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/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/23999/Building-capacity-and-fostering-collaborative-approaches-across-Southeast-Asia-to-tackle-threats-to-global-health-security.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=23999 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=23999&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/23999/Building-capacity-and-fostering-collaborative-approaches-across-Southeast-Asia-to-tackle-threats-to-global-health-security.aspx The Kick-Off Leadership Workshop of the Pandemic Prevention Leadership Initiative (PPLI) Fellowship program took place in Bangkok, Thailand to introduce an immersive learning experience focused on key topics relevant to One Health and the prevention and mitigation of high consequence pathogen spillover in live animal markets.  The six-day workshop focusing on providing scenario-driven and hands-on learning, gathered for the first time the 19 Fellows from the ASEAN countries, PPLI teams including the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), WCS Laos, WCS Vietnam, WCS Indonesia, EpiEcos, and the University of California – Davis. The Pandemic Prevention Leadership Initiative (PPLI) is designed to strengthen collaborative approaches in Southeast Asia to address threats to global health security and biodiversity conservation posed by the unregulated trade in wildlife species. The PPLI delivers specialized in-person and remote training to Fellows to strengthen working knowledge and skills in the following key areas: Live animal trade chains – source to markets/consumers Field Biorisk Management: Biosafety and Biosecurity Bio-surveillance Risk Assessment, Risk Mitigation, and Risk Modelings Outbreak Detection and Response During the workshop, fellows explored the fundamentals of risk assessment, management, modeling, and communication; surveillance; and outbreak response in the context of wildlife trade and live animal markets in Southeast Asia. WCS Lao PDR Program presented the Laos Wildlife Health Surveillance’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) aimed at establishing a functional surveillance network in response to disease events in wildlife through a One Health approach.  As part of the workshop’s program, participants made field trips to Klong Toey Wet Market, Khao Yai National Park, and Chatuchak Market (Live Animal/Wildlife Species) to enhance the experience-based learning. “I think it is very important for WCS as a global wildlife conservation organization to engage with future leaders in regions of the world where we are working towards wildlife conservation goals and focused on implementing a One Health approach. We’ve had the opportunity through this Initiative to meet and network with people from multiple fields related to One Health coming from countries across Southeast Asia. t’s the kind of network that we would not be able to be a part of or be a part of developing without a fellowship program like this one.”, said Amanda Fine, Director of One Health at WCS . The PPLI promotes capacity strengthening in early to mid-career professionals by incorporating the Pandemic Prevention Fellows Program, which utilizes a cohort approach and case-based training to directly support the development of a multidisciplinary network of leaders across the Southeast Asia region to address the ever-evolving and expanding global health and security threats related to zoonotic spillover of high-consequence pathogens and associated practices impacting wildlife populations. This initiative spread over 15 months and involving 10 countries, is a collaborative effort between the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the University of California-Davis, and EpiEcos, funded by the US Department of State’s Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation.   jmauer@wcs.org Wed, 13 Nov 2024 08:32:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:23999 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/22979/Laos-launches-Standard-Operating-Procedures-for-wildlife-health.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=22979 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=22979&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/22979/Laos-launches-Standard-Operating-Procedures-for-wildlife-health.aspx The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry disseminated the Standard Operating Procedure for Wildlife Health Surveillance in Lao PDR to prevent and reduce disease risks to human, animal and environmental health Relevant government sectors from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Wildlife Conservation Society launched the Wildlife Health Surveillance Standard Operating Procedure during a dissemination meeting in Vientiane to establish a functional surveillance network in response to disease events in wildlife through a One Health approach. Maintaining and monitoring wildlife health is important for conservation, ecosystem integrity, sustainable development, and biosafety and biosecurity. There is a global understanding that the health of human beings, animals, and the environment are intrinsically connected and are profoundly impacted by human activities. Outbreaks of diseases originating in wildlife such as Ebola, SARS, and COVID-19 have served as devastating reminders that to protect human health, we must monitor and reduce the risk of emerging zoonoses. Other diseases shared between livestock and wildlife, such as African Swine Fever, can have catastrophic consequences for both agricultural livelihoods and for vulnerable wild species. It is, therefore, essential for countries to promptly detect and manage issues related to wildlife health, and to build an early warning system to investigate and respond to wildlife morbidity/mortality events which may have widespread health implications for people and/or their domestic animals, wildlife populations themselves, and the environment. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Wildlife Health Surveillance in Lao PDR has been designed to be the standard technical document for the implementation of wildlife health surveillance in the country. This SOP is to be applied when wildlife is found sick or dead of unknown causes in natural habitats, wildlife farms, zoos, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centers, circuses, along the trade chain, in communities, or otherwise. The purpose is to provide technical guidance to relevant stakeholders, including government, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations working in wildlife conservation, in the surveillance, investigation, and control of, and response to, wildlife morbidity and mortality events and disease outbreaks with aims to reduce disease risks to human, animal, and environmental health and the associated impacts on the economy and livelihoods. Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Souphavanh Keovilay, Deputy Director General of the Department of Livestock and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry said “the Standard Operating Procedure forwildlife health surveillance in Lao PDR is critical to ensure early detection of and response to disease events in wildlife. I would like to thank the various stakeholders for their involvement and input to the development of this SOP to ensure that it meets the needs of all parties involved.” The SOP defines the responsibilities of each relevant agency and outlines the procedures to follow when detecting incidents of unusual wildlife morbidity and/or mortality and wildlife disease outbreaks. This includes procedures for data collection, reporting lines, sampling and carcass collection, and diagnostics to determine the cause of illness or death, as well as basic guidelines on wildlife disease outbreak management, cooperation with relevant parties, and wildlife health data management procedures. “I would like to congratulate the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in developing and adopting this SOP into national policy, the first of its kind in Lao PDR, which will have a significant impact on the country in responding to disease outbreaks in wildlife and preventing further transmission to humans, livestock, and wildlife”, expressed Dr. Bounheuang Kounnavong, Public Health Specialist, U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA).“I wish a successful implementation and dissemination of this SOP in all 18 provinces across the country”, he added. As part of the dissemination meeting, an overview and content of the SOP was presented by Dr Watthana Theppagna, Deputy Director of the National Animal Health Laboratory Center, Department of Livestock and Fisheries, and followed by questions and inputs from participants to effectively implement the SOP on the ground. Roles and Responsibilities of the National Wildlife Health Surveillance Steering Committee were also presented with a view to cooperate with relevant sectors to monitor and evaluate the implementation of this SOP and to establish central level governance. Lastly, WCS Lao PDR Program presented upcoming projects and future direction in the framework of the implementation of the National Wildlife Health Surveillance. Dr. Santi Saypanya, Country Director of WCS Lao PDR Program added “This SOP led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry with the support of the Wildlife Conservation Society Lao PDR Program and in extensive consultation with experts and technicians at both central and local levels, will allow to strengthen the capacity of both government stakeholders and communities in addressing emerging health threats through inter-sectoral collaborations in Lao PDR”. The implementation of this SOP will allow wildlife health surveillance in Lao PDR to be in line with international standards and guidelines of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). The successful development of the SOP was made possible thanks to the support from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s Biological Threat Reduction Program (BTRP) under the United States Department of Defense. The dissemination workshop, held at the Lao Plaza Hotel, was attended by over 80 people from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (Department of Livestock and Fisheries, Department of Forestry, Department of Forestry Inspection), the Ministry of Health (Department of Communicable Disease Control), The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (Department of Environment), Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Offices of 18 Lao provinces, the Wildlife Conservation Society, Development Partners, international organizations and the National University of Laos and funded by the U.S Department of State. jmauer@wcs.org Tue, 23 Jul 2024 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:22979 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/19314/Lao-PDR-World-Wildlife-Day-2023-Partnerships-for-Wildlife-Conservation.