Analyzing the Case Study of Black-Necked Cranes in Achieving the Four Pillars of GNH (Gross National Happiness)

Abstract

Gross National Happiness, commonly known as GNH is a concept that is deeply rooted amongst the lives of most of the Bhutanese people. Its division into four pillars make it more diverse and relatable to the lives of the Bhutanese people. This relatable aspect of GNH is similar to the influence that the black-necked cranes, locally known as thrung thrung karmo, have on the lives of the Gangtey and Phobji community. Thus, the objective of this research project was to link the four pillars of GNH with black-necked cranes through the perception of the people in Gangtey and Phobji. For this, participants were asked for their perception on questions inhering aspects of black-necked crane and GNH. For simplicity, the concept of GNH was categorized into four respective pillars and people were asked questions from those sets. This report, therefore, is a compilation of people’s perspective on the relation between GNH and the black-necked cranes. A series of methodology such as focus group discussions and one on one interviews were used