Ecosystem Services and Human Dependence in Bhutan’s Mountainous Terrain: A Himalayan Perspective

This paper critically analyses the interaction between ecological services and human dependence on the Bhutanese mountainous landscape in the Himalayas. The study concludes with a systematic literature analysis, combining data from diverse secondary sources. The context within which this paper seeks to analyse is human societies’ dependency on the provisioning, regulating, cultural, and support services accorded to them by various ecosystems within Bhutan for their sustenance, cultural practices, and general well-being. The sensitivity of the associated variables of the communities to a change in ecosystem services, whether due to natural or human-induced processes, is further investigated. Research has shown that the ecosystem in Bhutan’s mountainous region must be managed sustainably. It is a struggle to balance human wants and ecological integrity while pursuing enhancements in socio-economic growth and resilience. This paper provides valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners working on sustainable development projects. It also offers practical ways to enhance human well-being and maintain ecological balance in worldwide mountain regions.