Amy wants us to show something unique – which means something with the quality of being unlike anything else.
We are all unique, that we know. But I will concentrate on one country in this world that is unique in its care for our planet and its inhabitants – Bhutan. It is the only country on Earth that shows negative emissions of carbon dioxide, and its forests (70% of the country) are carbon sinks. They also let corridors of forest stand for the wildlife to easily transport themselves from the rainforest in the south and up north to the highest mountains.
This beautiful kingdom in the Himalayas have now sent people to the COP28 meeting to talk about their successful work, asking for help to continue it. Let’s hope they will listen…
Bhutan combines Gross National Happiness (explained further down) with democracy and Buddhism. A concept they try to convey to the world as well. In fact, the Resolution of Happiness was adopted by the UN’s National Assembly in 2011, leading to World Happiness Day now being celebrated across the globe annually on March 20.
Bhutan has got 800 000 inhabitants, and their capital is Thimpu. Which is, the only capital in the world without traffic lights. (2018) There is still a policeman in a box, in the middle of the street, gracefully waving the traffic in the right direction.
1974 Bhutan opened up to the world and modernity is now coming fast. We saw cell phones and heavy camera equipment already in Paro – and dogs on leash in Thimpu. A rapidly growing economy has resulted in increased consumerism – leading to imports mostly from India. The government decided to place a ban on many imports, including cars, but it remains to be seen if globalization and everything in its wake can be sufficiently kept at bay. Let us hope so. This tiny Himalayan nation, surrounded by much larger countries with massive populations and economies – seem to stand tall in their beliefs and try to follow the road chosen.
Gross National Happiness (GNH) in short, is:
- based on core Buddhist and human values
- a measurable index and a counterpoint to the economists Gross National Product
- a philosophy placing real value on cultural heritage, health, education, good governance, ecological diversity and individual well-being
According to our local guide, Rinzen, there is a validation before a decision is taken, and after the implementation of it. If people are not getting/did not get happier out of this – the concept will be dropped.
Bhutan is the world’s only carbon-negative country. Just Imagine. And, this is true.
This final gallery also shows how the beautiful architecture is preserved and their love of flowers.
Thank you, Amy, for transporting me back to the most impressive journey of all my journeys. The country, the people, their vision had the greatest impact on me. I am so grateful.
We hope you will join us and share your findings, such as the uniqueness of a plant, artwork, culture, architecture, scenery, or places you have visited. Maybe special moments that are unique? Please make a link here and tag Lens-Artists so we can find your post.
Many thanks to Patti for her last week’s Empty Spaces. She has shown us beautiful examples and techniques to explore. Thanks to all of you for sharing your wonderful photos.
Next week, I, Ann-Christine/Leya will lead our challenge so be sure to visit next Saturday at noon EST.
Leya 
What a wonderful concept. I hope they are not ruined by the modern world. It must be so hard to stand up against such big odds. You should write a book, Leya. This is really unique! Your pictures are exquisite, of course, but what a lifestyle. It’s also amazing that the pollution didn’t somehow float their way.
Thank you, Marsha – a book…well, it would be fun to write a book, but it takes a lot of time and effort! Amazing country, and I too wonder how they manage it so beautifully.
That’s why a book would be so interesting. I saw a documentary about parts of the world in which large numbers of people live active lives into their 100s. I bet this place is one of them.
Could be! Thank you!
Certainly a unique place and you captured it well Ann-Christine. Beautiful images 🙂
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed them.
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Thanks for sharing the uniqueness of this part of the world. Reminds me of my visit in 1965 to Katmandu. Before in influx of tourists.
Yes, I guess we are grateful to have visited before the crowds.
GNH here in the U.S. is down considerably… but your photos helped to raise my personal GNH. 🙂
♥ 😀
A beautiful response to the challenge Ann-Christine and thank you so much for letting us walk along with you in beautiful Bhutan again 💜🙏 xxx
Thank you for coming along! I just had to post again, because the uniqueness is unique!
what an amazing post Ann-Christine! The colors are so vibrant and your photography really takes us to both the glorious scenery and the lovely people of this unique place. sadly I’m certain it will be my only visit so thanks for the wonderful visit! I loved every second of the post!
Thank you so much, Tina! Even if I have posted on this before – it’s the most unique nation in the world.
I was thinking this place with so much vibrancy and color feels so peaceful. Your words brought such a sense of calm. What fascinating photos to show us the true culture of Bhutan. We can and should learn from them. Like Sofia said, I too would love to experience this place. Fabulous photos. Thank you again for this wonderful walk into a unique culture.
