https://programs.wcs.org/laos RSS feeds for WCS Lao PDR 60 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/25837/Signing-Ceremony-for-Memorandum-of-Understanding--Guardians-of-Lao-Nature-between-the-Ministry-of-Agriculture-and-Environment-and-the-Wildlife-Conservation-Society-Lao-PDR.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=25837 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=25837&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/25837/Signing-Ceremony-for-Memorandum-of-Understanding--Guardians-of-Lao-Nature-between-the-Ministry-of-Agriculture-and-Environment-and-the-Wildlife-Conservation-Society-Lao-PDR.aspx Dr. Somvang Phimmavong, Director General of Department of Forestry, opened with thanks “on behalf of the Government, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the European Union for its continuous assistance and support. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to the Wildlife Conservation Society Lao PDR for being a reliable and committed development partner. I look forward to our continued cooperation and shared success in the future.” The MoU signing was co-chaired by Dr. Somvang Phimmavong, Director General of Department of Forestry, Ambassador H.E. Mark Gallagher, the European Union and Santi Saypanya, Country Director of Wildlife Conservation Society Lao PDR, in the presence of representatives from Central, Provincial and District Government, the European Union Delegation, and the Wildlife Conservation Society. The Guardians of Lao Nature project is a partnership between the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Sustainable Agriculture and Environment Development Association (SAEDA) in joint efforts with the Lao government and local communities to establish strong civil society networks directly engaging in co-management of protected areas and protecting Lao biodiversity, forest ecosystems and wetlands. The European Union Ambassador H.E. Mark Gallagher emphasized “through this project, communities will be empowered to become true stewards of their environment. By strengthening civil society, enhancing co-management capacities, and fostering dialogue, Guardians of Lao Nature promotes a model where conservation, livelihoods, and local governance reinforce one another. It will also raise awareness and communicate more effectively the value of nature for the future of Lao PDR.” At the heart of the program is the Forest Development Village model, a nationally recognized framework under the new Protected Area Decree of the Forestry Law that empowers local communities living within or adjacent to conservation areas, to work directly with Protected Area and wetland authorities to protect forests, wildlife, and natural resources. “Forest Development Villages show that when communities are empowered as stewards of nature, both people and ecosystems benefit” explained Santi Saypanya, Country Director of Wildlife Conservation Society Lao PDR. The three year project will strengthen the role of civil society organizations in forest and natural resource management through the structure and networks of Forest Development Villages, improve participatory protected area and wetland management by enhancing the capacity of social networks to directly develop and implement village-level forest management plans and enable civil society organizations to contribute to national policy development on land and resource tenure, forest, protected area and wetland management. jmauer@wcs.org Fri, 23 Jan 2026 04:27:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:25837 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/24300/A-Bold-Step-for-Nature-Laos-Moves-Toward-Sustainable-Mining-Reform.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=24300 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24300&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24300/A-Bold-Step-for-Nature-Laos-Moves-Toward-Sustainable-Mining-Reform.aspx WCS Lao PDR applauds the Lao Government for taking bold and timely action to safeguard the country's rivers, forests, and irreplaceable biodiversity. The issuance of Prime Minister's Order No. 06/PM, dated 7 March 2025, marks a major turning point in Laos' efforts to strengthen environmental governance and ensure that natural resource use benefits both people and nature. This landmark policy introduces transformative reforms to curb unsustainable mining practices, enforce environmental safeguards, and align the mining sector with Laos' conservation priorities and sustainable development goals. What's New? •⁠  ⁠Permanent nationwide ban on alluvial gold extraction-including gravel and sand suction used for gold recovery-long linked to riverbank erosion, water pollution, and aquatic habitat degradation. •⁠  ⁠Suspension of new metallic mineral project approvals until the end of the current government term. •⁠  ⁠Stronger inspection, monitoring, and legal enforcement to tackle illegal and environmentally harmful mining operations. •⁠  ⁠Mandatory ecological restoration of mining sites before land is returned to the state, ensuring degraded ecosystems are repaired. •⁠  ⁠Greater transparency and public participation in concession processes and environmental monitoring. Why it matters for conservation: This Order closes critical loopholes that have put forests, freshwater ecosystems, and wildlife habitats at risk. It represents a bold step toward: •⁠  ⁠Protecting biodiversity in ecologically sensitive and forested landscapes •⁠  ⁠Restoring degraded ecosystems and strengthening ecological resilience •⁠  ⁠Safeguarding essential ecosystem services for communities and wildlife •⁠  ⁠Enhancing accountability and rule of law in natural resource governance •⁠  ⁠Attracting responsible, conservation compatible investment WCS Lao PDR stands ready to support the Government of Lao PDR in turning this policy into action-through science-based guidance, technical expertise, and inclusive multi-stakeholder engagement. Together, we can generate momentum for a shift toward biodiversity-compatible mining in the forested landscapes of Laos, ensuring the country's natural wealth is preserved for generations to come. Full order in Lao Unofficial Translation by WCS jmauer@wcs.org Wed, 09 Apr 2025 04:02:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24300 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24577/Lao-PDR-celebrates-National-and-World-Wildlife-Day-2025.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=24577 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24577&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24577/Lao-PDR-celebrates-National-and-World-Wildlife-Day-2025.aspx National and World Wildlife Day was celebrated in Vientiane and presented the outcomes of the 78th meeting of the Standing Committee of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which took place in Geneva, Switzerland, last February. The event brought together the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the European Union (EU) Delegation to Lao PDR, the Wildlife Conservation Society and conservation partners, the Working Group 15.7 on Combating Wildlife Crime, the private sector, the National University of Laos and secondary schools from Vientiane. With over 1 million species estimated to be threatened with extinction globally and facing the intensifying triple planetary crisis (climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss), protecting wildlife and conserving ecosystems is more critical and urgent than ever. 