The main contents of this publication are reports from thirty-two nations collected by ICHCAP from 2009 to 2015 as part of its annual projects to collect information on intangible cultural heritage safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific region. We have also compiled information from other reports and conference materials collected by ICHCAP to present key data, such as national inventories and information on related organizations, in an easily accessible format.

As of now, Bhutan is widely known in the world that stands out as a country in the world living traditions, rich traditions as well as daily unique practices by the people which evinces peculiarities of the Bhutanese culture. Thus, People of Bhutan not only take pride in its rich culture and traditional values which serves not only a national identity proving bondage within the people of the different communities in the country. Bhutanese culture gives identity that has protected and sustained independency between the two giant countries; Republic of China and India since time immemorial. Preservation of ICH has been one of the core objectives ever since the country had embraced the economic development plan in early 1960s.

Bhutan is considered one of the culturally and spiritually richest countries in the world. Culture and traditions being resultant of the evolution of human civilization, they have developed according to the socioeconomic needs and conditions of the Bhutanese people, as well as within the physical and environmental constraints and opportunities of the place or the region. But most importantly, their origin is deeply rooted in Buddhism.

Established in 2000, The Loden Foundation is a registered civil society organization in Bhutan with the objectives of promoting education, cultural preservation, and entrepreneurship among the Bhutanese children and young adults; promoting education and learning at the preschool, school, and post-school stages, and thereby fostering an enlightened and educated society in Bhutan; promoting awareness of the education and the needs of local communities in relation to entrepreneurship, health education, practical skills and crafts, and literacy among remote villages and communities within Bhutan; preserving and promoting the cultures and tradi-tions of Bhutan; and undertaking, if need be, other charitable work that contributes toward the welfare of the public.

“ICH and Sustainable Development” summarizes the contributions of ICH to sustainable development based on three dimensions indicated in the action plan of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development—inclusive social development, environmental sustainability, and inclusive economic development—and one prerequisite for sustainable development: peace and security.

Bhutan is a small country in the Himalayas roughly the size of Switzerland (38,394 Km) with a population of 817,054. The people of Bhutan are called Drukpas a term that comes from druk (dragon), and Druk Yul (the country of the Dragon) is the name of Bhutan in Dzongkha, the national language.