What does a Hungarian have to do with Ura village and development projects in Bhutan? Well, I think, a lot. This is a globalized world where the environmental impact of one golf course in a country can shape the climate in another. Hence I'm as much concerned about Bhutan's future as a chilip (foreigner) could be. I visited Ura this year and met with local people, ate their food, enjoyed their hospitality and walked around with them enjoying the pristine nature. I also stayed in a local hotel and visited local temples spending money, consequently supporting the local economy. If there was a golf course in this place, I would think twice to come back.
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| Ura village without a golf course |
Globally, there are issues about golf courses and they don't strike me as lucrative and forward-looking investments. Especially not in Bhutan which has an entirely different proposition to visitors and a very limited pool of potential local golfers.
But let's hear two golf experts on this:
But let's hear two golf experts on this:
"Bhutan is known all over the world as a country that keeps its traditions high, it is a unique destination for those who want to experience the culture and wonders of nature and of sustainable way of life in its authentic form: why build a new golf course in this paradise? Bumthang's plains and pastures should stay as they are, pesticides and chemicals are a necessity on a golf course and will affect the soil and environment of the whole valley."
Kristel Josel, manager of the Union Golf Club Schloss Ernegg, Austria and partner of Bhutanese tour agents.
"I love golf but having lived in Thimphu and played golf regularly on the local course do not think that another course would be of any benefit to the country and people of Bhutan." Steve Hogan
Should you agree with Kristel, Dr Karma, me and more than 300 others, feel free to join the petition clicking HERE
Long live football, the real democratic sport that connects people :)
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