Bhutan

• © UNESCO/Y. Jooris
• Non-Formal Education Programme - a basic functional literacy program

Bhutan joined UNESCO on April 13, 1982. It is covered by the UNESCO office in New Delhi, India.

A major project aimed at improving the management and leadership skills of primary head-teachers in Bhutan is being successfully implemented by the Ministry of Education.

With its huge mass of virgin forest and an ecosystem hosting various species of birds, orchids and other plants, Bhutan has vast potential as an eco-tourism destination. The Phobijikha valley in particular is the largest wetland in Bhutan and home to the endangered black-necked crane. UNESCO and the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN) have designed a programme integrating conservation and development in the valley and provided training for local staff.

In 2005, Bhutan ratified the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The country’s "Mask Dance of the Drums from Drametse", which is performed in honour of a Buddhist guru, is on the list of Masterpieces of Oral and Intangible Heritage. The safeguarding project (2006-2008) seeks to create sustainable foundations for the transmission of related skills and expertise to new generations.

Creating community multimedia centres in remote villages is another area of collaboration between UNESCO and Bhutan.