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. “The legal framework and national policies in place to regulate and protect the forestry sector in Laos are set to fulfill Lao PDR’s international commitments under Multilateral Environmental Agreements and national goal to restoring forest cover to 70% and conserving 70% of its total land area as forest areas, stated Dr Chanthakhone Boualaphanh, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, during her opening remarks. Today, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, on behalf of the Government, together with international conservation organizations, jointly organized the National and World Wildlife Day celebration. It is aimed to disseminate laws and regulations to entrepreneurs, business people, youth, local communities, and everyone in the society, so they understand the enforcement consequences of illegal hunting and wildlife trafficking and the importance of protecting endangered wildlife for a healthy ecosystem and socio-economic stability”, Dr Chanthakhone added. Speaking at the event, Mr Mark Gallagher, EU Ambassador to Lao PDR said: “As we gather today to celebrate Laos’ National Wildlife Day, it is important to reflect on our shared responsibility in protecting the country’s unique and irreplaceable natural heritage. Over the years, we have seen remarkable progress in Laos’ policy reforms for protected areas and wildlife conservation, with the adoption of the Protected Area Decree and its Roadmap, the Wildlife Law, the Aquatic Animals and Fisheries Law, and the CITES Decree. These frameworks equip Laos with stronger legal tools to manage its biodiversity and meet international commitments. However, while setting the right policy frameworks is essential, it is not enough. Effective conservation requires strong enforcement. In-situ conservation of forests and wetlands must remain a priority – not only for wildlife habitat protection, but also for the well-being of communities that depend on these ecosystems. Team Europe remains fully committed to supporting the Government of Laos and all local stakeholders in protecting and sustainably managing the country’s rich biodiversity for future generations”. During the meeting, the revised Decree (June 2024) on Management of International Trade in Endangered Species of Aquatic Animals, Wild Animals, and Wild Plants was presented, as well as the implementation and results of law enforcement to combat illegal wildlife trade and foster international cooperation with neighbouring countries. Through the various exhibition booths animated by the Department of Forestry, conservation partners and educational institutions, the event highlighted the conservation efforts and the contributions made to sustainability, wildlife, and biodiversity conservation in Lao PDR. National and World Wildlife Day is celebrated every year on March 3rd to highlight the urgent need for global attention and action toward addressing the declining numbers of endangered species and the shrinking of their natural habitat. The event was attended by over 300 people and was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry with the support of the Ecosystem Conservation through Integrated Landscape Management in Laos (ECILL) project, co-funded by the European Union and the Agence Française de Développement and implemented by WCS Lao PDR.   jmauer@wcs.org Fri, 14 Mar 2025 04:24:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24577 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24196/Roadmap-for-operationalizing-the-new-Protected-Area-policies-in-managing-and-financing-National-Protected-Areas.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=24196 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24196&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24196/Roadmap-for-operationalizing-the-new-Protected-Area-policies-in-managing-and-financing-National-Protected-Areas.aspx First meeting of the Implementation Committee on the National Protected Areas Roadmap (NPA Roadmap) to outline the implementation process and establish a shared understanding. Following the endorsement of the Roadmap for National Protected Areas Management and Sustainable Financing (NPA Roadmap) on August 8, 2024, the NPA Roadmap Implementation Committee held its kick-off meeting on February 18–19 in Luang Namtha province, home to the ASEAN Heritage’s Nam Ha NPA. Chaired by Mr. Kikeo Singnavong, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Forestry and lead authority of the NPA Roadmap, the meeting brought together more than 70 key stakeholders, including protected area managers from all Laos’ 26 NPAs and conservation partners. Also in attendance were Ms. Cécile Leroy, representing the EU Delegation to Lao PDR to Lao PDR—one of the financiers of the roadmap’s development—and Ms. Manoly Sisavanh, Deputy Director of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), which provides technical assistance under the ‘Ecosystem Conservation through Integrated Landscape Management in Lao PDR’ (ECILL) project’. The NPA Roadmap is structured as a comprehensive three-year program, requiring US$3.5 million for collective implementation. It outlines the transition process into a new policy environment aimed at strengthening Laos’ NPA system to address the following priority policy goals: (1) Diversifying and empowering actors to protect and develop Laos’ forests. This includes supporting ‘Forest Development Villages’ with improved clarity about zones and land tenure. (2) Ensuring biodiversity no-net-loss when using forests such as applying concrete methods (i.e. Mitigation Hierarchy) to work with forest users to ensure their activities cause no net-loss of biodiversity and ecosystem value. (3) Enabling conservation-compatible businesses and improving compliance. This aims at proactively improving the investment environment for enterprises that support forest activities, and to ensure businesses are compliant with regulations and agreed plans effectively. (4) Improving sustainable financing for National Protected Areas. This entails pursuing multiple complementary strategies to increase access and stability to funds and financing mechanisms. The kick-off meeting of the NPA Roadmap Implementation Committee aims to establish a shared understanding among the Board, Advisors, Secretariat members, as well as potential Implementing Partners. As the Chair, Mr. Kikeo Singnavong, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Forestry opened with “Today’s meeting is very important for the various parties that will jointly implement this plan to discuss and understand what the four outcomes are and how each party will participate. This is key to ensure that the implementation of this management plan is highly efficient and effective and to aim for a systematic, strong, and unified management, conservation, development and implementation, including active cooperation from all relevant parties and local communities.”  