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.