The Royal Society for Protection of Nature conducts an annual retreat program for its employees, in a different location each year. It allows RSPN staff to participate together in making decisions and to share and debate productively on issues and new resolutions related to field and office affairs.  When we all get together, every moment becomes an opportunity for a brainstorm!. It was conducted from 26th to 30th January, 2009 in Punakha.

It is essential for employees working in an environmental and research organization to know the basic terminology, methods, and skills of science.  Furthermore, project reports and proposals are very important for civil society employees to communicate with each other, the public, donors, and stakeholders.  Consequently, RSPN’s 2009 retreat focused on basic statistics and writing skill development with help from an expatriate volunteer with RSPN, Andrew Bennett. 

Although the duration for skills training was only two days, it covered important topics that are essential for people new to the research, and gave new insight for old hands.  With practical exercises, the staff honed their writing style, and much confusion over numbers was dispelled through group discussions.

To cool down after these brainy days, the staff blew off steam bird watching, playing volleyball, and taking in the local archery matches coinciding with the ‘Traditional Day of Offering’.  On the final day of the retreat, we especially enjoyed a day hike to Kabji Hokatsho lake.  The lake is a truly magnificent work of nature.  We appreciated the trees, birds, and mountain vistas on the way up, and on the way down all were actively involved picking up the trashes which littered the trail and its beautiful surroundings.