During the meeting, the Protected Areas Decree (2023) and NPA Roadmap were presented, with a focus on the roadmap’s implementation plan to ensure a clear understanding among committee members, practitioners and stakeholders. Additionally, the NPA Roadmap Annual Workplan and Budget for 2025 were discussed in detail. The second day centered on the application of the Mitigation Hierarchy, identifying investment projects impacting NPAs or businesses operating within NPAs. Cecile Leroy, of the EU Delegation to Lao PDR provided opening remarks congratulating this  achievement,   “demonstrating its commitment to protect its natural assets, the EU would like to commend the government's move to protect the natural heritage with adopting bold new legislation during the few last years, especially with the adoption of the National Protected Area Decree back in June 2023, and subsequently by developing the roadmap for its implementation and financing that was adopted in August 2024, and more recently, in December, a committee was established to overview the implementation of the roadmap. So I'm very happy to see all of you this morning representing the local national protected area because your work in implementing this roadmap is really at the core of the success of Laos. Today is a great opportunity for taking stock of the recent policy development and for having a meaningful exchange on how to put this in motion.” The NPA Roadmap will enhance the Government of Lao PDR’s ownership in implementing its policies and vision in collaboration with partners and stakeholders. It serves as a strategic guide for the Protected Areas community to operationalize the PA policy agenda. Additionally, the roadmap provides a framework to align partner and stakeholder activities, ensuring consistency and synergy with national policy goals. The Government of Lao PDR therefore urges all partners and stakeholders to align their initiatives with the roadmap’s implementation. The Roadmap was developed with the technical support of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Lao PDR Program and financially supported by the European Union (EU) and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) under the ‘Ecosystem Conservation through Integrated Landscape management in Lao PDR’ (ECILL) project.   jmauer@wcs.org Thu, 20 Feb 2025 03:29:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24196 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24014/The-Wildlife-Conservation-Society-held-its-Steering-Committee-Meeting-to-review-the-implementation-of-the-Ecosystem-Conservation-through-Integrated-Landscape-Management-in-Lao-PDR-ECILL.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=24014 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24014&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24014/The-Wildlife-Conservation-Society-held-its-Steering-Committee-Meeting-to-review-the-implementation-of-the-Ecosystem-Conservation-through-Integrated-Landscape-Management-in-Lao-PDR-ECILL.aspx The Wildlife Conservation Society Lao PDR hosted the ‘Ecosystem Conservation through Integrated Landscape Management in Lao PDR’ (ECILL) project Steering Committee meeting co-chaired by Dr. Thoumthone Vongvisouk, Deputy Director General of the Department of Forestry, Ms. Veerle Smet, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Lao PDR, Mr. François-Xavier Duporge, Country Director of the Agence Française de Développement in Lao PDR and Dr. Santi Xaypanya, WCS Laos Country Director. The meeting aimed to update and review the project implementation progress and plans in the three landscapes: the Nam Et–Phou Louey National Park, Phou Sithone Endangered Species Conservation Area, and Nam Kading National Protected Area in Bolikhamxay province, and the Xe Champhone Ramsar Wetlands Complex in Savannakhet province. “I would like to thank the EU and AFD donors for their continued support in biodiversity protection in Lao PDR. I also take this opportunity to congratulate WCS and colleagues for successfully implementing the activities that will be pursued until the end of the project. We have made a lot of progress in the implementation of the ECILL project, which has provided major support to the Government of Lao PDR, including new policies and regulations”, expressed Dr. Thoumthone Vongvisouk, Deputy Director General of the Department of Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. “The ECILL Project is part of a broader EU program ‘Landscapes for Our Future’ which supports 22 projects across 19 countries with solutions to context-specific land-use challenges around food and nutrition security, climate change, and land/forest biodiversity. Great achievements have been made in Lao PDR, congratulations to the Government and WCS for the successful outcomes including policy achievements such as the revision of the CITES Decree, said Ms. Veerle Smet, Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to Lao PDR. Engagement with the private sector, particularly in the hydropower, agriculture and linear infrastructure sectors, is an important component to ensure that potential environmental impacts are effectively managed and mitigated. However, challenges remain to achieve No-Net-Loss for biodiversity through the mitigation hierarchy, a key approach to harmonizing conservation and development. Speaking at the meeting, Mr. François-Xavier Duporge, Country Director of the AFD in Lao PDR underlined the good results in implementing the activities, including advanced empowerment of local communities and strengthening of national environmental policies. “The implementation of the Protected Areas Roadmap in Year 5 will be key to ensuring sustainable management, governance, and financing of the Protected Areas. Still, some challenges remain, such as engagement with the private sector and deforestation”, Mr. François -Xavier added. After four years of implementation, the ECILL project was scheduled to end in March 2024. A 15-month extension until May 2025 was approved last year by donors to continue supporting ongoing efforts in biodiversity protection in the three priority landscapes and fulfill the project commitments to the Lao government, local communities, and donors. Launched in March 2020, 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 to protect the Lao PDR’s unique biodiversity and sustainable use of natural resources. The ECILL Steering Committee meeting took place on November 22nd 2024 in Vientiane and brought together 20 representatives from the Department of Forestry of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Bolikhamxay and Savannakhet Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office, the Department of Water Resources of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Protected Area Management Sections in Houaphan and Bolikhamxay, the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the European Union Delegation (EU) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). jmauer@wcs.org Fri, 22 Nov 2024 04:12:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/23737/High-Level-Dialogue-on-Biodiversity-Conservation-and-Impact-Mitigation-Policies-Held-with-Laos-National-Assembly-to-Support-Sustainable-Development.