Famous Japanese footballers to visit Laos
The Japanese professional footballer Association (JPFA) and some Japan's favorite footballers are planning to visit Laos after finishing Japanese league play at the end of this year.
The delegation will be led by JPFA Chairman Mr. Toshiya Fujita and will be the first time that he and Japaneses footballers have visited Laos.
The JPFA will discuss collaboration with the football federation and the Ministry of education and sports to develop the nation's players and lao sports, said director general of the international relations department of the lao national sports committee, Mr. Soulasith Oupravanh.
The lao football team plans to compete in the 26th SEA Games in Indonesia in November and the ninth National Games to be held in Luang Prabang province in December.
During the visit, the national team will play the Japanese in a friendly match and expect to gain valuable experience in the process because the JPFA has skillful players and the Japanese league currently competes at the international level.
The talented footballers of Laos will be able to train and play in Japan and will be supported by the JPFA, Mr. Soulasith said.
Currently, the Lao players in the U-16 category are talented and will play in ASEAN tournament in Vientiane next month.
After finishing the ASEAN event, the team will prepare to play in a qualifying round, in Vientiane, for an Asian level tournament this year.
The JPFA is also looking for a professional karate-do trainer in Japan who can come to Laos and train the national team, Mr. Soulasith said.
The Lao football team is training hard to prepare for the first World cup qualifying match in Cambodia on June 27 and will face the Cambodia team again in the second qualifying round in Vientiane on July 3.
Small Lao airplane crashes, nobody died and injured
(KPL) A small airplane of Lao Air, carrying 11 passengers with its destination to Samneua district, Phongsaly province, made an emergency landing on rice field in Nam Ngum dam area, Vientiane province after its machine stopping suddenly.Luckily, nobody and two pilots died and injure, according to a press conference of Lao Air Company took place on 21 April, Vientiane.
Director of Lao Air Company, Mr Bounma Chanthavong said that the plane (Cessna 208 Grand Carvan, flight LLL 200) took off from the Wattay International Airport to Samneua district at 10:19 am on 11 April after being on air for a while with about 2,000 metre height and it was about 25 miles or 40 km far away from Nam Ngum dam area.
The machine of plane stopping suddenly, in case of emergency, a pilot major Bountem Souphamisay and his assistance pilot Phoukhao Sinthavong tried to restart its machine again but it was not effect. So the pilot immediately decided to make an emergency landing safely on rice field of Ban Nam Ang, Thoulakhom district, Vientiane province.
This was the first experience of the company since established the company in 2002. Throughout the investigation of expert team of plane machine producing factory found that the plane of turbo propeller has broken leading to its machine stopped. In this case will be further investigated why its turbo propeller broken.
Night Bazaar in Vientiane under construction
(KPL) The Lao government gives green light for local investors to build the night bazaar is located behind the National Stadium, at the centre of Vientiane Capital.
According to a report from Lao Jewelry Association disclosed that the Night Bazaar Construction Project kicked off officially, after the government gave green light to local businesspeople. This night bazaar will become an important place to provide more opportunities for Vientiane residents and visitors are able to buy different things...more info>>
Mr Phouvong Phamisith, President of the Lao Jewelry Association said that we were very pleased that the state organisation trusted us to build the night bazaar construction project which was a joint venture among local businesspeople of the Lao Jewelry Business Group.
He said that the night bazaar construction started in May 2008 and it will be over in 2009 with a total worth of 25 billion kip which comprises 200 booths.
According to the plan, the night bazaar will open 24 hours for all people. The bazaar is to promote the socio-economic development plan and give more opportunities local businesspeople to operate business.
The majority goods will be available for sale including handicraft, souvenir, foods, silk textile, jewelry and agricultural products.
Source: kpl
Feedbacks of Sabaidee Luang Prabang from Laos
Photo:The movie theatre at Lao-ITECC was packed to capacity when people came to see Sabaidee Luang Prabang from June 5 to 7.Audiences packed the theatre at Lao-ITECC on June 5 to 7 to watch the film Sabaidee Luang Prabang, a Lao-Thai co-production which premiered in Laos on May 23.
The film pans the major provinces of Laos , taking in Pakxe, Vientiane and the allure of the country's biggest drawcard, the World Heritage-listed town of Luang Prabang . It describes the growing love between the two main characters, and features comic episodes that introduce a lighter touch.
The film stars Bangkok-based Lao-Australian actor Ananda Everingham as Sorn, a first-time visitor to Laos , and Ms Khamly Pallawong as Noi, his tour guide from Vientiane.
The Lao co-director, Lao Art Media president Anousone Sirisackda, said the producers were pleased with the feedback they had received from audiences and critics...more
He said Ministry of Information and Culture officials who had attended the premier at the National Culture Hall had expressed their satisfaction with the film's content and message.
“We are pleased with our achievements; this could be the new face of the Lao film industry after more than 30 years without a full-length feature production,” Mr Anousone said.
