tours and treks, pointed out that this pre-purchasing of seats is hurting the tourism industry itself. He said that the larger tour operators “block purchase” several Drukair seats in advance, even if the tour operator did not have confirmed tourists. He said this practice was negatively affecting medium and smaller tour operators, by denying them seats.

Some tour operators suggested Drukair operate additional flights during such situations of higher demand. But Tshering Penjore said that additional flights would not make sense commercially if it means only one-way traffic. Drukair usually operates additional flights, when both the outgoing and incoming passenger load is satisfactory. He pointed out that the traffic pattern in Bhutan is “inconsistent”. Passenger traffic varied with periods during which outgoing flights were “half empty”, while incoming flights were “full”, and that this scenario then reversed periodically.

Tshering Penjore also added that as March and April are considered the “windy season”, the number of flights is restricted. He also attributed this to the airline having only two aircraft. “It’s impossible to put in additional flights,” he said.

But he pointed out that Drukair would be increasing capacity, with the addition of one more aircraft in June. Drukair has leased an ATR-42, which has a passenger capacity of between 42-50 passengers. The airline has also proposed the purchase of a third A319 jet to its holding company, Druk holdings and investments. Drukair is looking to add the third A319 by early next year. “Definitely capacity will be increased,” Tshering Penjore said on the upcoming 2012 spring tourist season.

With the arrival of a third A319, Drukair is also looking to extend its route network to Singapore and Hong Kong. The airline will be carrying out a pilot project this summer, when it operates chartered flights to Mumbai, India. If successful, it plans to begin scheduled services to Mumbai. It is also exploring Bangalore, India, as another possible destination.

Source: Kuenselonline

 

Bhutan BCCB Twenty20: Dot Com Champions

Winner- Dot Com with Their Champions Tophy Twenty20

In a totally one-sided game, team Dot Com beat BTCL comfortably by six wickets, to emerge winners of the Twenty20 championship, the final of which was played yesterday in Thimphu.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, BTCL were bundled out for 60 runs. BTCL had no answers for Dot Com’s opening fast bowler Lobzang Younten, as he went on to take three wickets, giving away just 11 runs.

On the other side, off spinner Susil Sharma picked up three wickets, giving away only three runs. Captain Jigme Singye and Nima picked up two wickets each.

BTCL’s opening batsman Tandin Wangchuk was the only batsman from the team to reach double figures (17 runs).

Dot Com took 14 overs to reach their target for the loss of four wickets. Subash remained not out at 21, while Dechen scored 10 runs. Phuntsho Wangdi was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets.

“We’re looking to make a tour to Kolkata and get our boys some tournament practice,” DK Chhetri, Dot Com enterprise and club owner, said after the emphatic win.

“We promised to support two students for further in-country studies in the next academic year and, at the same time, we’re looking to form a permanent club website and continue to support students financially for their academics as much as possible,” team manager and player, Ashish Chhetri, said.

Dot Com took home the winning amount of Nu 30,000; while runners-up BTCL won Nu 20,000.

Dot Com captain Jigme Singye won the man of the match award and a cash prize of Nu 3,000; while teammate Susil Sharma bagged the best batsman of the tournament award. Rigsum’s Sampath was awarded the best bowler of the tournament.

The tournament was organised by the Bhutan Cricket Board.

Source: Kuenselonline

 

GNH Part III – Some specific comments

Financing of the Mineral Development Authority (page 11, 3.2.4)
The name of the authority and its very sustenance is dependent on the exploitation of minerals. There may be an inherent risk of relegating the other important costs amply mentioned above.

Value addition of minerals (page 13, 5.2)
Benefits of adding value to minerals, which has been a persistent government policy, is very narrowly confined to economic value of higher revenue and employment. What about the impact of the processing of minerals on the environment and health of the workers in such industries? Processing of some minerals may cause more damage to the eco systems than bare extraction. There has to be an analysis of all other costs (mentioned earlier) before decisions of value addition are made. The energy subsidy provided to the business firms by the government is another cost. A blanket policy of value addition in narrow economic terms may not be the GNH way.