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=23737 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=23737&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/23737/High-Level-Dialogue-on-Biodiversity-Conservation-and-Impact-Mitigation-Policies-Held-with-Laos-National-Assembly-to-Support-Sustainable-Development.aspx The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, in cooperation with the Wildlife Conservation Society, presented the biodiversity conservation status and mitigation policies for Lao PDR’s forests and wildlife, as well as Multilateral Environmental Agreements, to National Assembly Members. This high-level meeting was chaired by H.E. Mme. Pingkham Lasasimma, President of the Economic, Technology, and Environment Committee of the National Assembly of Lao PDR and followed by her Vice President H.E. Mr. Maniso Xamounty and Dr Santi Saypanya, Country Director of WCS Lao PDR Program The meeting took place at the National Assembly of Lao PDR in Vientiane, , with the aim of enhancing Parliament members’ understanding of Laos’ forests and wildlife and on mitigation measures on biodiversity impacts caused by development or investment projects. Lao PDR is one of the most biodiverse countries in Southeast Asia, well-known for its rich biodiversity and endemic wildlife species. With 26 National Protected Areas and seven declared as ‘National Parks’, a category of higher protection, Lao PDR faces numerous challenges in the sustainable management of biodiversity and natural resource use. Main threats to conservation include climate change, illegal wildlife trade, hunting, and poaching coupled with high rates of deforestation, causing fragmentation and loss of habitats. Mme. Pingkham Lasasimma, remarked: "In recent years, Lao PDR has experienced rapid economic growth marked by increased investments in large infrastructure projects such as railways, roads and mining industries, alongside the expansion of natural resources use in areas such as hydropower, agriculture and forestry. These developments have impacted land use and forest cover, converting significant portions of forested land. Recognizing the value of these natural resources, Lao PDR has committed to a path of sustainable development through its Green Growth Strategy. We have enacted policies and laws—including the National Green Growth Strategy, Land Law, Forest Law, Wildlife Law, Aquatic Animal and Fishery Law, and a robust framework for Environmental Impact Assessment and Strategic Environmental Assessment. These policies serve as essential tools to protect our natural resources, mitigate investment impacts, conserve biodiversity, and safeguard ecosystem services for future generations."   The meeting focused on three key objectives: Provide an in-depth overview of Lao PDR’s forest systems, and international conservation frameworks, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and its significance for Lao PDR, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Ramsar Convention, and the Lao PDR Wildlife List. Enhance Awareness and Understanding on Integrated Landscape Management, a comprehensive framework that addresses conservation and sustainable land use by considering the interconnectedness of ecosystems, communities, and economic needs within protected area and wetland landscapes aiming at achieving sustainable development goals. Enhance environmental assessments and impact mitigation in investment and development projects, emphasizing the adoption of the ‘mitigation hierarchy’ to prevent and mitigate adverse impacts on biodiversity, aiming  to engage parliamentary members in recognizing the necessity of incorporating environmental considerations into project planning and implementation, ensuring that sustainable development aligns with our national and international conservation commitments. Through this dialogue, we seek to foster responsible investment practices that contribute to the protection of our natural heritage while promoting economic growth. Ms. Manoly Sisavanh, Deputy Country Director of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Lao PDR Program, presented the Mitigation Hierarchy—a key approach to harmonizing conservation and development. “Our discussion emphasized both the value of this approach and the challenges Laos faces, such as building technical capacity, enhancing coordination among government bodies, and strengthening data access to support informed decision-making," she noted. "It was inspiring to see the interest and thoughtful engagement from National Assembly members, who hold the vital responsibility of overseeing the implementation of laws, socio-economic plans, and national projects. Their commitment to sustainable development is essential to ensuring that Laos’ growth aligns with environmental protection and social equity. Together, we can work toward a future where development not only preserves but also supports the rich biodiversity of our country, benefitting all its people sustainably.” The meeting was an opportunity for participants to share knowledge, experience, and best practices in biodiversity conservation in line with Lao PDR’s sustainable economic development for the coming years. The high-level meeting, supported by WCS Lao PDR and the ‘Ecosystem Conservation through Integrated Landscape management in Lao PDR (ECILL) project’ financed by the Agence Française de Développement and the European Union, was attended by more than 60 people from the National Assembly, the National Assembly’s Economic, Environment, and Technology Committee the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Wildlife Conservation Society. jmauer@wcs.org Fri, 01 Nov 2024 02:07:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:23737 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/23379/The-Ministry-of-Agriculture-and-Forestry-endorses-the-Roadmap-for-National-Protected-Areas-Management-and-Sustainable-Financing-to-ensure-its-successful-implementation-across-Lao-PDR.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=23379 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=23379&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/23379/The-Ministry-of-Agriculture-and-Forestry-endorses-the-Roadmap-for-National-Protected-Areas-Management-and-Sustainable-Financing-to-ensure-its-successful-implementation-across-Lao-PDR.aspx Following the adoption of the new Decree on Protected Areas (PA) in June 2023 by the Government of Lao PDR, the Roadmap for National Protected Areas Management and Sustainable Financing has been endorsed by the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Assoc. Prof. Linkham Douangsavanh on August 8th 2024. The Roadmap serves as the reference guide for all PA stakeholders including the Lao Government, development partners, private sector, NGOs/CSOs, academia and local communities who will play a crucial role in the implementation of the Decree.  