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=19314 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=19314&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/19314/Lao-PDR-World-Wildlife-Day-2023-Partnerships-for-Wildlife-Conservation.aspx World Wildlife Day is celebrated globally every March 3rd to honor the birthday of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This year’s World Wildlife Day fell on the 50th Anniversary of CITES coming into existence and marked the launch of two key legislations in Lao PDR; the launching of the Government Decree implementing CITES in Lao PDR and the National Wildlife Health Surveillance Standard Operation Procedures. The launch of the National Wildlife Health Surveillance Standard Operation Procedures is crucial and highlights the importance of One Health. In the last few decades, it has become increasingly evident that biodiversity and ecosystems conservation, our own health, and the health of wild and domestic animals are all inextricably linked. A single pathogen can wipe out the last populations of an endangered species and, in turn, threaten the stability of local human populations. There is an urgent need to simultaneously address the health of people and animals, recognizing that disease pose challenges to both conservation of the planet's biodiversity and efforts to improve the quality of human life. H.E. Siv-Leng Chhuor, the Ambassador of France to Lao PDR, explained the importance of partnerships, “The French Development Agency (AFD) takes global action worldwide in favor of biodiversity, in particular by supporting actions dedicated to the definition, extension and management of protected areas. In Lao PDR, France supports two projects implemented by WCS, which are ECILL (for Ecosystem Conservation through Integrated Landscape management in Lao PDR) and Hotspot, whose objectives are to ensure the protection of Lao PDR forests and biodiversity while promoting the sustainably management of natural resources and an integrated landscape approach through green business practices and improved regulatory frameworks. On behalf of Team Europe, I want to underline the joint efforts of the Lao government, through the ministry of agriculture and forestry, and technical and financial partners which result in systemic and global impacts having led in particular to the launch of the new legislations we are celebrating today.” To celebrate this year’s theme of Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation, the event was cohosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s Department of Livestock and Fisheries, Department of Forestry, Wildlife Conservation Society, World Organization for Animal Health and the Working Group 15.7 on Combating Wildlife Crime. Filling the Landmark hotel in Vientiane with exhibition booths, conservation organizations came together to showcase the contributions made to sustainability, wildlife and biodiversity conservation in Lao PDR. A preliminary surveillance study of emerging viral pathogens was presented by Institut Pasteur Laos, while Emerging Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis were highlighted by the National Animal Health Laboratory (NAHL). The Protected Area Management Division of the Department of Forestry focused on the importance of biodiversity and landscape conservation, while combating wildlife crime and wildlife rescue efforts were amplified by Lao Wildlife Enforcement Network (WEN) representative and by Free the Bears. Partnerships are key in wildlife conservation; they serve as an opportunity to highlight best practices, collaborate on actions to protect wildlife and amplify our efforts. jmauer@wcs.org Sat, 04 Mar 2023 04:24:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:19314 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/878/GEF-funding-to-support-model-management-practices-in-Nam-Et-Phou-Louey-NPA.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=878 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=878&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/878/GEF-funding-to-support-model-management-practices-in-Nam-Et-Phou-Louey-NPA.aspx Increasing the effectiveness of protected area (PA) management in Laos, as well as elsewhere in Asia, requires the development of specialized fields of expertise through proven models of PA management. Although some expertise, such as in law enforcement, has been relatively well-practiced for some time, recent advances in systematic collation and analyses of spatial and trend data on threats and enforcement effort through a Management Information System (MIST) have expanded the ability of PAs to critically assess and adapt enforcement interventions. At the same time, other fields of PA expertise, such as community outreach, ecotourism that is linked to conservation outcomes, and PA financing contributions through Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) are still in the very early stages of model development.  