The Buddhist Kingdom of the Peaceful Thunder Dragon, Bhutan, lies in the folds of the splendid mountain of the eastern Himalayas between India and China, two of the largest and most populous countries in the world. Bhutan is home to one of the world's richest natural environments and a virtually untouched and vibrant Buddhist culture. The Kingdom has over 72% of the land under forest cover that shelters several species of flora and fauna, including many rare and endangered species. Because of its rich and untouched natural heritage, Bhutan has been rightfully declared by scientists as one of the ten global "Hot Spots".

Bhutan remains mainly a rural country with 90% of the people engaged in farming. The Tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism practiced by the Bhutanese people plays a fundamental role in their lives, instilling a deep respect and love for the natural heritage of their land and for their ancient cultural heritage. Never having been colonized, Bhutanese people are fiercely independent and proud of their history and traditions. The rich cultural heritage of the country still remains virtually intact and is deeply ingrained in the everyday lives of its people. From the unmatched beautiful architectural monuments to the unique and colorful traditional farmhouses in the villages, from the rich hand woven traditional textiles still used daily by the Bhutanese to the pure white prayer flags fluttering high up in the clouds on the mountains, from the monks deep in prayer in ancient monasteries to the small Buddhists altars enshrined in modern apartments in the cities, from the colorful and vibrant mask dances performed in annual community festivals to the folk dances enjoyed in local ceremonies, the rich and unique cultural heritage of Bhutan is very proudly evident.

The Kingdom is committed to preserving its rich natural environment with the declaration by the Royal Government at the 73rd session of the National Assembly in 1995, under the guidance of His Majesty, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, that 60% of the country will be maintained under forest cover at all times and 26% as protected area for the good of its people and the world.

Despite the importance Bhutan has accorded to the preservation and promotion of its cultural heritage, its national treasures and traditions have yet to be inventoried and documented.   Cultural heritage covers not only historical sites, architecture and physical artifacts but also the rich traditions of folklore, arts, crafts and sports.  A large part of the country's heritage is also embedded in rich oral traditions that face the danger of disappearing and becoming lost to the world.

It is a matter of great concern that the national treasures, many of which are genuinely irreplaceable, are housed and displayed in buildings that are either in disrepair or are unable to provide the conditions required for the preservation of their collections.

Problems are also arising in the social value systems of the people.  While modernization can bring benefits, the darker aspects of modern development, including drug abuse, delinquency and the breakdown of family principals, are slowly creeping into Bhutan's socio-cultural system.  Traditional values that instill respect for all beings and for the environment need to be strongly maintained to combat the negative influences of modernization.

The areas of concern under the Commission for Cultural Affairs are thus vast and challenging, but resources, including both financial and trained manpower, are extremely limited.   It is hoped that the Cultural Trust Fund will generate enough income for Bhutan to become self-reliant and capable of meeting the formidable challenges it faces in the preservation and promotion of its rich cultural heritage.