Lao PDR is covered by 26 National Protected Areas (NPAs), among these NPAs, six of them were declared ‘National Parks’, a category of higher protection such as the Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park. These NPAs are home to a rich biodiversity and several endemic and threatened species. The country’s biodiversity is currently under threat due to climate change, illegal wildlife trade, unsustainable hunting and poaching coupled with high rates of deforestation causing fragmentation and loss of habitats. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somvang Phimmavong Director General of Department of Forestry said “The Roadmap is designed as a comprehensive three-year program that maps how the transition process into the new policy environment will be orchestrated for NPAs. The Roadmap architecture is defined by a ‘results framework’ with an objective, a series of intended outcomes, activities, and an estimated budget.” The NPA Roadmap was developed to respond to the following priority policy goals, the first of which is diversifying and empowering actors to protect and develop our forests. This includes supporting ‘Forest Development Villages’ with improved clarity about zones and land tenure. The second proprity is to ensure biodiversity no- net-loss when using forests, such as applying concrete methods for forest users to ensure their activities cause no net-loss of biodiversity and ecosystem value. The third priority is to enable conservation-compatible businesses and improving compliance. This aims at proactively improving the investment environment for enterprises that support forest activities, and to effectively ensure businesses are compliant with regulations and agreed plans. The fourth goal is to improve sustainable financing for National Protected Areas. This entails pursuing multiple complementary strategies to increase access and stability to funds and financing mechanisms. EU Ambassador Ina Marčiulionytė commented:  “The EU is proud to have supported the development of this roadmap. We believe that it will help identify stable sources of funding to enable a long-lasting protection scheme of the natural assets of Laos. This is a meaningful deliverable in the context of the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework”. The Roadmap will strengthen the Government of Lao PDR in exercising its ownership and pursuit of its policies and vision to its partners and stakeholders. The Roadmap will be a guiding map for the Department of Forestry and the PA Division to keep track of the policy agenda. It will be a tool to help align the partners and stakeholders’ activities for consistency and synergy with policy goals. Therefore, the Government of Lao PDR urges all partners and stakeholders to use and anchor their activities to the Roadmap. “WCS worked hand in hand with the Lao government, protected area practitioners and key stakeholders to develop this NPA Roadmap. We are very much looking forward to its implementation for better management and governance of the biodiversity-rich zones across Laos”, said Mrs. Manoly Sisavanh, Deputy Country Director of WCS Lao PDR. The Roadmap was developed with the technical support of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Lao PDR Program and financially supported by the European Union (EU) and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) under the ‘Ecosystem Conservation through Integrated Landscape management in Lao PDR’ (ECILL) project.   jmauer@wcs.org Fri, 16 Aug 2024 01:43:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:23379 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/22748/WCS-partners-with-Bolikhamxay-Provincial-Agriculture-and-Forestry-Office-to-create-a-new-National-Park-and-safeguard-high-biodiversity-areas.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=22748 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=22748&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/22748/WCS-partners-with-Bolikhamxay-Provincial-Agriculture-and-Forestry-Office-to-create-a-new-National-Park-and-safeguard-high-biodiversity-areas.aspx     WCS is supporting the Protected Area Management Section of Bolikhamxay Province, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, in the creation of a new National Park, by combining two protected areas and two protection forests: Phou Sithone Endangered Species Conservation Area and Phou Chomvoy Provincial Protected Area and the Nam Chat Nam Pan Protection Forest which connects the two protected areas as well as the Nam Chouane Nam Xang Protection Forest, which is also the Biodiversity Offset Site to the Nam Ngiep 1 Power Project. These areas, situated in Central Laos along the border with Vietnam and covering an area of about 1,800 km2, will create a biodiversity corridor along the Annamite Mountains to connect Nakai Nam Theun and Hin Nam No National Parks with the Pù Mát National Park in Vietnam, to allow wildlife to move undisturbed. The establishment of this National Park will enhance the preservation of the rich biodiversity and natural resources covering the Northern Annamite Mountain Range, which has been declared as one of the 200 most important ecoregions in the world, having amongst the highest concentrations of endemic species of any continental area in the world. The area is also well-known for its thriving Gibbon populations and is home to the elusive Saola, also called Spindlehorn or Asian Unicorn, one of the world’s rarest large mammals, a forest-dwelling bovine and native to the Annamite Mountain Range. The process for the creation of a National Park in Lao PDR requires not only information about biodiversity and the state of the forest, but also informs about the socio-economic status of the communities living in the villages and along the proposed area. Protected Areas support the surrounding local communities with Non-Timber Forest Products and water for agriculture and household consumption as well as regular water flow to the nearby hydropower plants. These are called Forest Ecosystem Services, which are vital for the villages living in and around protected areas and even further away. The first of a series of biodiversity assessments in Nam Chat Nam Pan revealed the uniqueness of the area, with ecosystems not seen in the other parts of the Annamite Mountains. More assessments are following to provide more required information for the declaration of the entire area as a National Park. This biodiversity program has received financial assistance from the Rainforest Trust working to protect the most threatened tropical forests, saving endangered wildlife through partnerships and community engagement.     jmauer@wcs.org Thu, 06 Jun 2024 09:19:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:22748 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/19410/Ecosystem-Conservation-through-Integrated-Landscape-Management-in-Lao-PDR-ECILL-2nd-Steering-Committee.