Environmental governance in Bhutan : ecotourism, environmentality and cosmological subjectivities

Abstract

The embodied work of this document does little to account for and appreciate the participation and support from so many. As a resident of Bhutan from 2013-2019 I had the opportunity to live and work with numerous individuals who had a part in my work as an academic. These individuals ranged from work colleagues to fellow researchers, community members and students. The Royal Thimphu College was the primary facilitator of these relationships as they hired me full-time as a faculty member in their Environmental Studies/Management department. They imparted trust and allowed me to conduct research through the department. In particular, the Academic Dean, Shiva Raj Bhattarai, and the acting Dean of International Relations, Samir Patel, played pivotal roles in offering advice and guidance. During my time at the college I had the opportunity to collaborate with a number of student researchers. These students volunteered their time to enrol in research training programs, conduct fieldwork, and translate & transcribe interviews. Without them, much of the data gathered in this research would not have been possible. Particular students that I would like to thank include