1. 5th International Seminar on Asian Asbestos Initiative
Mr. Ugyen Tshering
Mr. Karma wangdi
Bhutan

2. Structure of the Presentation
Background about Bhutan.
Overall profile on chemicals.
Regulatory mechanism for chemicals
Awareness on chemicals
Issues & challenges
A way forward

3. Country Background The land Location: Eastern Himalayas
Borders with China in the North & India in the south east and west.
Entirely mountainous Country
Area 38,389 square kilometer
Population Density sq km
Administratively: 20 districts
Thimphu: Capital city
Government:
constitutional democracy(2008)
*Source: NPHC
47000, scattered population
Delhi alone has a population of >15

4. Country background cont…
The People
Population: 672,425
Male: ,595(52.5%)
Female: 301,387(47.5%)
Rural population: 69.1%
Urban population: 30.9%
Literacy rate: (59.5 %)
Religion:  Buddhist: %
Hindus : 22.1%
others : 2.6 %
Agriculture – 79% rural
Export earning -hydropower generation
Elevation ranging from 100mtrs mtrs (South-North).
Per capita income – 1, 852 (USD).
Country development philosophy –GNH
Scattered population

5. Profile of chemicals (Asbestos)
Chemical requirements are met through import.
Hardly any chemical manufacturing industries.
Chemicals imported respectively by sectoral/concern agencies
Bhutan consumption levels were negligible until 2005, but steady increase in consumption from 113 in 2000 to 275 kg/1000 population in 2007
Data on reported asbestosis or other –related disease is lacking

6. Regulatory Mechanism Labour & Employment act 2007
Waste Prevention and Management Act of Bhutan 2009
Pesticide Act of Bhutan 2000 (Yet to be implemented).
National Environment Protection Act of Bhutan 2007.
Environment Assessment Act of Bhutan 2000 and its Regulation.
Environmental Discharge Standards
Ment act

7. Responsible Agency Sectoral Agency: National Environment Commission.
Ministry of Agriculture and Forest.
Ministry of Health.
Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Coordination:
• Minimal

8. Awareness and understanding
Knowledge and expertise very limited.
Capacity to manage chemical related matter generally low.
Awareness level low.

9. Issues & challenges
Inadequate polices and rules to regulate the use, handling and disposal.
Lack of knowledge and technical expertise.
Poor coordination amongst relevant agencies dealing with any chemicals.
Lack of awareness on the risks associated with improper use, handling and disposal.
Poor information base on chemicals.

10. Way forward
Implementation of SAICM Project Title: Strengthening National Capacities for Sound Management of Priority Carcinogenic Chemicals in Bhutan
Development of National Chemical Profile for Sound Management of Chemicals;
Setting Priorities for Sound Management of Carcinogenic Chemicals;
Identification of Preventive Interventions for Sound Management of Priority Carcinogenic Chemicals; and
Development of Programme for Sound Management of Carcinogenic Chemicals

11. “Bury asbestos, not people”
Trashi Delek/Thank you