“My King said it would not just be for the food security but contribute to national self-reliance and global accomplishment,” PM Dr. Lotay Tshering.
In his statement delivered virtually for the 4th Asia-Pacific Water Summit held in Kumamoto City, Japan, which began on April 23, 2022, Prime Minister(PM) Dr. Lotay Tshering, spoke about the importance of water in Bhutan, challenges confronted due to global warming and water as an important aspect of Bhutanese culture. Additionally, the PM conveyed to delegates how water was placed in the heart of Bhutan’s national solidarity and unity, despite challenges and at a time when the world put all resources and energy to fight the COVID 19 pandemic.
While speaking about water related challenges that confronts Bhutan, the PM said he would like to share with all esteemed members one unique story that put water in the heart of national solidarity and unity in such an unprecedented time. “It originated from the Golden Throne. At a time when pandemic peaked world over, causing immense disruption to education, employment and other livelihoods, His Majesty The King called upon the young people of Bhutan to step up and embrace activities that are timeless and of national importance,” the PM said, adding it was at that time that His Majesty redirected Bhutan’s attention to the abundant water resources and urged Bhutanese youth to engage in building robust water infrastructure for the people and the nation.
“My King said it would not just be for the food security but contribute to national self-reliance and global accomplishment,” the PM said, underling that His Majesty has said “conflicts and wars in future can originate over access to water and that we must solve this problem once and for all in Bhutan.”
The PM explained how thousands of youth came forward to work on water projects during the peak of the pandemic, at times requiring to work in self-containment. “These group of youth are called De-suups and the project is referred to as the De-suung National Service Water Project,” the PM said, adding that through this Royal initiative, communities across the country were connected with water for drinking and irrigation in just about two years. “In solving the water issues, His Majesty gave the youth of Bhutan a new purpose and renewed spirit,” PM Dr. Lotay Tshering said.
In doing so, the PM said this is significant for Bhutan as Bhutan’s young people are ensuring that water, the very source of life, is secured with their own hands. “At a time when human tendencies are to take things for granted, our De-suups will take ownership and value what matters to their future as well as the future of the country,” he underscored. The PM further said this is just the beginning. “While the project is ongoing we have to build further on the foundation that has been laid. Works are underway to institutionalize a wholesome water management system through a professional governing body. That way, we will be able to explore required resources, keep pace with emerging water technologies and introduce dynamic water policies and coordination,” he informed the participants.
Expressing that Bhutan is excited about what lies ahead, the PM said “it is a joy to be sharing our experience at such forums.” “In doing so, we are motivated with newer ideas and opportunities other countries will bring along,” he added.
Highlighting Bhutan’s water story, the PM spoke about Bhutan’s streams and rivers, fed by snow and glacial lakes. “We take pride in having one of the highest per capita availability of water in the world. This is part of our rich natural heritage and exotic ecosystem. Like most of the cultures, we also attach huge importance and spiritual significance to the water, lakes and rivers around us,” he added.
Emphasizing Bhutan’s cultural ties with water, the PM said people are prohibited from climbing mountains higher than 6,000 metres, as it is considered sacred and must not be disturbed. He informed that some of the streams and lakes are regarded as blessed and have healing properties, which the PM said helped Bhutan protect water sources and preserve it for generations.
Pointing out that hydropower is Bhutan’s main generator of income, the PM said Bhutan has its share of problems. “On one hand, we are not able to solve the issue of taking drinking and irrigation water to the homes of the people despite generous per-capita water availability. Water projects were just seen as one component of developmental activities and not approached in a wholesome manner. Without a dedicated institution, our approaches to water management have been in bits and pieces,” he said.
The impact of climate change in inducing water scarcity at the sources, leading to glacial lakes receding, and catchment areas drying up were highlighted. “At the same time, the constant risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods threatens whatever water infrastructure we have,” the PM said.
The PM further said that in discussing water, “we are talking about the element that circulates in our shared eco-system.” “Together, we must reduce net water loss and wastage. We have to harness not just every drop but every molecule of water. For instance, breaking up H2O into hydrogen and oxygen have huge potential of sustainable energy generation, opening up a whole new sector of economy,” he added.
The Bhutanese PM called for countries to support each other with rapid technological progress and ensure efficient water management system. “Otherwise, we cannot establish water as a core component of economic progression and human advancement. In this context, I am most delighted to welcome the announcement of the Japanese initiative to strengthen national capacities in the Asia-Pacific region. This will address our current limitations in areas of water governance,” he said.
PM Dr. Lotay Tshering also said water is the driving force of our life and that of our planet. “I remember writing to Prime Minister Kishida that how we deliver in this sector will have far reaching impact on our recovery from the pandemic, since it is at the core of all other sustainable development goals,” he added.
The PM also conveyed the warm greetings of His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen and the people of Bhutan.