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=19410 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=19410&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/19410/Ecosystem-Conservation-through-Integrated-Landscape-Management-in-Lao-PDR-ECILL-2nd-Steering-Committee.aspx On January 13th 2022, 36 representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment,Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the European Union (EU) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) gathered to review the achievements and challenges met by the Ecosystem Conservation through Integrated Landscape Management in Lao PDR (ECILL). “WCS has been working in Laos since the 1980s when they first helped our government survey biodiversity and set up the National Biodiversity Conservation Protected Area system for Laos. WCS Laos was official established in 1993, since then WCS has successfully implemented projects across Laos with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and Local government agencies. Today, I would like to thank the EU, AFD, WCS and all my colleagues for the collaboration and hard work that has been gone into protecting our wildlife and our country’s natural resources. We have made a lot of progress, but there is still a lot to be done, especially in light of post- COVID economy recovery.” Dr. Thatheva Saphangthong, Deputy Director General of Department of Agriculture Land and Management, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. ECILL works to ensure the security of Lao PDR forests and biodiversity and assist rural poor in sustainably managing their natural resources by promoting an integrated landscape approach and green growth model. Wildlife friendly livelihood activities such as ecotourism, shade grown coffee, medicinal cardamom, bee keeping, organic farming and bamboo products have provided livelihoods to many surrounding protected areas. At least 3,000 households in 72 forest-dependent communities benefit from an increase in household revenue within the targeted high biodiversity landscapes. These are Nam Et– Phou Louey National Park, Houaphan province, Phou Sithone Endangered Species Conservation Area and Nam Kading National Protected Area in Bolikhamxay province, and the Xe Champhone Ramsar Wetland Complex in Savannakhet province. Vincent Vire, Head of Cooperation from the Delegation of the European Union said in his opening remarks: “The degradation of ecosystems and decline of biodiversity worldwide exacerbate climate change and threaten the natural processes that protect human health and provide clean air, water and food. The European Union is deeply committed to reverse the degradation of ecosystems and has a comprehensive, ambitious and long-term plan to protect nature. Integrated Landscape Management is integral to the EU’s ambitious post-2020 biodiversity and food systems agendas. ECILL in Laos is a good practice example of how biodiversity conservation is advantageous for local communities and villages for the protection of their natural environment and for the increase of their livelihoods.” AFD underlined the importance of the continuity and sustainability of these good results achieved by the project, particularly with the involvement and collaboration of governmental partners. The monitoring activities in these landscapes have validated the rich biodiversity these areas hold and have highlighted the importance of protecting them against the drivers of ecological change. Participatory community consultations conducted in Year 2 resulted in improved land-use planning and land-use zoning conducted with the communities across more than 70 villages. Based on these, 58 community conservation agreements and five newly established fish conservation zones were created to improve user rights of communities. Community Conservation Agreements result from the joint efforts of community and local government and form the basis for law enforcement actions. They directly address threats to key species, such as hunting and snaring, and threats to forests such as clearance for agriculture outside of agreed zones. The ECILL program is funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and the European Union (EU), implemented by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in coordination with the Lao government and local communities. Moreover, the project engages with Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the private sector with a focus on responsible investments in agriculture, forestry, and hydropower development with a view to mitigate the potential environmental impacts. ECILL has also provided continued support to the Government of Lao PDR in strengthening policy relating to forest and wetland protection to support the institutionalization of national protected area systems in Lao PDR. jmauer@wcs.org Fri, 13 Jan 2023 03:42:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:19410 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/19412/Stories-from-the-Field-Guardian-Village-of-Phou-Sithone-Endangered-Species-Conservation-Area.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=19412 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=19412&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/19412/Stories-from-the-Field-Guardian-Village-of-Phou-Sithone-Endangered-Species-Conservation-Area.aspx “Many species are thriving as indicated by the sound of the birds and by the song of gibbons I can hear in the morning even from my house.” Mrs. Maipom Saysomphone, 28 years old, was born in Meungcham village, Xaychamphone District of Bolikhamxay. She is married to Mr. Bounsing and they have two sons, 9 and 7 years old. The family of four lives in her husband’s village, Sopkhone. She first became involved in The Ecosystem Conservation through Integrated Landscape Management in Lao PDR (ECILL) project when her village became a Guardian village of Phou Sithone Endangered Species Conservation Area. GUARDIAN VILLAGES Guardian Villages have a direct impact on Protected Areas and are in turn impacted by the Protected Area management decisions. Guardian Villages’ are the gatekeepers of the Protected Area, and as such, their activities can either contribute to the integrity of the Protected Area or present a threat to the biodiversity of the Protected Area. It is thus in the interests of the Protected Area management to develop a relationship of mutual cooperation and respect with Guardian Village’s, ultimately aiming for a strong co-management and developmental support relationship. “We will help to protect the forest, we won’t go hunting or damage resources, because the conservation of Phou Sithone brings us incentives and support our livelihoods.” The family owns 0.5 hectares of paddies and they cultivated the upland fields to complement their annual rice consumption needs (about 1.5 tons in total). They raise animals: 1 buffalo, 2 pigs and 10 chickens. Additional income was provided from the selling of wild nuts (Mak Ko) collected in forest, which generates about US$100 per year. The family house was made of bamboo with a roof constructed from palms, which is an indicator of poverty. VILLAGE INCENTIVE FUNDED ACTIVITIES With support from the ECILL project, the family received a revolving fund to develop handicrafts through the women’s groups. The family received about 875,000kip (US$80 in 2020) to develop a small handicraft business, which is to be reimbursed after 3 years without interest.  