Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forestry Research (UWIFoRT) is currently organizing the last series of local nature tour guiding training program supported through the Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme (ITHCP) of the IUCN and KFW project. The current training program is participated by 48 (41 males and 7 females) one of the largest groups consisting of 29 Desuups. This training program aims to enhance knowledge and develop skills in the basic identification of birds, plants, butterflies & moths, as well as the fundamentals of nature tour guiding services, for aspiring culture tour guides and local youths who will serve the tourism industry across the country.

The training program commenced on the 5^th of August 2025 graced by the Chief Forest Officer of the Divisional Forest Office (DFO) in Mongar who was joined by the Officiating Range Officer of Lingmethang Range [Phrumsengla National Park (PNP)], Geog Administrative Officer of the Saling Geog Administration, and staff from DFO, Mongar. The Chief Forest Officer, in his opening remark, expressed his appreciation to all the participants for availing themselves of the opportunity and stressed the need to use the limited time fruitfully, as there are various tourism potentials, including the Gelephu Mindfulness City guiding opportunities.

The rigorous teaching and learning program consists of two days of theory and one day of final assessment arranged at the community hall of Saling Gewog office and a 12-day practical tour to visit species hotspot sites in Mongar and some parts of Lhuentse and Bumthang, covering alpine, temperate, and subtropical regions.

The initial training program also included brief presentations about the DFO, Mongar, PNP, and UWIFoRT and the related tourism development potentials as an awareness to the training team. The practical learning tour will include a day hike to Wangthangla via Geyzamchu, Latongla to Zhongar Dzong, Menchugang to Broksar via Tsanzabi and Jainala, Chompa to Korlia and Ngatsang, Yongkola to Tsamang, Gyelposhing to Kengkhar junction, Namling, Reechanglu Ecotourism facility, Trogon Villa in Thridangbi, and Takila in Lhuentse. The training program will be completed by the evening of 19^th August 2025 with the award of course participation certificates.