“Even though the film depicted the most significant aspects of Lao culture and lifestyle, we were sorry that time and budget constraints prevented us from making a more in-depth portrayal of Laos .” “We're not expecting to earn much from the film,” Mr Anousone said. “The main benefit of the production is the publicity that Laos will get. We'll definitely make another film, but we have to consider many factors. The good feedback we've received is a strong inspiration to do more.”
The production team is planning to screen the film to audiences in Luang Prabang, Champassak and other major provinces.
Another large crowd is expected when the film is shown at the National Culture Hall in Vientiane on June14.
Source: Vientianetimes
Hong Kong pop stars visit development projects in Laos !
Photo: Ms Sammi Cheung (left) and Ms Gigi Leung have fun with children in Pakxeng district.
Hong Kong singing stars Ms GiGi Leung and Ms Sammi Cheung visited Pakxeng district in Luang Prabang province as Child Sponsorship Ambassadors for World Vision last week.
The purpose of their visit was to meet sponsored children and learn more about poverty stricken communities so that World Vision can improve its services.
Upon their return to Hong Kong, Ms Leung and Ms Cheung said they will share their experiences and raise awareness amongst their fans and the people of Hong Kong to help those less fortunate around the world...more info>>
They hope to take home the message that there are many people still suffering from hunger and who have little opportunity to study or lift themselves out of poverty.
Ms Leung said there were three main things she wanted to share. “The first is to cherish all life, second is to be thankful for what you have, and third is to give generously.”
They said that they were deeply touched by the generosity and hospitality of the people in Laos , especially in the rural areas.
They added that people received them with smiles and treated them warmly, especially during baci ceremonies. “Lao people are very friendly, helpful and very honest,” said Ms Leung.
Ms Leung and Ms Cheung each shared one of their many memorable moments from their visit to Pakxeng district.
“My special moment was when I met my sponsored child, Yong. We went with him to fetch some water from down the hill. He was holding my hand, I think because he had presumed that we didn't know the place very well.”
“He is a really good boy and hardworking too; I was so glad to spend some time with him and his family,” Ms Leung added.
Ms Cheung said that her special moment was having lunch with her 10 sponsored children.
“I realised that education is really important as it can give children the confidence to face the future. I would like to continue to help people and have good relationships with my sponsored children in the rural communities,” she said.
This was Ms Cheung's first visit to a developing country and her time in Laos had a great impact on her.
She knew that this opportunity had taught her many lessons and transformed her life. She said she would give a helping hand to more people in the years to come.
The two women also visited some of the projects sponsored by World Vision and learnt about its combined work with the government of Laos in poverty alleviation projects for the diverse population of the country.
World Vision is an international NGO working in 31 districts across 6 provinces, whose goal is to uplift the living standards of the poorest people in society.
World Vision is implementing a number of projects in areas such as mother and child health, water and sanitation, education, food and child sponsorship that focus mainly on the well being of children.
By Ms Vanhlee Lattana, Communication Associate, World Vision Lao PDR
Taiwan TV star Wang Lee Hom leaves heart in Laos
Atsaphone district in Savannakhet province is an area
of extreme poverty and receives few holidaymakers, but popular Taiwanese celebrity, Mr Wang Lee Hom, saw the area differently when he visited last week.
Although the district is without any modern facilities, Mr Lee, a World Vision Sponsorship Ambassador, found the area beautiful, rich in nature and memorable. He also said he would like to return to Laos one day with his family.
“I met many children, whose lives are different from other places such as Taiwan and New York ,” he said during an interview with Vientiane Times on Friday, after spending almost a week in Savannakhet province...more info>>
He travelled with a World Vision team to the province from November 24 to 28 to inspect development projects and meet local children and communities; the trip aimed to raise funds and encourage others to sponsor needy children in Laos .
Photo: Mr Wang Lee Hom runs with children in Atsaphone district, Savannakhet province.
In the villages he visited, the people did not scream out when he approached like in Taiwan and other countries in Asia where he is considered a popular star.
He said that because of poverty, the children he met had a difficult lifestyle. They live in a rural area where they are always working in the rice fields.However, he said that he really enjoyed his time with the children.
“I followed them into the rice fields and experienced first-hand how they live,” he said.
Mr Lee said that the Lao children had wonderful personalities and generous hearts. “But they need help from groups like World Vision.”
He said that he personally sponsored 10 children by donating 188,000 kip (US$20) per month for each child, adding that he will continue his assistance until it is no longer needed.
He explained that he had decided to support the children when he saw a media campaign about Lao children in need and he knew he could trust the organisation so he started making donations.
“World Vision has a good plan for the way that it helps to develop these villages, not only giving them food but working towards long term sustainability.”
He said that he likes to help the poor; he wants to make them smile, which makes him smile too.
After experiencing the rural lifestyle, he said he feels changed, adding that he had travelled to many places around the world that were poor. But this was the first time he felt that he had a good emotional connection with the people he met.
He shared their home and daily life, eating sticky rice with them.