Mrs. Maipom invested in small equipment and materials to make sticky rice containers (“tip khao”) with the support from the program staff. The products are sold at the District center and to middlemen for resale. To date, the production and value chain has successfully developed and the annual income generated is about 25 Million kip per year, almost US$2,000$ per year. For the family this is an extremely significant increase to the family’s livelihood and annual revenue.  IMPACT OF INCREASED LIVELIHOOD With the increase of annual income, almost $2,000 per year, they have been able to purchase materials and improved their home. Their walls are now sturdy plank wood and the palm roof has been replaced with metal sheets. They have also increased their area of paddy field area by 0.2 hectors. Increasing their paddy field has allowed them to reduce the time spent in the uplands and stopped the use of slash and burn methods. “Thanks to the selling of handicraft, we can send our children to school, have money to go to hospital and for healthcare, make the family's life better.” The impact on women is that “by stopping slash and burn for upland farming, I have enough time for working at home, unlike in the past when I had to overnight on the upland farm, and clearing weeds is a very difficult life. There was no time to socialize and to be creative with friends. Now there is more time at home with family.” Mrs. Maipom proposed to the project to provide more equipment and organize a study tour, which are now being discussed to further support livelihoods. IMPACT ON CONSERVATION The Village Incentive Fund provides support to livelihoods that ultimately impacts conservation positively. Thanks to the benefits and improvement of livelihoods. If the program had not protected the Phou Sithone ESCA, villagers would have deteriorated the forests and continued to hunt wildlife. Some species would have gone extinct already. The ECILL program is a partnership between Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the European Union (EU) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in joint efforts with the Lao government and local communities to protect the Lao PDR’s unique biodiversity and sustainable use of natural resources. This work is carried out in key landscapes in Lao PDR such as the Xe Champhone Ramsar Wetland Complex in Savannakhet Province, Nam Kading National Protected Area and Phou Sithone Endangered Species Conservation Area in Bolikhamxay Province, and Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park. jmauer@wcs.org Fri, 02 Dec 2022 07:11:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:19412 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/920/Saola-still-a-mystery-20-years-after-its-spectacular-debut.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=920 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=920&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/920/Saola-still-a-mystery-20-years-after-its-spectacular-debut.aspx Hanoi, Vietnam –  Two decades after the sensational discovery of a new ungulate species called the saola, this rare animal remains as mysterious and elusive as ever. WWF, the Saola Working Group (SWG) of the IUCN Species SurvivalCommission and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) warn the species is sliding towards extinction because of intensive hunting pressure and poor reserve management.    A cousin of cattle but recalling anantelope in appearance, the saola was discovered in 1992 by a joint team from Vietnam’s Ministry of Forestry and WWF surveying the forests of Vu Quang, near Vietnam's border with Laos. The team found a skull with unusual long, straight horns in a hunter's home and knew it was something extraordinary. The find proved to be the first large mammal new to science in more than 50 years and one of the most spectacular zoological discoveries of the 20th century. Twenty years on, little is still known about the saola’s ecology or behaviour. In 2010, villagers in the central Laos province of Bolikhamxay captured a saola, but the animal died several days later. Prior to that, the last confirmed record of a saola in the wild was in 1999 from camera-trap photos in Bolikhamxay. “Saola are extremely secretive and very seldom seen,” said Nick Cox, Manager of WWF-Greater Mekong’s Species Programme. “While they inhabit a very restricted range, there is still no reported sighting of a saola in the wild by a scientist, and the handful of saola that have been taken into captivity have not survived.” The difficulty in detecting the animal has prevented scientists from making a precise population estimate. “If things are good, there may be a couple of hundred saola out there,” said William Robichaud,Coordinator of the Saola Working Group. “If things are bad, the population could now be down in the tens.”  While development is encroaching in the saola’s forest habitat, the greatest threat comes from illegal hunting. Saola are caught in wire snares set by hunters to catch other animals, such as sambar deer, muntjac deer and civets, which are largely destined for the lucrative wildlife trade, driven by traditional medicine demand in China and restaurant and food markets in Vietnam and Laos. “Paradoxically, the saola seems to be one of the few vertebrates in the Annamites without a high price on its head,” added Robichaud. “Saola are caught largely as bycatch–-like the tuna and dolphin scenario.” Since the discovery of the saola, Vietnam and Laos have established a network of protected areas in the animal’s core range and some reserves are pursuing innovative approaches to tackle rampant poaching. In the Saola Nature Reserve in Vietnam’s Thua Thien Hue Province, a new approach to forest guard co-management, supported by WWF, is delivering good results. Since February 2011, the newly established team of forest guards patrolling the reserve have removed more than 12,500 snares and close to 200 illegal hunting and logging camps. “The establishment of critical reserves by the governments of Vietnam and Laos is to be commended,” said Dr. Barney Long, Asian species expert for WWF-US. “However, without increasing efforts to adopt new approaches to manage the protection of saola habitat through targeted snare removal, these protected areas will be little more than lines drawn on a map.” “If hunting levels can be significantly reduced, we are optimistic about the species' prospects,” said Chris Hallam, WCS-Laos’ Conservation Planning Advisor. “This will require funds for more patrol boots on the ground in saola areas, developing positive incentives for its conservation, and ultimately reducing consumer demand for wildlife meat and products.” Efforts to save the saola have reached a greater level of urgency since another of Vietnam's iconic species, the Vietnamese Javan rhino, was confirmed extinct in2011 after the battle to save the last individual was lost to poachers. “The saola has made it to its twentieth anniversary, but it won’t have many more anniversaries unless