Phetthong Inthavong doesn’t talk about passion. His work speaks for itself. As the coordinator at the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife (LCTW), he’s on the front lines of Laos’ battle against the illegal wildlife trade.
His work involves rescuing animals like gibbons, bears, alligators, and deer, rehabilitating them, and eventually releasing them back into their natural habitats.
At LCTW, the focus is on saving lives, protecting ecosystems, and offering a future to species that are often forgotten or exploited.
Not a Zoo, but a Lifeline for Animals
At first glance, the LCTW center might seem like a zoo, with animals in enclosures and staff moving between them. But Phetthong is quick to point out that it’s far from that.
“A zoo operates on a business model, focusing on profits from visitors. Our center focuses on rehabilitating animals and returning them to the wild,” he explains. “Our enclosures are designed with their rehabilitation in mind, offering them more space, trees, and an environment closer to their natural habitat.”
Unlike a zoo, LCTW isn’t open to the public except by appointment, and there are strict rules about visiting. The center is dedicated to the health and recovery of the animals, not for entertainment purposes.
The Pitfalls of Buying Animals to Free Them
One of the key messages Phetthong emphasizes is the danger of purchasing animals to “free” them from captivity. Many, seeing a wild animal in a market, feel compelled to buy it in order to release it. But Phetthong argues that this only fuels the trade.
“Every time you buy an animal, you send a message that the trade works,” he says. “Even if your intention is good, it’s still supporting the traders. The only way to stop this cycle is to reduce demand.”
Instead, Phetthong encourages people to call the Wildlife Rescue Hotline at 1601 if they encounter an illegally trafficked animal. The team will work with the authorities to rescue and relocate the animals to proper rehabilitation facilities.
The Silent Threat of Wire Snares
While the visible trade is a problem, Phetthong is more concerned with a less obvious threat: wire snares. These cheap, easy-to-make traps are indiscriminate and deadly, often leaving animals trapped and suffering for long periods before being discovered.
“These snares are silent killers,” he says. “They’re hidden and can kill any animal that walks into them. We need to get to the communities, educate them, and stop this.”
LCTW works alongside local agriculture and environment offices to run awareness campaigns, especially targeting rural areas where the use of traps is common.
A Vision for the Future
By 2030, Phetthong wants to see fewer animals in rehabilitation at LCTW, and ultimately, he hopes the center will be empty, because all the animals will be safe and thriving in the wild.
“My ultimate expectation is that we won’t have wildlife hunting or trade issues anymore,” he says. “Ideally, the center will be empty because all the animals will be where they belong, in the wild.”
It’s a long road ahead, but Phetthong and his team are determined to make it a reality. Their work is slow and often challenging, but every step they take brings Laos closer to a future where wildlife is protected, and ecosystems are restored.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/614456187_1302210975282516_2091991540990492227_n.jpg10601600Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2026-03-05 09:04:002026-03-03 15:09:16Efforts Underway in Laos to End Illegal Wildlife Trade, Safeguard Ecosystems
The Government of Laos and Thai company APDL Solar Power Sole Co., Ltd. signed an agreement on 25 February to conduct a feasibility study for a 100-megawatt solar power project in Bolikhamxay Province, adding to the country’s expanding renewable energy agenda.
Under the agreement, the solar farm will be developed in Nam Ngiep village, Paksan district, covering an estimated area of 140.23 hectares. Officials selected the site based on its strong solar potential, citing favorable sunlight conditions and ample land availability suited for large-scale power generation.
Representatives from APDL Solar Power also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Laos’ green energy transition, emphasizing that the Nam Ngiep location offers compelling prospects for sustainable and long-term solar development.
The project directly supports Laos’ national renewable energy strategy, which aims to achieve an 11 percent share of variable renewable energy, specifically solar and wind power, within the national energy mix by 2030.
This latest agreement follows a similar deal concluded on 11 February, when Électricité du Laos, the state electricity enterprise, partnered with a South Korean private company to explore the development of another 100MW solar project in Oudomxay Province. The planned project will cover around 150 hectares across Namhin Reservoir in Xay District, with construction expected to begin in 2027.
The country also inaugurated a 1,000MW solar power facility in mid-December 2025, the largest solar farm in Laos. The project was developed across approximately 2,090 hectares in Xay and Namor district of Oudomxay.
In a renewed effort to regulate the rapidly expanding rubber industry and address growing concerns over forest loss, the Lao government has issued a new decree aimed at ensuring the sustainable management of rubber production.
