Biodiversity conservation and Tree planting
Project overview
Location: 3 districts in Khammouane Province: Mahaxay, Thakek, Nhommalath, and Khounkham
Duration: 2024 to 2027
Beneficiaries: 600 farmers and their families in 12 villages
Implementing partners: Humana People to people Laos(HPP),Laos Biodiversity Association(LBA),and Khammouane Province Agriculture and forestry Office
Donor: Darwin Initiative - UK Governments Biodiversity challenge funds
Project objective: The project aims to support biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction in 12 villages located near degraded forest protected areas (PAs) across the 3 districts of Khounkham, Gnommalath, and Mahaxay, of Khammouane Province. The project aims at improving biodiversity and conservation of the forest and tackle poverty challenges in the target areas.
The essence of the project HPP wants to implement:
The project intends to improve income generation and forest management through 4 sets of sustainable activities in Khammouane Province.
a. Reduce illegal logging and hunting in the protected area.
b. Improve the knowledge and capacities of the project members to use and conserve the forest in a sustainable way.
c. Strengthen the livelihood of the project members through diversifying and increasing their agricultural production.
d. Increase the women project members’ active participation in agricultural development, access to health and social services, community child care and saving clubs.
The project activities are:
Activity 1
1.1 Conduct sample biodiversity surveys in the 3 districts, to get information for activity plan and species selection. It will be the basis for biodiversity studies of conservation actions needed. (LBA in charge with our staff participating)
1.2 Conduct environmental education sessions
1.3 Strengthen awareness and implementation of Lao law and regulation on illegal wildlife trade
Activity 2
2.1 Conduct capacity training on tree/plant cultivation and sustainable forest management
2.2 Establish 9 village plant nurseries with greenhouses
2.3 Plant, cultivate and monitor new trees/plants for increased conservation of protected forest areas
Activity 3
3.1 Conduct baseline study
3.2 Establish 9 Farmers’ Clubs
3.3 Establish 9 demonstration plots and vegetable gardens
3.4 Conduct capacity training on sustainable agriculture
3.5 Conduct capacity training on sustainable production of NTFP/medicinal plants
3.6 Promote medicinal plants and forest products preparation for sale and market access
Activity 4
4.1 Facilitate access to health care and social services for women
4.2 Establishment of rotating childcare systems
4.3 Conduct financial capacity training and establish of inclusive community savings groups with revolving funds
