Announcement

3rd TRAINING COURSE ON CONSERVATION OF HERITAGE BUILDINGS

Start date: 5th May 2025

End date: 10th June 2025

Deadline to apply: 18 April 2025 (for Private Architects and Engineers only)

Place: Kawajangsa and Pangrizampa, Thimphu

Background:

Bhutan faces a shortage of skilled heritage professionals with experience in managing and conserving heritage buildings. Currently, the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development is responsible for executing large-scale conservation projects for heritage buildings of special importance. However, smaller-scale conservation works in the Dzongkhags are often outsourced to community or local contractors who lack experience and expertise in heritage conservation. This has led to irreversible damage and loss of valuable heritage sites.

At the same time, many technical firms and professionals in the market are interested in working in this field, but their direct engagement remains inappropriate, as heritage conservation is a specialized discipline requiring specific skillsets and knowledge. Unlike conventional construction, heritage conservation involves intricate methods and a deep understanding of traditional materials and techniques.

To bridge this gap, the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development initiated a structured training program on heritage building conservation during the 12th Five-Year Plan (FYP). The first batch of this program successfully trained 10 professionals, including 5 engineers and 5 architects, while the second batch trained 8 professionals, comprising 4 engineers and 4 architects. This capacity-building program aims to equip private-sector professionals with the necessary expertise to approach conservation projects appropriately and effectively.

Furthermore, the Department has started engaging the private sector from the 13th Five-Year Plan with the Dechenphodrang Redevelopment Project serving as a pilot project. The Department has several projects lined up for outsourcing, and professionals trained in this field will play a crucial role in these upcoming outsourced projects. To ensure high-quality execution and prevent further degradation of heritage sites, it is crucial to establish a structured platform where technical professionals can acquire and enhance their skills in conservation practices. This initiative will contribute to the professionalization of heritage experts and introduce a more holistic approach to implementing conservation projects in Bhutan.

Overview of the training program:

As part of its efforts to build capacity in heritage conservation, the Department is launching the third iteration of its annual training program on the conservation of heritage buildings. This initiative is one of the key programs aimed at equipping private-sector professionals with specialized knowledge and skills required for heritage conservation. The program serves as a prerequisite for professionals wishing to engage in conservation works and contributes to the broader goal of fostering a skilled workforce in this field. Upon completion of this Level I Certificate course, participants will have the opportunity to pursue further training, ultimately leading to recognition as heritage managers and experts.

Course Program

The course curriculum is designed as part of the Department’s annual training initiative to build the capacity of private professionals in heritage conservation. As the third sequence of this program, the training will introduce participants to fundamental principles and methodologies for conserving heritage sites. National experts from the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development, along with international specialists, will deliver lectures covering best practices in heritage conservation. The course is structured into nine interconnected sessions that align with the conservation process, incorporating classroom lectures, work sessions, on-site studies, discussions, and field visits to ongoing conservation projects under the Department. This hands-on approach ensures that trainees gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience essential for working on Bhutan’s heritage buildings.

Course fees(for private architects and engineers only):

Each selected participant must bear the course fee of Nu. 30,000.00 (Thirty Thousand Only), which must be paid to the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development within five days from the date of the selection announcement. Failure to make the payment within the given deadline will result in disqualification, and the slot will be offered to the next candidate in line.

The course fee will cover expenses such as lunch, tea and snacks, and travel costs during the training. Additionally, it will be used for procuring stationery and other miscellaneous items required for the training program.

Participants:

The course is designed for a maximum of 14 participants (7 architects and 7 civil engineers). It is open to private technical professionals (architects and engineers) who hold a Bachelor's degree in Architecture or a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.

Requirement for application:

Please submit the following documents to apply to this training program:

Portfolio (A complete professional curriculum vitae).
Academic certificate (valid CDB certificate for Architects only) and transcripts, copy of the Citizenship ID and valid security clearance.
Statement of Purpose- motivation for the attendance of the training course (maximum of 300 words).

Certification Criteria:

To get certificate of the training program, the participant should fulfill all the following conditions:

1. Full attendance of the lecture series.

2. Feild visit report submission

3. Final presentation:

Application deadline (for private architects and engineers only)

Applications must be received by the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development by 18 April 2025 to ensure inclusion in the selection process.

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