(above- Ms. Denise with a group) A four day training on how different tools can be used for communicating information and messages on Food and Nutritional Security has begun from 22nd December 2009 for a period of four days at Kuenphen Technologies in Thimphu. The Resource Persons are Ms. Judith Appleton and Ms. Denise Melvin. The participants numbering around 25 include stakeholders from the Royal Government of Bhutan and the private media such as the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), the Ministry of Health, the Gross National Happiness Commission, Bhutan Observer and the Bhutan Broadcasting Service.

Ms. Appleton listening to a group's comments

The training is a component of the Food and Agriculture Organisation Multi-Donor Partnership Programme (FAOMPP) of the Food Security and Nutrition Communication Plan Mission. One of the objectives of the training is to increase awareness among the general public including policy makers and the international development community working in Bhutan on project activities and the status of food and nutrition security in Bhutan and best practices for improving food and nutrition security. The other objective is to build national capacities to communicate information on food and nutrition secirity.

FAO Resource Persons Ms. Judith Appleton and Ms. Denise Melvin

Upon completion of this training a FSN Communication Strategy and Plan of Action will be drafted and sent to the stakeholders for feedback and comments after which the draft will be finalised after review and incorporation of the comments.

- with RGOB counterparts Tashi Jamtsho, PPD, MoA and Motiraj Gurung, ICS, MoA