Thank you, Donna – it is a fantastic country. I don’t know if they can hold on to their program, so if people want to visit, it maybe should be within 10 years or so. But I hope they will keep following the path they have entered. You know, those corridors of forest, our guide told us they had monitored tigers walking from the jungle and up in the Himalayas in just a week. Amazing. It’s corridors missing in habitats lost that cost many animals their lives.
That is always sad to me as well. I do hope the path continues. Such a wonderful and informational post for us.
So glad you liked it, Donna.
I think only you could have captured the peacefulness of Bhutan with such beauty and care. I’ve learnt a lot about the country and your photos are delightful. So much so I’d love to experience it too. Thank you, Ann-Christine.
Thank you for your kind words, Sofia. There really is nothing like it…but I guess you should visit before consumerism takes over. And that might be in a not to far away future.
Amazing photos and information
Thanks, Nora.
I am part of a writing group and recently responded to the prompt: What if…. Here’s my first take.
”What if Peace on Earth was a reality
and the entire industrialized economy had shifted
from producing munitions to providing other basic needs:
healthy food, adequate shelter, clean water, medical care,
a safe and orderly community, and vigilant attention to the well-being of all beings.
Oh, my. What if.”
Looks like Bhutan has the key!
Thank you, Lindy – they have. But, who dare to follow among the rich countries? Still, it would be doable if we look at what they are doing. Why don’t we think of the future for our children?
And yes. What if.
What a beautiful looking place, Ann-Christine! Colorful buildings and clothing and dramatic landscapes. Wow!
Thank you – its uniqueness as a nation is unsurpassed.
Wow!
This is so amazingly wonderful, Ann-Christine. These views of Bhutan from your lens are certainly unique 🙂
Thank you, Hammad!
Your choice is totally unique Ann-Christine, and beautiful.
Thank you, Anne! Even if I have posted on it before – it remains the most unique I can think of.
😊
Great selections. No place like it!
True – no place like it!
Oh wow! I have always wanted to visit Bhutan and your beautiful photos are further inspiration to do so one day 😮 And your account of the things that make this country unique is fascinating too.
Thank you, Sarah – it’s the most unique concept and lovely people.
Lovely composition.
Thank you, Mari!
A lovely post A-C. You do have to wonder how long this will last though now they have opened up to the world and the destruction that consumerism can bring. How long will the youngsters be content with their world with all that is shared through their phones.
That – remains to be seen. I think many of the young will move out of the country…
Ann-Christine, Thank you for your trip down memory lane. I enjoyed it immensely from the snapshots of family life to magnificent vistas.
♥ I don’t know anyting more unique!
You captured such fascinating moments of enchantment in Bhutan. I enjoyed traveling virtually with you as you remembered what you saw, what you learned, and what takeaways you’ve held on to. I adore the leading lines and composition of the photos you shared. Well, done!
Thank you so much, Shelley! Happy you liked this fascinating country.
You’re welcome! 🥰
Such a lovely place and concept. It doesn’t seem quite real in our current world, does it? Truly wonderful photos, hon. 🤗💙
It’s Unique – for real!
Wow! What a place! And gorgeous photographs!
Thank you so much!
Maybe unique also means creative…. a creative stepping stones and bridge in the header image 🙂
😀
I’ve long wanted to visit Bhutan for the philosophy on which it governs itself. Your photos add to this wish. But I think I’ll need to be content with your images. Not a bad substitute!
Margaret, you would have loved it – but thank you for liking my photos too. At least they tell something about this fascinating country.
Indeed they do. Thank you.
It is a lovely country. I’m glad my two visits coincided with the time that they changed from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy.
Thank you – you must be grateful for those visits then!
Certainly
Have wanted to visit for the longest time . . , to look at the beauty . . . to experience the peace . . . however, what chance does that life and lifestyle have if you and I and everyman takes our spoilt ways into Paradise . . . ?
True – we are the snake…
”… negative emissions of carbon dioxide”, how impressive! Thank you for sharing these facts of Bhutan. Unique, indeed!
A wonderful tour through your beautiful photos, AC! Beautiful architecture.
Thank you, Amy, for this wonderful challenge!
💖🙏
Stunnningly beautiful photos Ann- Christine. And what fascinating country!
Thank you, Anne – it is fascinating, yes. We should learn from them to act wiser.
Ann-Christine, what a wonderful place to visit! Your post is so eye-opening and informative. Just the mere fact Bhutan is carbon-negative is astonishing. I had to Google and find out how many cars there are in the country. The ratio is about 6.5% of the population has a car. No wonder the country is so beautiful and clear. Thanks for sharing these photos and facts.
I am glad you found this interesting, Egídio, and it is important to know – this is possible!