The three-day annual workshop on Bhutan Phenology Observation is under-way at Gelephu (3^rd -5^th February 2016). The focal teachers from seventeen schools and representative from the Department of School Education, MoE, are attending the workshop. The workshop is conducted as part of capacity building for HEROES (Himalayan Environmental Rhythm Observation and Evaluation System).

HEROES, as a school based monitoring program, generates a yearly record of plant phenology and climate variables: temperature, precipitation, solar radiation, and soil moisture. Besides generating data, it also educates students on climate change and its impact on plants. Since its operationalization in 2013, it has educated 340 students on the science of phenology and its potential use as biological indicator of climate change.

The workshop is expected to reinforce the phenology observation skills of focal teachers and students participating in the HEROES. Also, through series of discussion, it is expected to refine the existing observation protocols and resolves issues related to implementation of the HEROES in schools.

HEROES is funded by Bhutan Foundation.