The two day event brings together high-level delegates from the Asia-Pacific region, including heads of state and representatives from international organizations, to discuss a variety of water-related issues. It will see discussions and insights on water and its relation to youth, gender, climate, governance, finance, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In his statement delivered virtually for the 4th Asia-Pacific Water Summit held in Kumamoto City, Japan, which began on April 23, 2022, Prime Minister(PM) Dr. Lotay Tshering, spoke about the importance of water in Bhutan, challenges confronted due to global warming and water as an important aspect of Bhutanese culture. Additionally, the PM conveyed to delegates how water was placed in the heart of Bhutan’s national solidarity and unity, despite challenges and at a time when the world put all resources and energy to fight the COVID 19 pandemic.
While speaking about water related challenges that confronts Bhutan, the PM said he would like to share with all esteemed members one unique story that put water in the heart of national solidarity and unity in such an unprecedented time. “It originated from the Golden Throne. At a time when pandemic peaked world over, causing immense disruption to education, employment and other livelihoods, His Majesty The King called upon the young people of Bhutan to step up and embrace activities that are timeless and of national importance,” the PM said, adding it was at that time that His Majesty redirected Bhutan’s attention to the abundant water resources and urged Bhutanese youth to engage in building robust water infrastructure for the people and the nation.
“My King said it would not just be for the food security but contribute to national self-reliance and global accomplishment,” the PM said, underling that His Majesty has said “conflicts and wars in future can originate over access to water and that we must solve this problem once and for all in Bhutan.”
The PM explained how thousands of youth came forward to work on water projects during the peak of the pandemic, at times requiring to work in self-containment. “These group of youth are called De-suups and the project is referred to as the De-suung National Service Water Project,” the PM said, adding that through this Royal initiative, communities across the country were connected with water for drinking and irrigation in just about two years. “In solving the water issues, His Majesty gave the youth of Bhutan a new purpose and renewed spirit,” PM Dr. Lotay Tshering said.
In doing so, the PM said this is significant for Bhutan as Bhutan’s young people are ensuring that water, the very source of life, is secured with their own hands. “At a time when human tendencies are to take things for granted, our De-suups will take ownership and value what matters to their future as well as the future of the country,” he underscored. The PM further said this is just the beginning. “While the project is ongoing we have to build further on the foundation that has been laid. Works are underway to institutionalize a wholesome water management system through a professional governing body. That way, we will be able to explore required resources, keep pace with emerging water technologies and introduce dynamic water policies and coordination,” he informed the participants.
Expressing that Bhutan is excited about what lies ahead, the PM said “it is a joy to be sharing our experience at such forums.” “In doing so, we are motivated with newer ideas and opportunities other countries will bring along,” he added.
Highlighting Bhutan’s water story, the PM spoke about Bhutan’s streams and rivers, fed by snow and glacial lakes. “We take pride in having one of the highest per capita availability of water in the world. This is part of our rich natural heritage and exotic ecosystem. Like most of the cultures, we also attach huge importance and spiritual significance to the water, lakes and rivers around us,” he added.
Emphasizing Bhutan’s cultural ties with water, the PM said people are prohibited from climbing mountains higher than 6,000 metres, as it is considered sacred and must not be disturbed. He informed that some of the streams and lakes are regarded as blessed and have healing properties, which the PM said helped Bhutan protect water sources and preserve it for generations.
Pointing out that hydropower is Bhutan’s main generator of income, the PM said Bhutan has its share of problems. “On one hand, we are not able to solve the issue of taking drinking and irrigation water to the homes of the people despite generous per-capita water availability. Water projects were just seen as one component of developmental activities and not approached in a wholesome manner. Without a dedicated institution, our approaches to water management have been in bits and pieces,” he said.
The impact of climate change in inducing water scarcity at the sources, leading to glacial lakes receding, and catchment areas drying up were highlighted. “At the same time, the constant risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods threatens whatever water infrastructure we have,” the PM said.
The PM further said that in discussing water, “we are talking about the element that circulates in our shared eco-system.” “Together, we must reduce net water loss and wastage. We have to harness not just every drop but every molecule of water. For instance, breaking up H2O into hydrogen and oxygen have huge potential of sustainable energy generation, opening up a whole new sector of economy,” he added.
The Bhutanese PM called for countries to support each other with rapid technological progress and ensure efficient water management system. “Otherwise, we cannot establish water as a core component of economic progression and human advancement. In this context, I am most delighted to welcome the announcement of the Japanese initiative to strengthen national capacities in the Asia-Pacific region. This will address our current limitations in areas of water governance,” he said.
PM Dr. Lotay Tshering also said water is the driving force of our life and that of our planet. “I remember writing to Prime Minister Kishida that how we deliver in this sector will have far reaching impact on our recovery from the pandemic, since it is at the core of all other sustainable development goals,” he added.
The PM also conveyed the warm greetings of His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen and the people of Bhutan.
The two day event brings together high-level delegates from the Asia-Pacific region, including heads of state and representatives from international organizations, to discuss a variety of water-related issues. It will see discussions and insights on water and its relation to youth, gender, climate, governance, finance, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
