https://programs.wcs.org/laos RSS feeds for WCS Lao PDR 60 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24580/Celebrating-the-Successes-of-ECILL-Collaborative-Action-for-Protected-Areas.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=24580 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24580&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24580/Celebrating-the-Successes-of-ECILL-Collaborative-Action-for-Protected-Areas.aspx The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, together with the European Union (EU), the Embassy of France to Lao PDR, and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) celebrated the success of the Ecosystem Conservation through Integrated Landscape Management (ECILL) Project. The project closing ceremony, held in Vientiane, was chaired by Vice Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, H.E. Mr Kikeo Singnavong, EU Ambassador to Lao PDR, H.E. Mr Mark Gallagher, Deputy Head of the Embassy of France to Lao PDR, Mr Alain Perrier, and attended by representatives from the Government of Laos, the EU, French Development Agency (AFD), WCS, and NPA Managers. Since its start in March 2020, the ECILL project has aimed to reduce current rates of biodiversity and habitat loss by adopting a holistic approach to landscape management. ECILL works to ensure the security of Lao PDR's forests and biodiversity, and to assist rural communities in sustainably managing their natural resources. The project is located in three priority landscapes of high biodiversity, ecosystem services, and natural capital value: (1) the Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park, (2) the Integrated Ecosystem and Wildlife Management Landscape in Bolikhamxay Province, and (3) the Xe Champhone Ramsar Wetlands in Savannakhet Province. The ECILL project, worth a total of €6.8 million, has been co-funded by the European Union and the Agence Française de Développement and implemented by WCS Lao PDR in joint efforts with the Lao government and local communities. Key achievements of the ECILL project include: Improved integrated protected area management and broader system-wide improvements in management effectiveness have been achieved with over 740,000 hectares of high biodiversity habitat, including forests, wetlands protected. Strengthened policy related to biodiversity conservation, forest, and wetland protection to support institutionalizing national protected area systems in Lao PDR. Established or expanded conservation enterprises that are climate-smart, linked to conservation outcomes that deliver economic benefits for communities, including community-based tourism and environment-friendly sustainable agriculture. Speaking at the closing ceremony, H.E. Mr Kikeo Singnavong, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Forestry said: “I thank the EU, AFD and WCS for their long-lasting partnership and efforts in contributing to these key successes to preserve Lao PDR’s unique forests and biodiversity. ECILL’s achievements are a testament of our shared commitments to conservation and biodiversity goals. We hope we can continue our positive engagement and collaboration after the ECILL project”. The Ambassador to the European Union in Lao PDR, H.E. Mr Mark Gallagher mentioned: “Over the past 5 years, the ECILL project has been instrumental in piloting a collaborative and holistic approach, to strengthen the security of the country’s forests and ecosystems, safeguarding the unique and rich biodiversity of Lao PDR, while creating sustainable opportunities for local communities.” “I would like to express profound gratitude to all our partners, including the Department of Forestry, the provincial authorities, the French Development Agency, and the Wildlife Conservation Society. Your dedication and support have been crucial to reaching our collective goals. Our gratitude also extends to the local communities and stakeholders who have embraced and participated in this initiative. Your engagement and commitment have been vital to the project's success”, added Mr Mark Gallagher. The Deputy Head of the French Embassy, Mr. Alain Perrier, emphasized that France, through the French Development Agency, would continue to support the government's efforts to ensure that Laos' forests, wetlands, and biodiverse landscapes remain a source of sustainable development for the country and its communities. The ECILL closing ceremony was preceded by a meeting engaging National Protected Areas (NPAs) managers from the 26 NPAs and NGO partners to create a collaborative action for Protected Areas towards the Mining-Forest Nexus and to strengthen partnerships. The workshop’s objective was to brainstorm on how to support the full and effective implementation of Prime Ministerial Orders no. 06 and 11 and Protected Areas policies through better oversight of mining concessions, stronger environmental impact assessments, and more robust enforcement of forestry and land laws. ““The issuance of Prime Ministerial Orders No. 06 and No. 11 establishes a robust and timely policy framework for the conservation of Lao PDR’s most biologically significant protected areas—particularly those within the Annamite Mountains, limestone karst landscapes, and high-altitude ecosystems. These areas harbor unique flora and fauna, including numerous endemic species found nowhere else in the world, thus reaffirming the vision of H.E. Kaisone Phomvihane, who described the forests of Lao PDR as ‘green gold.’ These protected landscapes may rightfully be considered the country’s most valuable ecological assets—its ‘green gold’ or natural diamonds. The Orders clearly underscore the urgent need to strengthen law enforcement, enhance governance, and fully integrate forest and environmental protection into national development strategies. The ECILL initiative has demonstrated that effective forest and environmental governance is not only feasible but also achievable when supported by strong political commitment, coordinated institutional efforts, and strategic policy coherence,” stated Dr. Somvang Phimmavong, Director General of the Department of Forestry. ECILL has supported and influenced key policy dialogues in natural resource management, providing both technical and financial contributions. By strategically engaging in high-level dialogues, ECILL has strengthened Laos’ standing in biodiversity conservation, ensuring continued political commitment beyond the ECILL project. As ECILL is closing, the established frameworks, strengthened institutional capacities, and multi-stakeholder partnerships will ensure that conservation remains a central pillar of Laos’ national agenda, paving the way for sustained environmental and economic benefits. The closing ceremony was attended by 70 people from the Department of Forestry of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Protected Area Management Sections, representative of the Government of Lao PDR at the national and subnational levels, the Embassy of France to Lao PDR, the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the European Union Delegation (EU), the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and development partners. jmauer@wcs.org Mon, 19 May 2025 06:39:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24580 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/22230/Lao-PDR-celebrates-World-Wildlife-Day-2024.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=22230 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=22230&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/22230/Lao-PDR-celebrates-World-Wildlife-Day-2024.aspx World Wildlife Day was celebrated this year under the theme ‘Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation’ and brought together the Department of Forestry from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the European Union Delegation to Lao PDR, the Embassy of France to Lao PDR, Wildlife Conservation Society and conservation partners, the Working Group 15.7 on Combating Wildlife Crime and students at the National University of Laos in Vientiane. People around the world rely on wildlife and biodiversity-based resources to meet their needs - from food, to fuel, medicines, housing, and clothing. Nearly half of the world’s population is directly dependent on natural resources for their livelihoods, with 70% of the world’s poor living in rural areas and depending directly on biodiversity for their survival and well-being. To enjoy the benefits and the beauty that nature brings to humans and the planet, people have been working together to ensure ecosystems are able to thrive and plant and animal species are able to exist for generations to come. Lao PDR is recognized as a unique biodiversity hotspot and is home to some of the world’s biologically richest and most endangered terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and species. However, its exceptional biodiversity is declining due to climate change, illegal wildlife trade, hunting, and poaching coupled with high rates of deforestation causing fragmentation and loss of habitats. "As you may be aware that Lao PDR is a natural resource-rich country, both on land and in water. There are more than 1000 species of wild animals, especially the rare and endangered wild animals, such as Saola, Asian rock rats, Asian elephants, tigers, Eld’s deers, Irrawaddy Dolphin and other species. These wild animals are important for preserving the intactness of forest, the balance of the ecosystem, and are precious natural heritages of our nation, Lao PDR", said Associate Prof Dr Somvang Phimmavong, Director General of the Forestry Department.                                              This year’s World Wildlife Day focuses on digital innovations that are transforming the way we safeguard our invaluable ecosystems and biodiversity.  It is a global platform to explore sustainable solutions to address threats to wildlife. New tools such as SMART patrol, drones, GIS, and maps are helping conservationists to identify, locate and monitor wildlife and critical species in forests and protected areas and wetlands, thus making wildlife conservation easier, more accurate, and efficient. “In the Lao PDR, the Government is taking bold steps in the right direction, with the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2016 – 2025, the forest Law voted in 2019, the protected area decree adopted in June 2023, the Decree on wetlands, the CITES decree under revision, the protected area roadmap in the drafting process. Through enhanced protection of its ecosystems, Laos actively participates in the national and global biodiversity conservation”, said Mrs. Ina Marčiulionytė, EU Ambassador to Lao PDR. “We are very proud to fund the Ecosystem Conservation through Integrated Landscape Management in Lao PDR (ECILL) implemented by the Wildlife Conservation Society in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. This project, builds on field experience in Nam Et-Phou Louey, Nam Kading, Phou Si Thon Endangered Species Conservation Area, and Xe Champhone wetlands, to reflex and feed the policy development