A week-long training course on wildlife habitat management is underway in Gelephu. It commenced on the forenoon of 19 May 2025 and will be completed by 25 May 2025. The program is being organized by the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forestry Research and Training (UWIFoRT) in collaboration with Sarpang Divisional Forest Office, Royal Manas National Park, Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary, and Sarpang DFO office. 

A total of 25 forestry officials (23 males and 2 females) are participating in the skill-based training program. This capacity-building program is intended to enhance knowledge and develop ability of the forest conservation practitioners involved in managing natural heritage across the country.

The seven-day program consists of 3 days of theoretical lessons with interactive discussions, experience sharing and exchange of ideas for better learning about wildlife habitat management, and 4 days of visit programs to the relevant field sites such as Wangchucklingka, Kanamakura, and Jigmeling Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centers. The sessions include practical group exercises for effective learning.

Major topics covered during the course include classification, assessment and reporting, management techniques, applications, community involvement and co-management, monitoring and evaluation, and costing aspects of the Wildlife Habitat Management.

The training program is made possible through the generous funding support provided by the IUCN/KFW for the Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme of the Bhutan Tiger Center instituted under the Nature Conservation Division.