Climate Ride Bhutan: A Pivotal Week in the Himalayas
Dear Friends
There are journeys in your life that will forever change the way you look at the world, your impact and the difference your work can have on people and the environment... this trip is one of those pivotal moments in my Life! A chance to embrace a new understanding of Life from a remote place on Earth in the Himalayas ... the kingdom of Bhutan.
Happy 2018 and YES - we indeed wish for happiness with family, friends and throughout our everyday activities. Happiness is a goal that is embodied in the lifestyle and culture of the people of Bhutan and it's one of three reasons why I'm traveling on Climate Ride Bhutan - to learn, explore and discover the following incredible facts:
The tiny kingdom of Bhutan introduced the revolutionary concept of “happiness” as a measure of good governance in 1972. Gross National Happiness (GNH) - measured by its peoples’ happiness, their sense of well-being with the governance, their relationship to the environment, their sense of cultural and national belonging, and their satisfaction with the pace of the development of the country
Bhutan is the world’s only carbon sink. That means the country absorbs more carbon dioxide than it gives out. Bhutan has been lauded as one of the greenest countries in the world. Bhutan is not only carbon neutral, but it is the only country in the world that is officially a “carbon sink”. The country takes in more carbon dioxide than it produces. The country produces 1.5 million tons of carbon annually while its forests absorb 6 million annually.
Bhutan is the first country in the world which has placed specific constitutional obligations on its people to protect the environment. Among its requirements are a stipulation that at least 60 percent of the nation must remain under forest cover at all times. Considering that Bhutan is a small country, it’s commitment to the conservation of the environment is big. Environment and its conservation are one of the four pillars of Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness philosophy. As stated in its constitution, Bhutan must preserve 60% of forest wealth at all times. The country has the highest percentage, more than 51%, of protected land in Asia.
Additionally, Bhutan is known to embrace traditional farming - turning wholly organic in its food production. The country has banned the sale and use of pesticides and fertilizers within the country. Instead, the farmers of Bhutan will use their own animal wastes and farm wastes as fertilizers. With the return to the traditional method of farming, Bhutan hopes to contain the pollution caused by the extensive use of fertilizers and pesticides on the soil and nearby water bodies. This is remarkable and worth understanding.
SO - in making this trip to Bhutan, my teammates (3 amazing women, mothers from Mill Valley, California who have joined forces) and I am helping to raise awareness here in the U.S. of climate change, sustainable solutions, and active transportation advocacy and bringing some of the wisdom and experience of the people of Bhutan back home through the efforts of Climate Ride to share with our next generation leaders, our children, youth, community and clients at large.
Our team, Dhana Inc. is the name of my company, a Certified B Corp whose mission is to impact people and planet with profit and using business as a force for good. As a team, we hope to be able to spread a little of that "Happiness" perspective with all of you .... through talks, articles, blogs, social media and photos.
So, here's where we are counting on you ...... We're doing our part to take action and resolve our serious sustainability issues, but We need YOUR HELP. I'm riding hundreds of miles and raising money for the Climate Ride cause. Your generous donation is an investment in a healthier, safer future and will help Climate Ride to make this a reality. You can make a secure online donation today by clicking on the 'SUPPORT ME' button (found on top of the page). You'll automatically receive an acknowledgment and I will be notified by email of your support.
We depart on April 15th for Thailand and then on to Bhutan and will be back end of April. Send me a note and share with me the one thing you want me to find out more about on this trip and I'm happy to loop back with you upon my return :)
Thank you again for your help, so very grateful and will love to share what we learn from the happy people in Bhutan with all of you and your kind friends!
Warmly,
Shamini Dhana,
Founder and CEO, Dhana Inc. (Climate Ride Team Captain)
For more information, visit here.