Salem, Massachusetts – September 1, 2009 – The School for Field Studies (SFS) is honored to accept an invitation by the government of Bhutan to operate a summer education and research program in this Eastern Himalayan nation. The Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment (UWICE) will host the six-week SFS program at their facilities in Bumthang District in June of 2010.

Bhutan, a landlocked kingdom nestled in the Himalaya Range and bordered by India and the People’s Republic of China, used to be known as one of the world’s most isolated countries. Throughout the last decade, the primarily Buddhist nation has experienced significant political reform and modernization programs while selectively opening its borders. In 2008, the Bhutanese government shifted from a monarchy to a constitutional democracy, opening the door for devolution of authority over natural resources to regional offices and communities. Since the majority of the population resides in rural areas, sustainable management of natural resources is critical for achieving the dual goals of poverty alleviation and biodiversity conservation.

UWICE is a government research and training institution whose mission is to serve as a center for research, policy dialogue, and training in the fields of conservation and environmental sciences. Contributing to SFS dual mission of education and reciprocity with our hosts, SFS students will conduct research in several areas identified as research priorities for UWICE. These include community and private forest management, the role of non-timber forest products in rural livelihood, human-wildlife conflict in agricultural areas, and pollution of fields and waterways. Bhutan has been identified as one of the ten biodiversity hot spots in the world and is home to an astonishing variety of medicinal plants and orchids as well snow leopard, golden langur, blue sheep, tiger, and elephant.

Read Program Details

About The School for Field Studies
We are the nation’s oldest and largest environmental study abroad program, combining hands-on environmental studies with scientific research to develop sustainable solutions to critical environmental problems. SFS students work with communities in developing nations to discover practical ways to manage their natural resources. In the process, SFS students undergo a transformational experience that assists them in advancing their careers as skilled professionals and globally aware citizens.

Previous Page    Back to Headquarters    Next Page