process, integrating field experience and lessons learnt”, added Mrs. Ina Marčiulionytė, EU Ambassador to Lao PDR. French Ambassador Siv-Leng Chhuor echoed the EU Ambassador by saying: “I place emphasis the Protected Areas Decree adopted in June 2023, an ambitious text and a bold step for biodiversity protection in Laos, which was draft with inputs from the ECILL project, co-financed by AFD and the European Union and which we hope will be operationalized in the coming months and years. Despite today's celebrations, we must remain vigilant in the face of threats to biodiversity and we encourage the Government of Lao PDR to pursue these efforts and continue now with the implementation of these legislations.” Through various panel discussions with conservation organizations and experts, the event aimed to raise awareness among students of various faculties and colleges about the latest applications of digital technologies in wildlife conservation and the impact of digital interventions on ecosystems and communities.  Exhibition booths by conservation partners and educational institutions showcased technological innovation, tools, and services to drive wildlife conservation and human-wildlife coexistence, and highlighted the contributions made to sustainability, wildlife and biodiversity conservation in Lao PDR. World Wildlife Day is celebrated every year on March 3rd to connect people with the natural world and inspire continued learning and action for animals and plants. The event was attended by over 250 people and was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry with the support of the Working Group 15.7 on combating illegal wildlife trade and trafficking. jmauer@wcs.org Mon, 04 Mar 2024 02:02:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:22230 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/19409/Signing-Ceremony-for-Memorandum-of-Understanding-Nam-Et-Phou-Louey-National-Park.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=19409 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=19409&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/19409/Signing-Ceremony-for-Memorandum-of-Understanding-Nam-Et-Phou-Louey-National-Park.aspx On Thursday January 26th, 2023, the Department of Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry represented by Deputy Director General, PhD. Somvang Phimmavong, Deputy Director General and the Wildlife Conservation Society represented by Country Director, PhD. Santi Saypanya signed their sixth Memorandum of Understanding for Nam Et – Phou Louey National Park Management at the Provincial Finance Office in Luang Prabang in front of government officials from Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry, Provincial offices and WCS staff. With an area of 401,720 hectares, Nam Et - Phou Louey National Park is the largest of Laos’ protected areas, covering 10 districts and three provinces. Nam Et - Phou Louey National Park is home to many critical species and diverse carnivore species with at least four felid species (Clouded Leopard Neofelis nebulosa, Asian Golden Cat Catopuma temminckii, Marbled Cat Pardofelis marmorata, and Leopard Cat Prionailurus bengalensis), an Endangered wild dog species (Dhole Cuon alpinus), and highest density of two bear species (Asiatic Black Bear Ursus thibetanus and Sun Bear Helarctos malayanus). Nam Et Phou Louey National Park is home to more than 300 bird species, and one of the largest populations of a Critically Endangered species of gibbons (Northern White- cheeked Gibbon Nomascus leucogeny) , which can only be found in Vietnam and Lao PDR. The MoU signing is key to the continued collaboration and protection of Nam Et – Phou Louey National Park to jointly implement the approved 10-year Management Plan and 5-year Action Plan. Nam Et Phou Louey National Park was established in 1993. Its protection started in 2003 with the Wildlife Conservation Society began collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and by 2006 the first Totally Protected Zone was established. In 2007, the first ranger substation was built, and outreach and livelihood support programs started; in 2010, the first tourism product, the Nam Nern Night Safari, was launched; and in 2019 Nam Et Phou Louey National Park was declared the first National Park of Lao PDR by the Prime Minister. The Nam Et Phou Louey National Park was created to manage and protect the environment, forest, forest resources, watershed, aquatic and wildlife species; to conserve the natural beauty, historical artifacts, culture for recreational use, and scientific research to contributing to the improvement of livelihoods of the peoples and the socio-economic development through green and sustainable growth. Nam Et - Phou Louey National Park is sustainably administered and collaborates with the guardian villages of the landscape, a supportive guardian villages population aware and convinced of the interest of the park which receive equitable benefits from sustainable tourism and other income streams generated by the park. Nam Et - Phou Louey National Park continues to provide a growing contribution to the country's socio economic, cultural development and to global biodiversity. WCS would like to thank all our donors who helped to make this possible; the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the European Union, IUCN SOS, US Bureau of International Narcotics & Law Enforcement, US Fish and Wildlife, World Bank, and the Darwin Initiative. jmauer@wcs.org Thu, 26 Jan 2023 03:26:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:19409