Because of Bhutan's location and its geographical and climatic variation, it is one of the world's last remaining biodiversity hotspots.
The pristine environment, with high rugged mountains and deep valleys, supports ecosystems that are both rich and diverse. Recognising this, conservation is one of the government's development pillars.
The government has enacted a law requiring at least 60 per cent forest cover for all time. Today approximately 72 per cent of the total land area is under forest, and approximately 60 per cent falls within protected areas made up of ten national parks and sanctuaries.
Each of Bhutan's national parks and wildlife sanctuaries is part of the Bhutan Biological Conservation Complex, a system of parks, protected areas and forest corridors covering 60 per cent of the country. Each has its own character and is home to endangered animals, birds and plants.
Bhutan is carbon negative. It absorbs considerably more carbon dioxide than it produces.