Officials in Savannakhey have recognized two historic landmarks in Champhone district as National Heritage sites, marking a key step in preserving the province’s religious and cultural history.

The town celebrated Ho Tay Pidok Library and Old Taleo Temple during a three-day ceremony held from 2–4 March, which brought together provincial and district officials, Buddhist monks, and local residents.

The event featured Champhone’s traditional Palm Leaf Manuscript Procession, a cultural ceremony that represents the district’s long connection to Buddhist learning and manuscript preservation.

Residents dressed in traditional clothing joined the procession, while cultural performances including folk dances and khene music added to the festivities.

A Library on Water

Ho Tay Pidok Library, often referred to as the Ancient Buddhist Scripts Library, is one of the most distinctive landmarks in the province. The wooden structure sits in the middle of a lake in Nong Lamchan Village and dates back to the late 14th century.

Originally built as a place where monks could study and safeguard Buddhist teachings, the library continues to hold an important collection of 219 palm-leaf manuscripts. For the local community, the site remains both a cultural treasure and a sacred place.

Visitors are normally required to dress respectfully when entering the library.

A Temple with Historic Murals

Nearby, Old Talaeo Temple is known for its striking architecture and historic mural paintings.

The temple’s main hall, built in the early 20th century, survived periods of conflict that affected the region. Inside, murals depicting scenes from the Vessantara Jataka, one of the most well-known Buddhist stories, are believed to date back to the 1930s.

Officials say the national heritage designation will help protect both sites while also encouraging cultural tourism in the province.

Strengthening Savannakhet’s Cultural Identity

Authorities believe the recognition will help highlight Champhone district as an important cultural destination in southern Laos. Visitors are increasingly drawn to sites like the “Library on Water” and Old Talaeo Temple, where history, religion, and local traditions continue to shape daily life.

The announcement also comes as part of wider efforts to preserve cultural heritage in Savannakhet. Authorities are currently working toward seeking UNESCO World Heritage status for That Ing Hang Stupa, one of the country’s most sacred Buddhist monuments.

Located near Savannakhet City, That Ing Hang was built in 1560 by King Setthathirath on the site of an earlier Khmer temple. The stupa is believed to house a relic of the Buddha’s collarbone and has attracted pilgrims for centuries.

Officials say protecting historic sites while keeping local traditions alive will play an important role in strengthening Savannakhet’s identity and expanding cultural tourism in the years ahead.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/03/05/savannakhet-marks-national-heritage-status-for-ho-tay-pidok-library-kao-talaew-temple/

Japan has provided grant assistance of USD 17,400 to support a new water supply project in Phongsaly Province, aimed at improving access to safe and hygienic water for local residents.

The funding, provided under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), will support the construction of a water supply facility in Meuteun village, helping improve sanitation and living conditions for the community.

Japanese Ambassador to Laos, Koizumi Tsutomu, signed the grant agreement with a representative of the provincial authority in the presence of Santi Keoyasan, Chairman of the Phongsaly Provincial Administrative Committee.

“In Laos, access to safe and hygienic water has improved in recent years, and it is said that around 90 percent of the population now has access to safe and hygienic water,” Ambassador Koizumi said.

“On the other hand, there is still room for improvement in remote areas such as Meuteun village. I hope that the construction of the water supply facilities will be completed quickly and that the living environment in Meuteun village will be greatly enhanced by expanded access to safe, hygienic water along with improved sanitation.”

The GGP program supports small-scale projects that directly benefit local communities by strengthening social and economic development in developing countries, including Laos.

Japan has provided more than USD 860,000 in assistance to Phongsaly Province to support the health and education sectors. Officials said Japan will continue supporting initiatives that improve basic living conditions and address regional development gaps across Laos.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/03/05/japan-supports-water-supply-improvements-in-phongsaly-province/

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/

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/