The training was facilitated by John Morrison, Director of Conservation Planning and Measures, WWF US  ©Tandin / WWF-Bhutan

WWF-Bhutan successfully organized a week-long training on the Conservation Standards Planning Process, held from 20-24 October in Paro. The workshop brought together 19 officials from the Department of Forests and Park Services (DoFPS) to strengthen their skills in strategic conservation planning and adaptive management.

Facilitated by John Morrison, Director of Conservation Planning and Measures at WWF US and Global Coordinator of the Conservation Coaches Network (CCNet), the training introduced participants to internationally recognized frameworks and tools for effective conservation project design and management.

Through interactive sessions and group exercises, participants enhanced their competencies in strategic planning, project development, adaptive management, and stakeholder engagement.

By the end of the training, participants were equipped to: ​

• Develop strategic and area management plans for conservation programs
• Design and implement robust conservation projects
• Conduct situational analyses and developing comprehensive Theory of Change
• Strengthen adaptive management and monitoring practices

Sonam Dema, one of the participants, shared her experience:

“The introduction to Conservation Standards was eye-opening – it helps us apply learning into real project development and strengthen our capacity to think strategically.”

Another participant, Karma Chorten Dhendup, added:

“The Theory of Change was particularly useful. If we had this training earlier, I would have applied it in developing project proposals. I plan to use these insights and facilitation tips in our future work.”