He said that he was happy to help Lao people, because in helping others he was also helping himself.
His philosophy holds that a donor should not provide the poor with only food and money but also teach them how to make a better living because, if one day the help stops, they can manage on their own.
He added that World Vision Laos shares this philosophy.
By Ekaphone Phouthonesy
Vientianetimes
Photos: BluemarkTW
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wang lee hom
Laos, Savannakhet
Laos bags the first 2 gold medals from petanque in 24th SEA GAMES
Laos captured its first medals of the Games by winning gold in both the men's and women's shooting petanque in the 24th SEA GAMES in Korat, Thailand.
They are VATHANXAY KHAMPHAVONG and CHANCHAMONE VONGSAVATH from Vientiane and Champasak province.
Miss Vongsavath (18) is a young woman from Champasak province that makes her debut at the SEA GAMES for the first time. Back to the last SEA Games in 2005 in the Philippines, the Lao petanque team walked away with 2 gold medals, but all from the men's single and team events.
Lao housewives at risk to HIV infection !
Housewives at risk to HIV infection (KPL) The Lao National Committee Control of AIDS Bureau disclosed yesterday that only six months of this year, at least 226 Lao people infected with HIV positive nationwide.
The meeting of the Mobility AIDS Partnership (MAP) Lao PDR held at Lao Plaza hotel in Vientiane from 5 to 6 December, to call on all organisations taking part of the support’s anti-HIV...more info
This MAP meeting’s attempts to seek key mechanism to mobilise all organisations taking part of the anti-HIV, after housewives were found as a highly risky group.
The MAP Lao PDR was supported by the Canada South East Asia Regional HIV/AIDS Programme, where was attended by representatives from ministries, mass organizations, non-governmental organisations and donor agencies under chairmanship of Deputy Minister of Health, Mr Bounkuang Phichit.
According to the Lao National Committee Control of AIDS Bureau pointed that since 1990 to 2007, about 2,400 Lao people have been infected with HIV positive age about 25-35s, most of them being mobile workers.
Meanwhile housewives are reported that they are a high risky group of infected HIV positive from their husbands. Last years, 355 Lao people were reported that infected HIV positive.
The meeting of MAP Lao PDR followed the regional Mobility AIDS Partnership among Canada, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam (MAP-4), which took place in Vientiane, on 3-4 December 2007. MAP-4 is a main component of CSEARHAP, funded by the Canadian International Development Agency; the programme was established in four countries to implement the UN Regional Strategy on HIV Vulnerability Reduction for Migrants and Mobile Populations.
At the National level, the programme relies on a multi-sectoral mechanism of government and non-government partners to implement activities that directly reduce the HIV exposure of migrants and mobile populations. The MAP-4 meeting in early December focused on regional and national advocacy for issues of HIV and mobility.
Two-day meeting’s main objectives were to discuss the purpose, role and responsibilities of the Mobility AIDS Partnership in the Lao PDR and to promote sharing of resource invested in mitigating the HIV Vulnerability of migrants and mobile populations.
The main outcomes of the meeting included a review of the draft terms of reference of this national level multi-sectoral working group and a draft map of available resources. Discussions led by the UNAIDS Country Coordinator, Dr Michael Hahn, focused on the need to prioritize initiatives to reach the most vulnerable of the many migrants and mobile populations and their communities.
Mobile populations at high risk of HIV exposure were identified and various organizations shared their HIV-related activities for these migrants and mobile populations. By identifying existing evidence-based interventions and gaps in programming for migrants, stakeholders developed a matrix of existing initiatives to foster collaboration among stakeholders with similar interests and discourage duplication of efforts.
Source: kpl
News update from the new Lao movie "Sabaidee Luang prabang"
Lao Art Media and Thailand 's Spata will be joining forces to film a new movie entitled Sabaidee Luang Prabang, which will demonstrate the beauty of Laos to local and foreign audiences alike.
The film production team, comprising members from both Laos and Thailand, has already finished filming scenes in and around Vientiane, before moving on to other provinces in the north and south, with the hope of revealing the essence of Laos to foreign movie-goers. The film aims to complete production by Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) in April next year...more info >>
Apart from key team members from Thailand , well-known Thai actor Mr Ananda Everingham has been invited to play the film's lead role, the hero who falls in love with a local Lao beauty, the daughter of a Luang Prabang souvenir shop owner.
Sabaidee Luang Prabang , or ‘Hello Luang Prabang', tells the real-life story of a young man of mixed Lao-Australian parentage, who grows up in Australia immersed in a culture very different to that of Laos . But he falls in love with Lao charm and hospitality - and a beautiful Lao girl - during a visit to his father's home in Luang Prabang province.
The film will consist of 70 scenes, three of which have already been filmed in Vientiane . The next destination is Champassak province, where the production team will capture a variety of natural and cultural sites, before returning to Vientiane to film at Sisaket and Ongteu temples, among others.
