Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forestry Research and Training

03/08/2026

UWIFoRT Celebrates World Ranger Day 2026 with Theme “Guardians of a Changing Planet”
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The Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forestry Research and Training (UWIFoRT) commemorated 20 years of World Ranger Day 2026 at Madanjeet Hall, bringing together staff and trainees to honour the dedication and sacrifice of rangers worldwide.

The celebration commenced with the offering of butter lamps, followed by Zhabten prayers for His Majesty the 5th Druk Gyalpo. The program featured a keynote presentation on the significance of World Ranger Day, reflecting this year’s global theme, “Rangers: Guardians of a Changing Planet,” which highlights the evolving and increasingly complex role of rangers in protecting biodiversity and responding to environmental challenges. One of the slides spoke volumes:

“People may never know your name. But they will benefit from the forests you protect, the wildlife you conserve, the rivers you safeguard, and the future you help secure”

A key highlight of the event was the official launch of the UWIFoRT YouTube channel, alongside the screening of a documentary on Bhutanitis ludlowii, Bhutan’s national butterfly. The documentary showcased the institute's commitment to conservation and research on this endangered species.

The celebration continued with vibrant cultural performances presented by both trainees and staff, fostering a spirit of unity and shared purpose. The day concluded with a joint lunch program for all attendees.

World Ranger Day is observed annually on July 31 to recognize the vital contributions of rangers and remember those who have lost their lives or been injured in the line of duty. UWIFoRT’s celebration underscored its dedication to conservation, education, and the training of Bhutan’s future forestry leaders.

31/07/2026

🎉 Our institute’s official YouTube channel is now live! 🎉

On this World Ranger Day, we’re proud to launch our channel with a special tribute video honoring the dedication, courage, and commitment of rangers everywhere. 🌿💚

Please take a moment to watch, subscribe, like, and share our channel through the QR code here. Your support will help us reach more people and spread awareness about forestry, conservation, and the incredible work of our rangers.

Thank you for being part of this journey! 🙏

16/07/2026

UWIFoRT Celebrates Promotion of Three Officials ****************************************************
The Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forestry Research and Training (UWIFoRT) held a promotion ceremony on 15th July, 2026, to honour three officials of the Institute on their recent promotion.
Led by the Head of the Institute along with senior specialists, UWIFoRT officials gathered at the Hall of Commons to mark the occasion. The ceremony began with a cake-cutting session, followed by the conferring of ceremonial scarves to each of the promoted officials by the Senior Specialist, symbolizing recognition of their dedication and contribution to the Institute.
In his remarks, the Head of UWIFoRT congratulated the three officials on their well-deserved promotion, commending their hard work and commitment, and encouraged them to continue contributing to the Institute's mission in forestry research and training.
The ceremony reflected the collegial spirit of UWIFoRT and reaffirmed the Institute's commitment to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of its staff.

02/07/2026

UWIFoRT Welcomes and Orients the 17th Batch of NCIII Forestry Trainees
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Following the successful graduation of the 16th Batch, the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forestry Research and Training (UWIFoRT) is pleased to welcome 40 new trainees:14 female and 26 males, for the National Certificate III (NCIII) Forestry Course. This intensive one-year program will run until 30th June 2027.

To mark the commencement of their academic journey, the institute conducted a comprehensive orientation program. The new cohort was officially welcomed by the Officiating Head Specialist and faculty members, followed by detailed briefings on the course curriculum, institute mandates, and campus rules and regulations. The program concluded with introduction to staff, an interactive campus familiarization tour and the election of student office bearers, ensuring the trainees are well-prepared to integrate into life at Lamai Goempa.

This new cohort joins the institute at a critical juncture. The Department of Forests and Park Services currently faces a vital manpower shortage in the field. Upon completing their training, these individuals are expected to bring much-needed dynamic energy and professional support across 14 Divisional Forest Offices, as well as 10 National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Strict Nature Reserves.

