Study in the only country where the Constitution mandates 60% forest cover. Witness the direct correlation between constitutional trusteeship and environmental health.
The Global Sanctuary
A Covenant with Nature
Bhutan stands alone as the world’s only carbon-negative country. This is no accident; it is a constitutional promise. Mandating that 60% of our land remain forested in perpetuity, Bhutan treats the environment not as a resource to be exploited, but as a trusteeship held for every citizen. Here, conservation is the law.
The Philosophy (GNH)
Values Over Valuation
This unique governance is rooted in the vision of His Majesty the Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Under the philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), sustainable development is not an isolated goal—it is intertwined with cultural preservation, good governance, and equitable socio-economic growth. In Bhutan, these four pillars do not operate in silos; they stand together to support a holistic way of life.
The Challenge
The Frontline of Climate Change
Yet even the most progressive protection cannot shield us from global realities. Located in the fragile Hindu Kush Himalaya region, Bhutan faces a “new normal” of glacier loss, erratic rainfall, and landslides. We are a climate leader located in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable zones.
The Response
Turning Vulnerability into Knowledge
To meet this challenge, JSW School of Law established the Center for Climate Change and Environmental Law in 2024. We are more than an academic institution; we are a hub for solution-based research and a nucleus for environmental jurisprudence in the Himalayas.
The Education
The World’s Most Relevant Classroom
Our new LLM/MLS Degree in International Climate Change and Environmental Law offers unmatched exposure to real-world governance. Students do not just study policy; they witness the interplay of ecology and law in real-time. By bridging ancient wisdom with modern legal frameworks, we are preparing the next generation of guardians for the Himalayas—and the world.