“The film will, however, focus on the World Heritage site of Luang Prabang, which holds much intrigue for foreign people interested in its cultural and natural beauty,” explained the movie's director, Mr Anousone Sirisackda, at a press conference at Lao Art Media last week.
“ Laos is beautiful in terms of its culture, way of life and long history, and has many stunning tourist destinations, but all of these wonderful things haven't yet been exposed to the outside world. We are confident this film will showcase the beauty of Laos ,” he said.
According to Mr Anousone, starring next to Mr Ananda will be Ms Khamly Philavong, who will play the role of the local heroine. In the film, she will dress according to traditional Lao custom.
Mr Ananda explained that the script actually corresponded with his own real life experiences, and his feelings towards Laos .
“I have often visited Laos because I really appreciate the way of life and culture here; I particularly love the beautiful tourist destinations. I'll never forget the kindness of the Lao people who all treated me so nicely during my stay. I hope to be able to communicate this to foreign audiences through the film,” he said.
Will Mr Ananda (or his character Sorn) be able to win the heart of the beautiful girl? Audiences will have until the film is released to find out.
By Phonesavanh Sangsomboun
Vientianetimes
Photo:luangprabang2day
France to grant 1m euro for Vat Phou project in Laos
France to grant 1m euro for Vat Phou project The government of France has announced a grant totalling 1 million euros for a three-year project starting next year on the site of the ancient, Khmer-built Vat Phou, according to a government official on Tuesday.
The head of the Vat Phou World Heritage Site Office, which was established last month, Mr Khankham Kaenboutta, said that the agreement is under preparation and is expected to be signed later this month...more
He said that the many activities covered by the agreement would continue on the plans of the Lao government.
The project will have numerous functions, including architectural restoration, cultural activities and information management, according to the Head of Heritage Architecture of the Solidarity Priority Fund for Vat Phou, Mr Laurent Delfour.
“We are sending Lao architects and engineers to receive training at a new school in Cambodia , which runs a course on cultural heritage,” he said.
This year, two Lao architects have already attended the course, and the project plans to continue sending architects to Cambodia every year, according to Mr Delfour.
Also, this year, one Lao official will be sent to France to be trained as an information specialist and to see how this work is done in France , he said.
“We hope that after this three-year project, the office's Lao staff will be able to work unassisted,” he added.
During this time, the project will involve making the site more secure and beautifying the surroundings, as well as producing a handbook for tourists explaining what they can see, and special activities such as the baci ceremony to encourage them to spend more time at the site.
“Everything should be realised with harmony and manners, because UNESCO's plan gives us much to do but we still have to respect the site,” Mr Delfour said.
So far, many countries have provided preservation assistance, including support from the government of Italy worth more than US$150,000.
Vat Phou was built at the end of the 5 th century during the early period of the Khmer Empire in Cambodia , and is one of the oldest historic sites in Laos .
T he site was listed as a world heritage site on December 16, 2001 by UNESCO, and covers 390 square kilometres of three districts - Champassak, Pathoumphon and Phonthong.
By Souksakhone Vaenkeo
Vientianetimes
2nd Elephant Festival in Laos is coming
Big crowd expected at next Elephant Festival Organisers of next year's Elephant Festival, to be held in February, expect more than 15,000 visitors to attend the parade of 70 elephants in Paklai district, Xayaboury province.
During the first Elephant Festival, held over two days in February this year in Hongsa district of Xayaboury province, close to 50 elephants took part, mostly from Viengkeo village, the largest population centre in Hongsa district, and more than 10,000 local and foreign visitors attended the event...more info>>
Next year's festival will run for three days, from February 15 to 17, as a joint project between ElefantAsia and the Lao National Tourism Administration.
“Our first festival was such a success, and attracted so many people, that we decided to make it a three-day event next year,” said ElefantAsia's Programme Manager, Mr Sebastien Duffillot, at a press conference at the Lao Journalists' Association yesterday.
“The event will not only aim to raise awareness of the importance of protecting elephants, but also to promote tourism and benefit local villagers, who will prepare home-stays, food and local products to sell to visitors,” he said, adding that the festival's primary purpose was to rekindle an interest in elephants, and to encourage their care and preservation.
During the festival, visitors will be able to take elephant rides around the village and explore the natural surroundings. Trainers will demonstrate how elephants take part in logging projects, and there will also be a short circus performance .
The 70 elephants will be blessed by monks in a traditional baci ceremony, and experts from organisations such as the Wildlife Conservation Society will give a lecture on elephant conservation.
Gender awareness will also be taken into consideration. “There was a competition last year to select three male elephants as the most gentle and friendly, but this year both female and male elephants will be chosen,” Mr Duffillot said.
Visitors can travel to the festival site by boat and bus from Vientiane and from Luang Prabang province, and 12 guesthouses will be available, as well as home-stay accommodation costing 25,000 kip a night.
By Phonesavanh Sangsomboun
Vientianetimes
Ecotourism Laos Wins 2007 Ecotourism Spotlight Award !