urgent action is taken,” added Hallam. The saola is an icon for biodiversity in the Annamite mountain range that runs along the border of Vietnam and Laos. This biodiversity hotspot boasts an incredible diversity of rare species, with many found nowhere else on the planet. In addition to the discovery of the saola, two new species of deer, the large-antlered muntjac and the Truong Son muntjac, were uncovered in the Annamite’s rugged, evergreen forests in 1994 and 1997 respectively. “The lack of significant demand for saola in the wildlife trade gives great hope for its conservation,” said Robichaud. “But we still need to act. One of the rarest and most distinctive large animals in the world has been quietly slipping toward extinction through complacency.” For further information: Sarah Bladen, Communications Director, WWF-Greater Mekong, t +84437193049, m +84 1224 223 760 sarah.bladen@wwfgreatermekong.org Stephen Sautner, WCS Communications Director, t +1-718-220-3682; ssautner@wcs.org Maggie Roth, IUCN Media Relations, t +4122 999 0115, m +41 79 104 2460, e maggie.roth@iucn.org Notesto the editor: ·      Photos, caption and credits are available for download at: http://www.mediafire.com/?164orbnqr8frc ·      Saola footage / b-roll can be downloaded at the following you sendit link.  © Wildlife ConservationSociety https://www.yousendit.com/dl?phi_action=app/orchestrateDownload&rurl=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.yousendit.com%252Ftransfer.php%253Faction%253Dbatch_download%2526send_id%253D1503018969%2526email%253Da0698dbdbf21816ca8a02db7a5f8f876&s=19105&cid=tx-02002208350200000000 ·     View the recent 5-minute WWF / SWG film about thesaola: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xv8MPOyMfU About the IUCN SSC SaolaWorking Group (SWG) The SWG is a Working Group of the IUCN Species Survival Commission's Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group. The members of this group are biologists, conservationists, and zoo professionals committed to the dissemination of information, research, and conservation of the saola. They work collaborativelyto design and implement the most appropriate conservation measures for the saola across its range in Vietnam and Laos. http://www.savethesaola.org/ and http://www.asianwildcattle.org/species.saola.status.php About IUCN IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, helps the world find pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges by supporting scientific research; managing field projects all over the world; and bringing governments, NGOs, the UN, international conventions and companies together to develop policy, laws and best practice. The world's oldest and largest global environmental network, IUCN is a democratic membership union with more than 1,000 government and NGO member organizations, and almost 11,000 volunteer scientists and experts in some 160 countries. IUCN's work is supported by over 1,000 professional staff in 60 offices and hundreds of partners in public, NGO and private sectors around the world. www.iucn.org About WWF WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservationorganizations, with over 5 million supporters and a global network active inover 100 countries.  WWF's missionis to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build afuture in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. www.panda.org About the Wildlife Conservation Society The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wildplaces worldwide. We do so through science, global conservation, education and the management of the world’s largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo. Together these activities change attitudes towards nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in harmony. WCS is committed to this mission because it is essential to the integrity of life on Earth. http://www.wcs.org pEshoo@wcs.org Mon, 21 May 2012 05:51:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:920 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/913/Rare-Animal-Seen-for-the-First-Time-in-More-than-a-Decade-in-Laos.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=913 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=913&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/913/Rare-Animal-Seen-for-the-First-Time-in-More-than-a-Decade-in-Laos.aspx One of the rarest and most mysterious animals in the world, the saola of Laos and Vietnam, has been seen by biologists for the first time in more than ten years.  The government of Lao PDR confirms that in late August villagers in Xaychamphon District of Bolikhamxay Province caught a saola, and were holding it in a pen in the forest.  The Lao government, in cooperation with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), immediately dispatched a technical team to examine the saola and release it. Unfortunately, the animal, an adult male weakened from the ordeal of several days in captivity, died shortly after the team reached the remote village.  The saola was discovered as a species new to science only in 1992, in forests in Vietnam near the Lao border.  It was one of the most surprising and spectacular zoological discoveries of the 20thcentury.  With their long horns and white facial markings, saola resemble the desert antelopes of North Africa, but are more closely related to cattle.  They are solitary and secretive, and inhabit only dense forests of the Annamite Mountains along the Lao/Vietnam border.   The species is considered "Critically Endangered" by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and probably no more than a few hundred survive.  It is one of the most threatened large mammals in the world. Although local villagers still report seeing saola in several area of Laos and Vietnam, the last confirmed records were two photos of saola in the wild taken by automatic camera traps in 1999, also in Bolikhamxay Province.  There are no saola in zoos anywhere.  A statement from the Provincial Conservation Unit of Bolikhamxay Province said, "The death of this Saola is unfortunate, but at least it confirms an area where it still occurs, and the government will immediately move to strengthen conservation efforts there". The technical team was able to photograph the animal, and preserve the body for further study.  Very little is known about the saola, and the information can contribute to efforts to conserve the species in the wild. It is not clear why the villagers brought the animal into captivity.  The Lao Department of Forestry, Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office, and district authorities in Xaychamphon are now urging villagers in the area not to capture saola, and immediately release any others they might encounter. William Robichaud, coordinator of the IUCN Saola Working Group, said, "The government of Lao PDR and WCS are to be commended for their rapid response and efforts to save this animal.  We hope the information gained from the incident can be used to ensure that this is not the last saola anyone has a chance to see". pEshoo@wcs.org Sun, 05 Sep 2010 23:21:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:913