A five-day training on basic GPS and SW Maps was conducted for the youths of Sakteng Geog from 26th to 31st of October, 2022 in the Sakteng Park Range office.

The training is a component under ‘Partnership for Enhanced Engagement in Research (PEER)’ project on Impact of climate change on alpine timberline and socio-economic impact on highlanders in Bhutan funded by USAID. One of the key objectives of the project is to conduct capacity development training for the Bhutanese researchers and the citizens building expertise on their data collection skills.

A total of 8 youths (5 boys and 3 girls) participated in the training program hosted by Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment Research with the assistance from the field officials from Sakten Wildlife Sanctuary. The youths were trained on using SW map to track and record treeline dynamics along the periphery of pasture land. The participants were also provided hands-on skill to locate and identify types of treeline with the help of pictorial guidelines.

The knowledge and skills gained during the training is expected to enhance their understanding on climate change-treeline dynamics in the alpine landscape and facilitate adaptive herding practices. Also, as post-training activity, youth is expected to map and contribute to treeline database over the next few months.

A total of 20 youths have been trained from the highland communities under the purview of Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary and are already undertaking post training data collection activities.

The data collection is expected to conclude on 26^th November, 2022 for the participants of Merak and 30^th November, 2022 for the participants of Sakteng.