Planeta.com announces the winner of the 2007 Ecotourism Spotlight Award: Ecotourism Laos funded by the Laos National Tourism Administration.The award is announced in advance of World Tourism Day (September 27) as way of pointing out best practice in sustainable travel and ecotourism...more info
There were two other nominees for the Ecotourism Spotlight Award. Runners-up were Quito Visitors' Bureau and US Agency for International Development / FRAME Program.
LAOS
The original nomination for the Ecotourism Laos gave kudos to this " clearinghouse for just about every local tourism related business and ecotourism product in the country." Planeta.com readers agreed, casting the majority of votes for this nominee.
Supporters called attention to the ecotourism resources section with its maps, manuals and brochures.
ACCEPTANCE
Mr. Sounh Manivong, Director-General of the Lao National Tourism Administration's Department of Planning and Cooperation said, "We are very happy and proud to receive Planeta.com's Ecotourism Spotlight Award in recognition of the Lao Government's effort to promote sustainable ecotourism in the Lao PDR.."
Mr. Soun added, "I would like to extend a special thanks to the team responsible for creating and maintaining Ecotourism Laos and also thank Planeta.com for acknowledging the role government websites can play in promoting sustainable ecotourism products and services."
TESTIMONIALS
Comments from the voters:
The site focuses on the importance of including local communities and ethnic groups.
I liked the dos and don'ts!
This site makes it very easy to do research on ecotourism in Laos.
This site stresses the cultural diversity of the country and how travelers can visit in a responsible manner.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Nominations for the next Ecotourism Spotlight Award will be accepted at the start of 2008. Financial sponsorship is welcome in the development of this initiative.
KUDOS
Thanks in to everyone for assistance in developing this award. Special kudos to Green-travel, Travelmole, DestiNet, Tony Charter, Practical Environmentalist and StepUp Travel.
Q&A: ECOTOURISM SPOTLIGHT AWARD
Q - What is the objective of the Ecotourism Spotlight Award?
A - Simply put, we wanted to create an incentive for improved communication from government portals. This award allows us to highlight best practices and hopefully show other managers of government websites how to showcase operations striving toward sustainability and ecotourism.
Q - What is the origin of this award?
A - We suggested the award during the 2007 Communication and Sustainable Tourism E-Conference: "there could be an award for National Tourism Boards websites that illustrate a country's sustainable tourism practices. National tourism portals could be rated not only by what they have online, but also by how they participate in independent groups (ECOCLUB, green-travel, and Planeta) and whether or not they link to independent sites, including blogs (internet logbooks) and flickr galleries."
Q - Who voted?
A - Voting was open to the public. We asked that individuals review the finalists and make one vote in each category.
Q - What is story behind Planeta.com?
A - Planeta.com is an award-winning website that conducts seminars and features tips for all stakeholders about eco-friendly, people-friendly travel. Our fortee is linking environmental conservation and tourism, particularly the development of ecotourism which is highlighted in the popular Exploring Ecotourism Resource Guide.
Q - What other awards has Planeta.com created?
A - We have created two other awards. The Colibri Ecotourism Award was launched in 2000 and highlights the leaders developing ecotourism in Mexico. We also have established a 'readers' choice' award to select the book of the year.
Q - Can I link to the award from my blog/website?
A - Yes! Please add a link to the Ecotourism Spotlight Award page. You can use the logo.
Q - Why does this award spotlight government websites?
A - There are many tourism awards for individuals, places and operations. That said, there are no awards for government portals. If we want to create incentives for communication from government officials, an award is a sound place to start!
Source: http://www.planeta.com/planeta/07/0709spotlightaward.html
Laos may become the first country to own the copyright on bio-diesel made from a soybean !!!
Laos is making significant progress in its experiments to produce bio-diesel from soybean oil and used palm oil for use in vehicles in place of regular diesel. The experiment began five months ago conducted by the Sustainable Tree Plantation and Livestock Promotion Association.
The bio-diesel is made from used palm oil and fresh processed soybean oil with organic additives made from crops in Laos...more
To prove the success of the experiment, five vehicles were driven for almost 200km using the bio-diesel yesterday.
“The bus runs so smoothly I can't tell the difference between the bio-diesel in the tank now and the diesel I buy at the petrol station, even when the bus is going uphill,” said a bus driver, Amphone Sisoutham, who has worked in the job for 25 years.
He also said the exhaust fumes had a pleasant smell, a favourable comparison to the bad odours given off by diesel.
Another point in its favour, he said, was the fact that the engine did not overheat but maintained the same temperature as when using ordinary diesel.
“Yesterday, when I was informed that officials would drain my bus's tank of diesel, I was worried and called my director. I felt quite strongly we should not put bio-diesel in the tank, but I was surprised when the engine started right away,” said Mr Sisoutham.
He said the engine would have showed signs of trouble within 6 kilometres if the new fuel was causing any problems.