Environmental restoration bond (pg. 14, 6.1, iv)
Environmental restoration bond has never been enforced in terms of actually restoring the mines or quarries. Over 150 mines and quarries have been leased since 1985. One or two mines are reported to be making some effort of restoration now. Even collection of bond has been erratic, besides the fixation of its amount. What is the rationale? It may not be wrong to state that the amount has generally been between Nu 60,000-Nu 100,000. Fixation of bond, based on the mine plan in the FMFS, is risky, as the actual operation in the field is quite different. Bond based on tonnage may also be inappropriate, especially if a mineral deposit is characteristically sporadic, as in the case of talc and coal.

Social and community considerations (page 15, iii & v)
The draft mineral development policy states: “Mineral development, if not managed scientifically, can cause irreparable adverse impact on the surrounding communities. At the same time, it can also make significant contribution for the welfare of the local communities, if managed properly.”

Based on many well-researched and carefully documented case studies of large-scale mining operations elsewhere in the world, mining operations tend to benefit the mining companies and their shareholders, not the local communities. In the developed world, it is a challenge to get mining companies to pay for the mess they make. For example, in Nova Scotia, Canada, the Sydney tar ponds—a toxic sludge dump that resulted from a century of steel-making—not only caused serious health problems in the local community, but the half a billion dollar costs to clean-up the 700,000 metric tonnes of toxic sludge were completely downloaded on to the public.

However, as bad as mining practices might be in Canada, they don’t compare to what takes place today in developing countries. More often than not, mining companies take advantage of or ignore lax environmental or labour laws, and poverty often forces people to work in conditions that no one should be allowed to endure. Mining operations in the developing world displace indigenous populations and leave devastated communities and horribly depleted and toxic environments in their wake.

For detailed information and articles on mining operations and impacts, sorted by country, issue, and company, refer to Mining Watch Canada, an initiative that addresses the “urgent need for a coordinated public interest response to the threats to public health, water and air quality, fish and wildlife habitat and community interests posed by irresponsible mineral policies and practices in Canada and around the world.” ( http://www.miningwatch.ca/en/country_categories http://www.miningwatch.ca/en/country_categories).

Furthermore, so-called corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects or community development funds, which have been aimed at transferring financial benefits from the mining company to the local affected communities, typically amount to a tiny fraction of what the mining company makes often only 2 percent of before–tax profits.

Further, who and how will it be ensured that 10 percent of the shares are allocated to the affected community? What is the rationale for the contribution of Nu 3 & 5 per tonne of minerals dispatched and extracted to community development fund?

Thus, based on the evidence that currently exists on a global scale, the “arrangements” outlined in paper do not appear strong enough to ensure real protection for local mining-affected communities, and they do not sufficiently advocate on behalf of either the locally affected communities, or the larger natural environment, on which the nation and all human society depends for its life support.

Thus, in addition to the “arrangements” outlined on page 15 of the draft, and in line with GNH principles, mining companies with any interest in operations in Bhutan should also be required to:

• buy full-coverage insurance against accidents or disasters such as air, water and soil contamination, toxic mine effluent and tailings leachate problems, oil spill/leaks, increased respiratory, kidney, cancer-related, and heart disease incidence in mining communities, and the wide range of other adverse ecological, human, and health impacts associated with mining activities. Insurance companies are in the business of assessing and monetising risks. If the insurance companies are unwilling or unable to insure these companies, then the mining operators themselves should be required to maintain an assurance bond (i.e., self-insurance) adequate to cover a worst-case scenario. This would ensure that costs of mining activities in the country would not be borne by the public but by the plant owners. It would also make the cost of those risks transparent and apparent in the short term, and thus part of the price of mining in the country.

