Mountain Closure

The practice of mountain closure exists in many parts of Bhutan, where the people believe in sensitive and temperamental territorial dieties. In this practice, a certain portion of the mountain is cordoned off as a restricted area, especially after the seeds of the crops are sown. This is done to avoid any bad weather which can be caused by the territorial diety if he or she is upset by human intrusion into his or her territory. The restriction continues until the crops are harvested, when the ban is lifted. Mountain closures are launched and lifted through a simple ceremony and clear borders are marked to keep visitors away. It is one of the most effective traditonal methods of natural conservation.