Page 54 - BHUTAN 2007

requiring respect and care for the natural world all encourage the
continuation of Bhutan’s natural beauty and unspoiled environment on a

daily basis. There is literally no air pollution to introduce toxins into the

plant or animal kingdoms. There are trucks, cars, scooters and rototillers

requiring gasoline or diesel to operate, but the population is so small and

the numbers of these machines so limited that no harm has come to the
environment due to these potential polluters. Visiting the country convinced

us that the pristine forests and the amazing visibility are clear evidence of

environmental concern. The work of this poor country to preserve its animal

life is also touching and it is gratifying that so many agencies like World

Wildlife Fund and UNESCO are assisting the country in this endeavor
through research and training.

The Fourth king’s fourth pillar in the creation of a happy and successful

society is the establishment of good governance. His plans for the gradual

transition from an absolute monarchy established in 1907 to a constitutional

monarchy with representative democracy surely constitute “good

governance.” That king abdicated in favor of his son who is currently the
uncrowned fifth king because he apparently believed that the younger man

would handle the transition more smoothly than he could. All this change is

due to occur in 2008 with the coronation of the fifth king, the establishment

and acceptance of the new constitution, and the election of a representative

National Assembly directly by the electorate for the first time! We learned
from Kelzang on our return home that he has decided to run for that

Assembly to represent Thimphu Valley.

The four of us happy and contented visitors to this magical country agreed

that the Gross National Happiness we observed is real. From our admittedly

limited perspective, the government continues to work diligently towards

the realization of the “Four Pillars of Happiness.” We very much enjoyed our