Previous Year Question

Bhutan is a mountainous country located in the Eastern Himalayas of South Asia, where an extensive network of National Parks and other Protected Areas has been developed. According to national biodiversity data available around 2014, Bhutan's five major national parks covered approximately 12,922 square kilometres, representing about 33.66% of the country's total geographical area. These national parks primarily aim to conserve Himalayan Ecosystems, natural forests, wildlife, and Biodiversity.

The major national parks of Bhutan include Wangchuck Centennial National Park, Jigme Dorji National Park, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, Royal Manas National Park, and Thrumshingla National Park. Their respective areas are approximately 4,914, 4,316, 1,730, 1,057, and 905 square kilometres. These protected areas conserve Tropical Forests, Temperate Forests, and Alpine Ecosystems. Important wildlife species found in these regions include the Bengal Tiger, Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Takin, and Black-necked Crane.

Bhutan considers environmental conservation an important foundation of its development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH). According to Article 5(3) of the Constitution of Bhutan, 2008, at least 60% of the country's total land area must be maintained under Forest Cover for all time. According to the 2009 National Biodiversity Action Plan, National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and one Strict Nature Reserve collectively covered approximately 42.7% of the country's area. Later assessments of the broader conservation network, including Biological Corridors and other protected areas, reported coverage of approximately 51.44%. National Parks, total Protected Areas, and Forest Cover represent distinct statistical categories.

Among the other countries, Israel's National Parks and Nature Reserves are associated with conserving natural habitats and historical sites. Around 2014, National Parks and Nature Reserves together covered approximately one-quarter of its total territory. Iceland has major national parks such as Þingvellir, Snæfellsjökull, and Vatnajökull, which protect volcanic landscapes, glaciers, and distinctive natural ecosystems. Gabon established 13 national parks in 2002, covering approximately 11% of its national territory. The conservation of more than 30% of Bhutan's land area under National Parks reflects its extensive policy of Himalayan biodiversity conservation.