Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forestry Research and Training

01/06/2026

Announcement of Shortlist for the 17th Batch Forester Course at UWIFoRT (2026-27 intake)
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The Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forestry Research and Training at Lamaigoempa, Bumthang is pleased to announce 94 shortlisted candidates for the 17th batch of foresters (2026-27 intake). The shortlisted candidates are reminded to take note of the following:

1. Candidates shortlisted should reach Chamkhar Bus Station (Bumthang) on 8th June, 2026, at 4:30 AM sharp for briefing and the marathon. Those who fail to report on time shall be disqualified from participating in the marathon.

2. Viva voce: 9th to 11th June, 2026

3. Start of the course: 1st July, 2026

Check the shortlist here:https://www.uwicer.gov.bt/storage/files/anns/2026/06/Shortlisted%20candidates%2026-27.pdf

For further information, please get in touch with the following persons:

1. Mr. Namgay Shacha, Sr. Forestry Officer (Program Coordinator) at 17807194

2. Ms. Tenzin Wangmo, Forestry Officer at 17917349

3. Mr. Gyeltshen, Forest Ranger at 17543799

19/05/2026

19/05/2026

UWIFoRT in collaboration with Divisional Forest Office, Bumthang are devising an alternative Silviculture system as a Pilot study in Dawathang Forest Management Unit (FMU)
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23 officials ( 15 from DFO, Bumthang and 8 from UWIFoRT) are attending a 3 day workshop on “Piloting an alternative silviculture system in Dawathang FMU” that started on the 18th of May, 2026.
Karma Thukten, PFO, from UWIFoRT who led the workshop presented on the need to review silviculture system in vogue that is atleast a few decades old. The alternative silviculture system should have the following merits:
1. Increased timber production to increase forestry sector’s contribution to GDP
2. Sustainable following the principles of Sustainable Forest Management
3. In concurrence with the constitutional mandate of keeping Bhutan forested at 60% for perpetuity
4. In concurrence with the international commitment of being carbon neutral
5. In compatibility with the topography of the Bhutanese landscape
6. Is replicable
Shacha Dorji, specialist with UWIFoRT presented on two silviculture designs for discussion before the groups worked on assorted designs that conforms with the criteria.
The activity was held following one of the resolutions that came out of Forestry Park Conference held in 2025 at UWIFoRT.

01/05/2026

One-Year National Certificate Course in Forestry (2026-2027 intake) at the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forestry Research and Training (UWIFoRT), Lamai Goempa, Bumthang.
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The Department of Forests and Park Services (DoFPS), Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources is pleased to announce the One-Year National Certificate Course in Forestry (2026-2027 intake) at the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forestry Research and Training (UWIFoRT), Lamai Goempa, Bumthang.
1. The selection criteria shall be as follows:
a. Qualification: Class XII passed with a minimum of 50% in all subjects
b. Age requirement: 26 years or below at the time of application.
c. 100 candidates shall be shortlisted purely based on academic merit ranking.
d. Selected candidates based on merits shall undergo physical fitness (8 km marathon within 60 minutes)
e. The candidates who passed physical fitness will then have to sit for the viva voce.
f. Based on overall score of academic marks and viva voce, candidates (based on department slot) shall be selected to undergo the One-Year National Certificate Course in Forestry.
g. All selected candidates shall undergo drug test. Expenses for the drug test shall be borne by the individual candidate. If any of the selected candidates is found positive on prescribed drugs, he/she shall be disqualified.
2. The following scores/marks shall be allotted for the selection procedures:
a. Academic marks: 80%
b. Viva voce: 20%
3. Interested and eligible candidates can apply through the link provided https://forms.gle/GRrGqSUXNEPFgt2AA or submit complete documents to UWIFoRT office through [email protected], Bumthang on or before 30th May, 2026 before 5:00 PM.
a. Application Form (download from https://www.uwicer.gov.bt/news/202605011)
b. Class XII Pass Certificate
c. Class XII Statement of Marks
d. School Relieving Certificate/Transfer Certificate
e. Citizenship Identity Card
f. Medical Certificate
g. Valid Security Clearance/NoC (Online approved)
Note: Original documents MUST be produced to the selection committee, DoFPS, for verification at the time of interview.
1. Schedules:
a. Last date for submission of application with complete set of documents (Online or in Person): 30th May, 2026
b. Physical fitness test/marathon: 8th June, 2026
c. Viva voce: 10th and 11th June, 2026
d. Start of the course: 1st July, 2026
2. The shortlisted candidates for the physical fitness test (marathon) will be intimated through call. The shortlisted list will be uploaded in the UWIFoRT website.
3. Marathon will be conducted in Bumthang. Candidates shortlisted for marathon should reach Chamkhar town junction on 8th June, 2026 at 5:00 AM sharp for briefing and marathon. Those who fail to report on time shall be disqualified from participating in the marathon race.
4. The final selected candidates' list will be uploaded on the UWIFoRT and DoFPS/MoENR websites.