The decree, which outlines strict guidelines for rubber plantations, data collection, and rubber processing, seeks to balance economic growth with environmental preservation.
The document, signed on 26 February, mandates that all rubber plantations and activities within Laos adhere to principles that prioritize environmental protection, community welfare, and sustainable practices. It provides clear measures for the management of rubber resources, including registration of plantations, proper certification, and the prevention of illegal practices such as land clearing in protected areas.
Economic Development vs. Environmental Protection
While rubber has become a critical economic driver for Laos, the expansion of plantations has raised alarms due to deforestation and the displacement of indigenous communities.
According to a 2022 Kyoto University study, Laos had then approximately 300,000 hectares of rubber plantations, nearly half of which were controlled by foreign companies, primarily Chinese and Vietnamese. These plantations have encroached on forested areas, threatening biodiversity and leaving local communities vulnerable to changes in land tenure and income stability.
The decree establishes a comprehensive framework for rubber activities, including the collection of data on rubber production, tapping, and trade. It also focuses on establishing a Rubber Information System to monitor the industry’s growth and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. The government has also pledged to work with local authorities, agricultural departments, and relevant sectors to enforce these measures and ensure transparency across the industry.
Impact of Rubber Expansion on Local Communities
This move comes amid broader regional concerns about the environmental impact of rubber plantations. In neighboring countries, including Cambodia and Vietnam, similar issues have arisen, as rapid expansion continues to threaten local ecosystems.
The Lao government has taken steps to address these concerns by integrating sustainable land-use policies and increasing awareness about the negative consequences of unchecked rubber cultivation.
For local farmers, rubber has provided a lucrative alternative to traditional farming practices. However, the volatility of rubber prices has left many dependent on the industry, with some facing debt due to the long wait for returns from newly planted trees.
The latest decree aims to address these economic challenges by promoting fair revenue-sharing models, particularly through cooperatives and smallholder farming initiatives.
With ongoing efforts to improve regulatory oversight and increase community involvement in rubber production, Laos may find a path toward a more sustainable rubber industry that benefits both its economy and its environment.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rubber-in-Laos.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2026-03-03 08:57:002026-03-03 15:01:31Lao Government Strengthens Rubber Industry Management with New Decree
Efforts Underway in Laos to End Illegal Wildlife Trade, Safeguard Ecosystems
Phetthong Inthavong doesn’t talk about passion. His work speaks for itself. As the coordinator at the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife (LCTW), he’s on the front lines of Laos’ battle against the illegal wildlife trade.
His work involves rescuing animals like gibbons, bears, alligators, and deer, rehabilitating them, and eventually releasing them back into their natural habitats.
At LCTW, the focus is on saving lives, protecting ecosystems, and offering a future to species that are often forgotten or exploited.
Not a Zoo, but a Lifeline for Animals
At first glance, the LCTW center might seem like a zoo, with animals in enclosures and staff moving between them. But Phetthong is quick to point out that it’s far from that.
“A zoo operates on a business model, focusing on profits from visitors. Our center focuses on rehabilitating animals and returning them to the wild,” he explains. “Our enclosures are designed with their rehabilitation in mind, offering them more space, trees, and an environment closer to their natural habitat.”
Unlike a zoo, LCTW isn’t open to the public except by appointment, and there are strict rules about visiting. The center is dedicated to the health and recovery of the animals, not for entertainment purposes.
The Pitfalls of Buying Animals to Free Them
One of the key messages Phetthong emphasizes is the danger of purchasing animals to “free” them from captivity. Many, seeing a wild animal in a market, feel compelled to buy it in order to release it. But Phetthong argues that this only fuels the trade.
“Every time you buy an animal, you send a message that the trade works,” he says. “Even if your intention is good, it’s still supporting the traders. The only way to stop this cycle is to reduce demand.”
Instead, Phetthong encourages people to call the Wildlife Rescue Hotline at 1601 if they encounter an illegally trafficked animal. The team will work with the authorities to rescue and relocate the animals to proper rehabilitation facilities.
The Silent Threat of Wire Snares
While the visible trade is a problem, Phetthong is more concerned with a less obvious threat: wire snares. These cheap, easy-to-make traps are indiscriminate and deadly, often leaving animals trapped and suffering for long periods before being discovered.
“These snares are silent killers,” he says. “They’re hidden and can kill any animal that walks into them. We need to get to the communities, educate them, and stop this.”
LCTW works alongside local agriculture and environment offices to run awareness campaigns, especially targeting rural areas where the use of traps is common.