29/06/2026

16th Batch Graduates: Step Forward as Guardians of Our Forests!
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A momentous day at the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forestry Research and Training (UWIFoRT)! Today, we proudly celebrate the graduation of our 16th Batch of Foresters!
After a rigorous, year-long journey of intensive field training, academic coursework, and thorough assessments, 40 dedicated trainees (30 males and 10 females) have successfully earned their National Certificate Level III (NC-III), officially certified by Bhutan Qualifications and Professionals Certificate Authority (BQPCA).
We are deeply honored and grateful that the graduation ceremony was graced by the esteemed Dasho Dzongda of Bumthang Dzongkhag Administration as our Chief Guest, alongside the regional heads of Bumthang. The significance of the event was further elevated by the esteemed presence of the Chief Forestry Officers (CFOs) from Wangchuck Centennial National Park, Phrumsengla National Park, and Officiating CFO from the Bumthang Divisional Forest Office. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our distinguished guests for their valuable presence, inspiring encouragement, and enduring support for our institute and the future of forestry in Bhutan.
These bright, skilled professionals are now ready to take on the noble responsibility of conserving Bhutan's rich natural heritage. As their next step, the graduates will head to the Department of Forests and Park Services (DoFPS) to undergo their formal Viva Voce assessment.
Please join us in sending our warmest congratulations and best wishes to the 16th Batch as they prepare for their viva and embark on their vital careers in conservation!

22/06/2026

22/06/2026

Workshop on Question Bank Development and Competency-Based Assessment and Certification for BQF NC Forester Trainees
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UWIFoRT is currently conducting a competency-based assessment for 40 BQF NC 3 Forester trainees, who have completed 1 year of training under the BQF curriculum and standards at the institute. This training period at the institute included practical On-the-Job Training (OJT) attachments across various Divisions and Protected Areas (PA) under the Department, along with classes within the campus and field trips. In preparation for the final evaluation, a question bank development workshop was held from June 17–21, June, in collaboration with BQPCA and with the support of the DFO, Bumthang. The theory and practical assessments, which will determine certification, officially begin today till June 26. The institute extends our sincere gratitude to the BQPCA team and the DFO, Bumthang, for their ongoing support, and wishes all trainees the very best of luck.

22/06/2026

New National Records- Addition to the Flora of Bhutan. Heartfelt Gratitude to the Author/s

19/06/2026

Data Processing Workshop on Mochhu Free-Flowing Project Kicks Off at UWIFoRT
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A data processing workshop on the Mochhu Free-Flowing Project (MFFP) commenced today at the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forestry Research and Training (UWIFoRT) and will run until June 25, 2026.
As part of the MFFP, the UWIFoRT team, supported by field offices, has been systematically collecting data over the past six months. Field activities included the installation of camera traps, social surveys, and comprehensive biodiversity assessments, generating a rich dataset spanning the Mochhu Basin. Data collected covers socio-economic conditions, ecosystem services and their valuation, biodiversity composition, and freshwater parameters.
The workshop brings together 31 officials (24 male and 7 female) from UWIFoRT and various field offices. Its primary objective is to compile, clean, and organise the collected datasets in preparation for further analysis and report writing.
The workshop is funded by the Bhutan for Life Project.

10/06/2026

Selected Candidates for enrollment in the one year Forestry Course at UWIFoRT (2026-27)
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The Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forestry Research and Training (UWIFoRT) is pleased to announce the list of 40 candidates selected for enrollment in the one-year Forestry Course at the Institute. All selected candidates are required to report to UWIFoRT, Lamai Goempa, Bumthang, on the evening of June 30, 2026.
View the selected candidates https://www.uwicer.gov.bt/news/202606101

The selected candidates are required to bring the following items when they report to the Institute:
1. Blanket
2. Bed sheets
3. Pillow
4. A bucket and jug
5. Plate and Mug
6. Umbrella/Rain coat
7. Sickle (girls)/Machete (boys)
8. Gumboot
9. Running shoe (sneaker)
10. Kabney/Rachu
11. Sleeping bag and sleeping mat
12. Tracksuit
13. Calculator (FX 82)

14. Games and Sports dress
15. Hard and soft broom (one number each)
16. Laptop (if available)
If any selected candidate/s wish to withdraw from the certificate course or for any academic-
related queries, please contact 17807194 before 30th June 2026. On arrival at UWIFoRT, Lamai
Goempa, Bumthang, please notify the following officials;
1. Mr. Namgay Shacha, Sr. Forestry Officer (Program Coordinator)
2. Ms. Tenzin Wangmo, Forestry Officer
3. Mr. Gyeltshen, Forest Ranger
4. Mr. Lham Dorji, PTI