According to the association's electro-mechanical engineer, Mr Douglas A. Handisides, the bio-diesel can be used on its own or mixed with regular diesel.
He said it was not necessary to make any adjustments to a vehicle in order to use bio-diesel in the engine.
Importantly, there have been no reports indicating that any country owns a copyright to produce bio-diesel made from soybean oil and used palm oil, he added.
The president of the association, Mr Houmpheng Manipoun, said the experiment had not given any indication of the production costs, the price of the product or how many kilogrammes of soybeans were needed to produce one litre of bio-diesel.
He said the association would have to calculate this in the future to get more details before proposing any copyright for the product.
The experiment is in line with the Prime Ministerial decree on crop planting promotion to produce a source of energy, contributing to poverty alleviation.
The cost of the bio-diesel is expected to be lower than regular diesel because after oil is extracted from the soybeans, the residue can be sold as food.
Mr Houmpheng said that if the experiment proves production costs are less than the cost of diesel, Laos has a strong incentive to grow soybeans in large quantity
Vientienetime
Laos, the world hidden biological treasures !!
Photo: Striped Rabbit Revealed in Lao PDR Forest. To watch Lao animal treasures, click hereProtecting Wildlife Treasures in the Jungles of Lao PDR
June 1, 2007—A small country with some of the most diverse and rare wildlife in the world, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) is one of Southeast Asia’s hidden biological treasures. Through its protected areas, the country is working to ensure that the magic and wonders of its jungles don’t disappear.
Home to the highest number of large mammals in Southeast Asia, including species like the Large-antlered Muntjac, the Indochinese Tiger and the Douc Langur – a type of monkey only found in Lao and northern Vietnam – the country also has possibly the largest Asian Elephant population in Indochina.... more info >
Even more impressively, many species new to science have been discovered in recent years, including mammals like the Annamite Striped Rabbit, one of the rarest species of rabbit in the world, and the Saola (a forest animal related to antelope and cows). The most recent revelation has been the Laotian Rock Rat, living in limestone areas, which is not closely related to common rats but actually belongs to an ancient family of rodents that until last year was thought to be extinct for 11 million years. Such discoveries place Lao PDR among one of the few countries in the world where several entirely new species of large mammals have been found in recent years.
“The unique biodiversity that is present in Lao PDR is extraordinary,” says Arlyne Johnson, Co-Director of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in Lao PDR. “But the country’s enigmatic, difficult to spot and little known species are also highly endangered.”
In order to protect wildlife and the country’s biodiversity as a whole, 20 National Protected Areas, covering more than 14 percent of the country’s total territory, have been set up according to the “Lao Environment Monitor” (20mb pdf). The remoteness of these areas contributes to wildlife protection, but hunting and wildlife trade – in response to both Lao traditions and international market demand – pose a critical threat to the treasures found in Lao’s jungles.
To address this, there is a renewed interest in developing and implementing management and monitoring programs for protected areas across the country. One of the most successful programs so far is taking place in what experts say is the single largest protected area in mainland Southeast Asia.
Located in the central part of the country, the Nakai Nam Theun National Protected Area — also known as the Nam Theun 2 (NT2) Watershed — is one of the most important in the world for biological and cultural diversity. The area has some of the most diverse natural and protected forest, and is probably home to one of the two largest elephant populations (6.2mb pdf) in Lao PDR . Its management is also gaining attention as an example of robust wildlife monitoring and protection in the country.
The NT2 Watershed is managed by the Nam Theun 2 Watershed and Management Protection Authority (WMPA), a Lao PDR Government agency which commenced operations in late 2005. The agency is the first integrated conservation and development entity of this scale in the country, and the first to make wide-ranging efforts to enforce wildlife laws and set up a systematic biodiversity monitoring system. The agency counts on a budget of US$1 million a year provided by the Nam Theun 2 Power Company (NTPC) as part of the environmental mitigation programs under the Nam Theun 2 Hydropower Project – a project supported by the World Bank.
Through its work, the WMPA has been building the capacity of its staff and of villagers living in the NT2 Watershed to conserve and protect the area’s rich biodiversity, including working to reduce the threats faced by wildlife. Some of the measures taken include:
stronger enforcement through patrols,
building awareness in communities of the impacts of hunting,
providing improved livelihoods to people thereby reducing pressure on the forests, and
demarcating protection zones that are to be managed solely for their biodiversity value.
The hope is that, as a result, wildlife species in the NT2 Watershed will have an increasingly better environment in which to thrive.
Recently, a joint team brought together World Bank and WCS staff to take a closer look at conservation and protection efforts in the NT2 Watershed. The group spent several days in the Lao jungle working with the WMPA wildlife monitoring teams to track species and assess the overall program.
“This was a stupendous opportunity for us to see firsthand how the teams are working, how the villagers have learnt to conduct the wildlife surveys and what information is being gathered,” said Anthony Whitten, a World Bank biodiversity specialist with extensive experience in wildlife protection in the region.