A Vision for the Future
By 2030, Phetthong wants to see fewer animals in rehabilitation at LCTW, and ultimately, he hopes the center will be empty, because all the animals will be safe and thriving in the wild.
“My ultimate expectation is that we won’t have wildlife hunting or trade issues anymore,” he says. “Ideally, the center will be empty because all the animals will be where they belong, in the wild.”
It’s a long road ahead, but Phetthong and his team are determined to make it a reality. Their work is slow and often challenging, but every step they take brings Laos closer to a future where wildlife is protected, and ecosystems are restored.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/03/03/efforts-underway-in-laos-to-end-illegal-wildlife-trade-safeguard-ecosystems/
Lao Government, Thai Firm Sign Deal for 100MW Solar Farm in Bolikhamxay
The Government of Laos and Thai company APDL Solar Power Sole Co., Ltd. signed an agreement on 25 February to conduct a feasibility study for a 100-megawatt solar power project in Bolikhamxay Province, adding to the country’s expanding renewable energy agenda.
Under the agreement, the solar farm will be developed in Nam Ngiep village, Paksan district, covering an estimated area of 140.23 hectares. Officials selected the site based on its strong solar potential, citing favorable sunlight conditions and ample land availability suited for large-scale power generation.
Representatives from APDL Solar Power also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Laos’ green energy transition, emphasizing that the Nam Ngiep location offers compelling prospects for sustainable and long-term solar development.
The project directly supports Laos’ national renewable energy strategy, which aims to achieve an 11 percent share of variable renewable energy, specifically solar and wind power, within the national energy mix by 2030.
This latest agreement follows a similar deal concluded on 11 February, when Électricité du Laos, the state electricity enterprise, partnered with a South Korean private company to explore the development of another 100MW solar project in Oudomxay Province. The planned project will cover around 150 hectares across Namhin Reservoir in Xay District, with construction expected to begin in 2027.
The country also inaugurated a 1,000MW solar power facility in mid-December 2025, the largest solar farm in Laos. The project was developed across approximately 2,090 hectares in Xay and Namor district of Oudomxay.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/03/03/lao-government-thai-firm-sign-deal-for-100mw-solar-farm-in-bolikhamxay/
Lao Government Strengthens Rubber Industry Management with New Decree
In a renewed effort to regulate the rapidly expanding rubber industry and address growing concerns over forest loss, the Lao government has issued a new decree aimed at ensuring the sustainable management of rubber production.
The decree, which outlines strict guidelines for rubber plantations, data collection, and rubber processing, seeks to balance economic growth with environmental preservation.
The document, signed on 26 February, mandates that all rubber plantations and activities within Laos adhere to principles that prioritize environmental protection, community welfare, and sustainable practices. It provides clear measures for the management of rubber resources, including registration of plantations, proper certification, and the prevention of illegal practices such as land clearing in protected areas.
Economic Development vs. Environmental Protection
While rubber has become a critical economic driver for Laos, the expansion of plantations has raised alarms due to deforestation and the displacement of indigenous communities.
According to a 2022 Kyoto University study, Laos had then approximately 300,000 hectares of rubber plantations, nearly half of which were controlled by foreign companies, primarily Chinese and Vietnamese. These plantations have encroached on forested areas, threatening biodiversity and leaving local communities vulnerable to changes in land tenure and income stability.
The decree establishes a comprehensive framework for rubber activities, including the collection of data on rubber production, tapping, and trade. It also focuses on establishing a Rubber Information System to monitor the industry’s growth and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. The government has also pledged to work with local authorities, agricultural departments, and relevant sectors to enforce these measures and ensure transparency across the industry.
Impact of Rubber Expansion on Local Communities
This move comes amid broader regional concerns about the environmental impact of rubber plantations. In neighboring countries, including Cambodia and Vietnam, similar issues have arisen, as rapid expansion continues to threaten local ecosystems.
The Lao government has taken steps to address these concerns by integrating sustainable land-use policies and increasing awareness about the negative consequences of unchecked rubber cultivation.
For local farmers, rubber has provided a lucrative alternative to traditional farming practices. However, the volatility of rubber prices has left many dependent on the industry, with some facing debt due to the long wait for returns from newly planted trees.
The latest decree aims to address these economic challenges by promoting fair revenue-sharing models, particularly through cooperatives and smallholder farming initiatives.
With ongoing efforts to improve regulatory oversight and increase community involvement in rubber production, Laos may find a path toward a more sustainable rubber industry that benefits both its economy and its environment.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/03/03/lao-government-strengthens-rubber-industry-management-with-new-decree/