• submit to a full-cost accounting of the proposed or current mining operation, and pay any damage costs (environmental, social, cultural) associated with setting up and running the mine, calculated by using the most recent studies and work in this area (i.e. in the field of ecological economics). For instance, if a lake were to be used as a tailings pond and a mountain removed for the mining operation, then the value of the lake and the mountain, including the value of the lost forest ecosystem services, as well as associated aesthetic, cultural, and spiritual values, would be calculated. This sum would be paid to the government in advance of receiving approval.

The recent decision of the people of Samtse on mining in their dzongkhag is a welcome move.

Royalty and other levies on minerals (page 20, chapter 20)
It is learnt that, before 1993, the only fees that the mining operators paid was royalty, a token compared to the profit that they made, and the damage they afflicted on the environment and the society. Mineral rent, which was introduced only in 1993, and also nominal, is exempted if extraction exceeded the annual target, as an incentive for greater exploitation. Although the law says that levies will be revised from time to time, royalty and rent for stone reportedly has never been revised, and for the minerals revised only in 2006. What is the process for determining royalty and levies? Market values that have totally ignored other costs of mining?

Incentive (page 21, chapter 10)
Considering the other costs that are never accounted for, and the proclamation of GNH as a development beacon, do we really need to encourage investments in the exploitation of our natural resources?

Employment
Further, as employment is an important consideration by the government for any policy or strategy (but its actual impact rarely assessed), it is important to note that the quantity of jobs is not the only measure of employment that should be considered when using a GNH lens. One must also consider the quality and sustainability of those jobs: are they safe, well paying, providing benefits and security? Are they dependent on yet another boom and bust industry? Do the jobs contribute to positive human development and quality of life? Are the jobs socially and environmentally benign or are they damaging to communities and natural environments?

 

Ministry of health, Bhutan to recover Nu 70-80 million worth of partial

The ministry of health is exploring means to recover Nu 70-80 million worth of partial, defective and non-supplied medical equipment from its two suppliers based in India.

A committee of six officials was formed after the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) recommended the ministry to study the government of India-funded supply of medical equipment.

The committee members visited three referral hospitals, 21 district hospitals and 18 grade-I basic health units from January to March, to review the equipment, and made a presentation to the ministry on April 5.

A member of the committee said the health ministry received about Nu 300M in 2007 to buy medical equipment for the referral hospitals in Thimphu and Mongar; and ACC, after reviewing the procurement of medical equipment, recommended the ministry to study the procurement procedure, and put in place an internal control mechanism to make it transparent and accountable. “Of the Nu 300M, Nu 200M was for JDWNRH and Nu 100M was for Mongar regional hospital,” he said.

The official also said that the ministry is exploring means to make the two suppliers supply all the equipment.

Citing an example, officials said the Thimphu national referral hospital and Mongar regional referral hospital received only six operation theatre lights of the 12 ordered. The official said that the health ministry had to recover the other six OT lights. “There are defective and partial equipment supply in physiotherapy and pediatrics department also,” he said. “We have to recover that too.”

But, with the two suppliers refusing to respond to calls and messages, the ministry is planning to send a team to talk and solve the problem.

“The two suppliers were frightened after ACC arrested and detained them,” an official said, adding, “We should have first recovered the supplies and then taken appropriate action.”

The committee also pointed out that there were inefficiencies in drugs procurement and supply division. “We streamlined the whole process to make it transparent,” an official said.

BHUs and district hospitals would now maintain an equipment inventory register, a log book to record how many times a particular equipment had been used and the problems it gives.

Unlike in the past, where the ministry decided and procured medical equipment for all hospitals, the district hospitals would identify, specify and quantify the health equipment needed in the particular district hospital and BHUs. “This is a major change in the procurement system that would save a lot of government budget,” an official said.

A committee member said the finding indicated that there is inefficiency at various levels in health system, but corruption is not institutionalised. “Those who have accused the ministry of institutionalised corruption, should be able to prove it,” the committee’s chairman, Dr Ugyen Dophu, said.

He said a few individuals are corrupted and they have been charged by ACC. “A few might be caught again, but that doesn’t necessarily mean everyone in the ministry is corrupted.”

Source: Kuenselonline