Sikkim’s bird guide training program concludes successfully at IHCAE Chemchey
Over the course of the program, trainees received both theoretical and practical instruction.
LOCAL
A 15-day-long training program titled "The Bird Guide Training, Advance Level II" concluded successfully today at the Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure and Eco Tourism (IHCAE) in Chemchey, Namchi District. Organized by the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim, the training program was aimed at equipping participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to become certified bird guides in the region.
The closing ceremony was attended by several key officials, including Shri Rajiv Rai, Administrator of IHCAE Chemchey, Shri Manoj Kr. Chettri, Deputy Director of Adventure, and Ms. Lamin Theeng, Deputy Director of the Namchi office of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department. They were joined by resource persons, instructors, and staff members from Namchi Tourism Information Centre (TIC) and IHCAE.
Over the course of the program, trainees received both theoretical and practical instruction. The field trips were a significant highlight, with participants traveling to various locations such as Chemchey, Tendong, Mainam, Lappanchar Rongtong, Singhik, and Yumthang. During these trips, the trainees observed and identified over 251 species of birds, enhancing their understanding of local wildlife and ecosystems.
Resource persons including Dr. Peter Lobo, Shri Chewang Bonpo, and Shri Dibyendu Ash praised the initiative, noting that this program is one of the first of its kind in the country. The program is part of the "SIKKIM INSPIRES" initiative, which aims to promote sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation in the state.
The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department has made history by producing the first batch of 21 certified bird guides. These newly trained guides will be issued log books and will be required to upload their daily and weekly checklists to the bird guiding app, eBird.org, as part of their ongoing certification process. This initiative ensures that the guides maintain high standards and stay engaged with the latest developments in bird watching and conservation.