The WMPA, working with WCS, is conducting several methods of surveying, including using automatic cameras to record mammals at night and directly observing five target species along fixed routes during the day. The monitoring teams are usually made up of WMPA staff and villagers who live in the area, who are trained and hired by the agency.
“It’s very important for the WMPA to be doing this work because it provides information about the wildlife and it allows us to better manage the protected area,” explained Mr. Xaypanat, team leader of one of the wildlife monitoring groups, to the World Bank staff.
With the monitoring and patrolling teams set up, the WMPA is providing a good example of biodiversity conservation and protection in the country. The agency will continue implementing its monitoring, patrolling and awareness raising efforts so that its programs are sustainable and its valuable area is protected.
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World Environment Day is June 5. What are YOU doing to protect the world?
More information about biodiversity in Lao PDR can be found in the Lao Environment Monitor available in the World Bank’s website at www.worldbank.org/lao
source:
Endangered Crocodile Hatchlings Found in Laos
A survey team’s discovery of a small breeding population of Siamese Crocodiles marks the first time that hatchlings of this species have been observed in Lao PDR.The breeding colony, discovered in Savannakhet Province, southern Lao PDR, is a great contribution to Lao celebrations for the International Day of Biological Diversity (22 May 2005).
The Lao Crocodile Survey us a joint project of the Department of Forestry, Living Aquatic Resources Research Centre (LARReC), National Agriculture and Forestry Resource Institute (NAFRI), Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the Mekong Wetlands Biodiversity Programme (MWBP)...more info and photos
Survey results have already revealed some exciting findings. Seven crocodile hatchlings were observed in a small swamp in Savannakhet Province, March 2005. Two hatchlings were caught and measured for scientific research, and then released. An old crocodile nest was also found. From March to May 2005, 20 wetlands in central and southern Lao PDR were surveyed. The team confirmed that crocodiles occur in four sites, and local communities reported that crocodiles still occur in another six sites.
The harmless Siamese Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) is among the world’s most threatened crocodilians, and is ranked as “Critically Endangered” by IUCN - The World Conservation Union. It is now very rare or extinct in Southeast Asia. The current crocodile surveys are the first detailed surveys to be undertaken for the species in Lao PDR.“The Siamese Crocodile is one of four flagship species of the Mekong Wetlands Biodiversity Programme, and the Lao survey is making a great contribution to species conservation through the development of science-based approaches,” said Peter-John Meynell, UNDP Team Leader of the MWBP.
Siamese Crocodiles still occur in central and southern Lao PDR, but most populations are now small and fragmented. Some local populations may be extinct, with remaining crocodile populations under threat. “The discovery of a crocodile breeding population in Savannakhet Province is internationally important for conserving this species, especially as no other breeding sites have been confirmed yet. Urgent efforts and funding are needed to protect this site and propagate this species in the future,” said Mark Bezuijen, WCS biologist for the crocodile programme.
The surveys are also raising awareness of the species among local agencies, and forestry staff who accompany surveys are trained in crocodile survey techniques. “Crocodile conservation is a high priority of the Department of Forestry, and the government is now planning conservation activities with local communities in Savannakhet to protect the breeding site. Surveys will continue to help conserve this endangered species,” said Mr. Chanthone Phothitay, LARReC, Government of Lao PDR.
The current Lao surveys will end in June 2005. After June, new funding will be essential to develop a national conservation plan for the species. Conservation actions in the breeding site in other areas such as Savannakhet and Attapeu (where the MWBP Lao demonstration site is located) are needed. Surveys are also currently being undertaken in Viet Nam and conservation initiatives implemented in Cambodia, as part of MWBP’s flagship species conservation action planning for the Mekong region.
Source: mekongwetlands.org
Local viewers praise Lao TV channel
MORE than 300 people around the country have been telephoning the offices of the Lao Star Channel in Vientiane each day with their comments, according to its manager.Since early April the channel has been broadcasting experimentally via the Thaicom satellite, and has proved popular so far among local and foreign viewers, especially those living outside Vientiane, said Mr Soulaphet Keoviengkham.
“Most people around the country can access various channels through the Thaicom satellite and the Lao Star Channel is one of them,” he said.
“We feature entertainment such as music videos, game shows, musical drama and information in the Lao language. We have been giving our phone number on-screen for feedback from viewers,” Mr Soulaphet, said yesterday... read more
After the channel went to air on April 1, staff got letters from viewers, most of which offered congratulations. Some asked about what would go on screen after the experimental period, which has not included advertising.
“At first we thought there wouldn’t be much feedback but actually there are a lot of viewers both here and in neighbouring countries who have expressed an interest,” he said.
The channel was first established in December through cooperation between Lao National Television and the Lao Ethnic Art and Cultural Promotion (LEACP) group, with investment from members of the LEACP.
“I’m the vice-president of the LEACP, and I have invested more than US$1 million (about 9,6 billion kip) in the channel to promote information on Laos throughout the country and in other countries,” Mr Soulaphet said.