With support from the World Bank and GEF financing, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) seeks to build upon the existing protected area management capacity within NEPL, which has heavily invested in developing an effective Enforcement Section (currently at 60 per cent capacity) and a rigorous Biological Monitoring Section, which are focused on effective protection of the NPA’s globally important tiger population as well as systematic monitoring to measure change in tiger and prey populations as a result of management. But there are still only intermittent activities by the Conservation Outreach Section, a nascent Ecotourism Section, and no long-term financing for the NPA. GEF funding will be critical for strengthening key areas of PA management, namely incorporating wildlife research and monitoring results into conservation outreach and land use planning as well as supporting the establishment of financing mechanisms through ecotourism and REDD activities, based upon a “Business Plan for Ecotourism in Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area, Lao PDR” prepared by the Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley and WCS’s extensive experience with REDD in protected areas in Cambodia and Madagascar. The development of this robust suite of interventions will provide models for PA management for Laos that stem from WCS field experience in the NEPL NPA, as well as from GEF-supported protected area activities in Bolikhamxay, in developing functioning protected area management bodies supported by cutting-edge financing instruments that have the potential to contribute to the long-term financial sustainability of NPAs. Wed, 25 Jul 2012 22:35:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:878 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1275/Job-Vacancy-Marketing-Planner.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=1275 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1275&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1275/Job-Vacancy-Marketing-Planner.aspx Job Vacancy Marketing PlannerJob PurposeThe purpose of this position is to support Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area (NEPL NPA) in promoting it as an ecotourism destination in order to increase revenue for both local communities and the park. The Nam Nern Night Safari is NEPL’s first ecotourism product, opened in 2010. In the 2012/13 tourist season, the Night Safari received 116 tourists over 45 groups with minimal marketing, generating $14,373 for the local population via wildlife conservation (to put this figure in context, the average daily wage around NEPL is $5).  The park’s goal is to increase visitation to over 1000 visitors per year within the next 3 years in order to generate enough revenue to support patrol staff (wildlife rangers) in the Nam Nern area and make the parks’ eco-tourism business sustainable. Currently, the Nam Nern Night Safari has exposure in a couple important guidebooks including the Lonely Planet, but very little exposure on the internet, in international media and with domestic and international companies. A marketing and promotion strategy is required with the goal of radically increasing visitation and sale and end-benefits to local people and wildlife.Key responsibilitiesCreate the Marketing, Promotion and Sales strategy for Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area ecotourism and the Nam Nern Night Safari with input from international and national project staff and other key stakeholders.Major Program Areas of the Plan include: Online• Increasing exposure online for the Nam Nern Night Safari and Houaphan Province.• Increase the exposure and reach of the Nam Nern Night Safari Facebook page (www.facebook.com/namnernnightsafari) with a long-term strategy for keeping the page interesting and dynamic• Improve information, design and functionality of the NEPL website www.namet.org to better promote ecotourism products. Traditional Channels• Market the Night Safari to key international tour companies, student groups and niche organizations with to substantially increase group numbers, the average group size and create repeat customers. • Improve promotion of the Night Safari (e.g. design and production of a poster and/or stickers) to walk-in tourists in Viengthong and in surrounding, major tourism destinations (Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw, Muang Ngoi, Phonesavanh, Xam Neua, Vang Vieng, Vientiane, etc.).Pricing/Product• Recommendations on pricing and incentives as well as product can be includedThe plan can use existing customer and market research data owned by the project. Extra marketing research should not be necessary.DeliverablesMarketing and Promotion Strategy with following elements• How to increase exposure and sales online• List of tour companies, international and national to target, and how to target them• How to improve retail sales from major tourism hubs in Laos (Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw, Xieng Khouang) with details on media types to be used• How to improve the website (www.namet.org) • Clear plan on how to manage the Facebook page• How to get more exposure in major print media• Recommendations on pricing and productSkills and characteristics required• Strong, private sector experience in marketing and promotion• Experience as a traveler, especially to national protected areas and remote locations in developing countries• Experience in marketing tourism products through major tourism websites• Experience in design of media including posters, websites and video• Excellent English language skills• Entrepreneurial - Initiative and ability to work independently• Care and interest in wildlife conservation and a positive attitude towards its challengesLocation: Based in Laos, preferably in Luang Prabang or Vientiane, with one trip to Nam Et-Phou Louey Reporting Obligations: This position reports to the Ecotourism Advisor and the WCS Site CoordinatorTerm: 1 monthPay: $1,500 plus travel expenses to Nam Et-Phou Louey NPATo apply, send cover letter and CV to peshoo@wcs.org. If you have questions, contact peshoo@wcs.org or call Paul at 020-91663699.  pEshoo@wcs.org Mon, 08 Jan 2007 23:37:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1275