For further information, please contact the following persons:
1. Mr. Namgay Shacha, Sr. Forestry Officer (Program Coordinator) at 17807194
2. Ms. Tenzin Wangmo, Forestry Officer at 77917349
3. Mr. Gyeltshen, Forest Ranger at 17543799

02/04/2026

UWIFoRT sends off 16th Batch Forester Trainees on a 2-month OJT
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In accordance with the BQF NC III curriculum, Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forestry Research and Training has attached 16th batch trainees for a two-month On-the-Job Training with effect from 1st April and ends by 31st May. This attachment is intended to provide practical exposure to the work environment and to reinforce the skills taught at the institute. The trainees are attached as follows:10 trainees each to the following offices:
Divisional Forest Office, Bumthang
Wangchuck Centennial National Park (WCNP)
Phrumsengla National Park (PNP)
Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park (JSWNP). We wish them all the best and a fruitful learning experience. We would like to thank the Department and field offices for the continued support.

13/03/2026

Species Distribution Model Training hosted by UWIFoRT completes today
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The Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forest Research and Training (UWIFoRT successfully conducted a five-day training on Species Distribution Modeling (SDM) using Maxent and R at Lamai Goempa, Bumthang, from 9–13 March 2026. The training brought together 32 forestry officials from functional divisions, protected areas, and divisional forest offices across the country to strengthen their technical capacity in biodiversity conservation and spatial analysis.
During the training, participants were introduced to the theoretical foundations of Ecological Niche Modeling (ENM) and Species Distribution Modeling (SDM) and received hands-on experience using the statistical software R and the Maxent modeling platform. The sessions covered key components such as compiling and processing species occurrence data, sourcing and preparing environmental variables, and conducting spatial analyses necessary for building reliable species distribution models.

Participants also learned advanced techniques, including environmental variable processing, calibration of Maxent models, model evaluation, and variable selection using statistical methods such as correlation analysis and Variance Inflation Factor (VIF). The final sessions focused on interpreting model outputs and mapping results to support evidence-based conservation planning.

The training, which is funded by Bhutan For Life, concluded with a competency assessment followed by the awarding of certificates to participants who completed the program.

12/03/2026

UWIFoRT Welcomes Three New Female Forestry Officers
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The Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forestry Research and Training (UWIFoRT) warmly welcomed three newly recruited female forestry officers today who recently graduated from the College of Natural Resources (CNR).
The welcome event was attended by the staff of the Institute, marking an important moment as the young officers begin their professional journey in forestry research and training. As part of the programme, a welcome cake was cut to celebrate their arrival and formally introduce them to the UWIFoRT family.
During the session, specialists from UWIFoRT briefed the new officers on the Institute’s mandate, ongoing research programmes, and training initiatives. They also highlighted the important role the officers can play in advancing the Institute’s vision of strengthening forestry research, conservation, and sustainable natural resource management in Bhutan.
In their remarks, the new recruits expressed their enthusiasm and pledged their commitment and allegiance to the Institute, affirming their dedication to contributing to the goals and vision of UWIFoRT.
The Institute looks forward to their energy, ideas, and contributions in furthering forestry research and capacity building in the country.

09/03/2026

UWIFoRT Officials Participate in NDF Writeshop for Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora
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A team of eight officials from the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forestry Research and Training (UWIFoRT) participated in a week-long Non-Detriment Finding (NDF) determination writeshop for Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora held in Gelephu from 2–8 March 2026.
The writeshop focused on assessing the population status, trade dynamics, management systems, and sustainable harvesting levels of the species in accordance with the guidelines of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Throughout the workshop, participants reviewed scientific literature, analysed available field and trade data, identified knowledge gaps, and collaboratively drafted an NDF report. The exercise also strengthened participants’ capacity in applying scientific and precautionary approaches to ensure that any trade in the species does not negatively impact wild populations.
This initiative represents an important step towards sustainable management and conservation of medicinal plant resources in Bhutan, while supporting evidence-based decision-making for international trade regulation. We remain grateful to Royal Government of Bhutan, UNDP Bhutan and Bhutan For Life for supporting us.

24/02/2026

11 UWIFoRT Officials participate in the 5th round of volunteer service in GMC
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The Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forest Research and Training (UWIFoRT), under the Department of Forests and Park Services (DOFPS), is actively participating in the fifth round of volunteer service at the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). The week-long engagement began on February 21st and will continue through to February 25th.

A total of 11 members from UWIFoRT are taking part in this edition of the volunteer initiative. Their participation underscores the institute’s commitment to national service and its support for the development of the GMC project.

This marks a continued partnership with the initiative, as several UWIFoRT officials have also served as volunteers during previous rounds of the GMC service program.

The volunteer service provides an opportunity for UWIFoRT personnel to contribute their time and expertise in support of the city's foundational activities.

02/02/2026

UWIFoRT Celebrates Internship Completion and Welcomes New Colleagues

Today, UWIFoRT marked a special occasion by celebrating the departure of two interns, Ms. Sonam Lhaki and Ms. Tshering Yangzom, BSc. Forestry students from the College of Natural Resources (CNR), who successfully completed their two-month internship program at the institute.

During the program, the interns delivered brief presentations sharing their learning experiences, knowledge gained, and challenges faced throughout their internship journey. Following the presentation, they were awarded Certificates of Completion by the institute.

The institute also hosted welcome ceremony for new colleagues: Mr. Jigme Rangdrel (FO), formerly of Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park; Mr. Lam Norbu (Dy. CFO), formerly of the Divisional Forest Office, Trashigang; and two new supporting staff members, Mr. Amit Kumar Rai (Librarian) and Mr. Kuenzang Gyeltshen (Driver).

The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony, tea, and a photo session.

UWIFoRT warmly welcomes all new staff members to the family and wishes the interns the very best in their future endeavours