The channel will begin full time broadcasting in June, with advertising. It will feature information about Laos, focusing on Lao culture and traditions – and a range of issues covering health, education, development, economics, entertainment, sports and politics.
“I did research all around the country last year,” Mr Soulaphet said. “I spent six months interviewing viewers and found that most of them were interested in watching channels from neighbouring countries.”
“We believe the Lao Star Channel will entertain viewers every bit as well as the foreign channels they can see today,” he said.
Foreign channels have more experience and presented better quality programming than local channels, and have attracted Lao viewers. He believes viewers will be pleased to tune into a high-quality local station.
“I asked myself why we can’t have better programming to attract local viewers to the information we provide. After doing my research and getting the Lao Star Channel to air at last, many viewers have been calling to encourage me to keep going,” Mr Soulaphet said.
By SOUKNILUNDON SOUTHIVONGNORATH
(Latest Update May 15, 2007)
Fangum Road in Vientiane may be closed over New Year
Vientiane police are considering whether to close the riverside Fangum Road to traffic from April 13 to 16, allowing pedestrian access only, while Setthathirath Road has temporarily reopened to traffic, a senior official said yesterday. According to the Head of Vientiane Traffic Police of the Ministry of Public Security, Police Lieutenant Colonel Khamsone Luangnor, the closure of Fangum Road would allow local residents easy access to the river and Don Chan island for various recreational activities... more info
But if the road remained open, vehicles would also have access to the beach, as in past years, he said.
“We will allow the public to play or swim within certain areas and we will have policemen on duty to ensure safety. The public may convey their good wishes and pour a little water on officials, but this should be done with restraint and in accordance with accepted traditions,” he said.
Setthathirath Road is currently being upgraded as part of the Road No 1 reconstruction project, and reopened yesterday to allow local residents easy access to temples during the Lao New Year.
This street is home to several of Vientiane 's oldest and most important temples and, during the New Year festivities, devotees and visitors will visit them to perform traditional ceremonies.
“Today, we are clearing away some of the obstacles and machinery that has been blocking the road because of construction work. We'll open the road so that vehicles can have easy access to the temples,” said the Head of the road building project, Mr Dethsongkham Thammavong.
He said local residents and visitors would be able to use the road over the three-day holiday, and it would be cleared as much as possible to avoid congestion.
Meanwhile, he would fill in potholes with soil and install temporary signs warning the public to take care, to reduce the risk of accidents.
“We'll be opening a 3-km stretch from Vat Inpeng to Simeuang village, from now until April 16. Then we'll close it again to resume work,” he said.
Settharirath Road is one of the city's oldest streets and the revered temples of Inpeng, Ong Teu, Xiengnheun, Mixay, Sisaket and Simeuang, as well as the Hor Pra Keo , are found here .
“From now until the end of the New Year, policemen and Young Pioneers will be on the streets to control traffic. They will pay particular attention to speeding, drink driving, and the wearing of helmets,” said the Deputy Director General of the Transport Department, Mr Bounsoum Somsihakhom.
He said at a press conference in Vientiane yesterday that checks would be carried out on Roads No 13 north and south, at the Nongbeuk junction, and on Thadeua, Fangum, T2, T4, Dongnasok, Dongnathong and Dongdok roads, among others.
“Road accidents cause damage to property, as well as serious injuries and fatalities. They also affect the country's socio-economic development, with around 470 billion kip in losses each year,” he said.
This year, he said, the police and the authorities would be stricter in their attempts to prevent accidents on the roads over the New Year.
“We urge the public to cooperate with officials – they alone cannot reduce the number of accidents. If everyone drives more carefully, there will be far fewer accidents.”
“Our actions serve to protect your property and your life. You should understand this and obey the traffic regulations,” he said.
From April 12 to 18 last year, there were 301 accidents nationwide, causing injuries to 359 people, and 32 fatalities. In Vientiane there were 81 accidents, 175 injured people, and three fatalities.
By Panyasith Thammavongsa
Vientianetimes
Khammouane’s Amazing Cave marks 5th anniversary
(KPL) Last Saturday, the Tourism Office of Khammouane province in cooperation with Hinboun district celebrated the 5th anniversary of the Konglor-Natane Amazing Cave. The celebration was attended by President of the Lao Front for National Construction Sisavath Keobounphanh, provincial governor, president of the National Tourism Administration and representatives of Vientiane, Borikhamsay, Savannakhet provincial administrations... more info and photos
Konglor-Natane Amazing Cave was officially opened to the public in January 2002.
“Travellers can visit the cave round the year,” said the director of Khammouane tourism office “Since 2002, over 288 million kip has been generated for the province.”
The celebration featured art performance and trade fair of local products.
A 7,500-m water way running through the cave, linking Natane and Konglor villages. The cave is 1,500m to the northeast of Konglor village.
The cave blessed with a waterfall, sandy and gravel beaches, and rapids, was discovered 317 years ago.
Source: kpl.net.la
