Empowering Lao Conservationists: Online Training Brings Strategic Planning Tools to the Forefront
July 26, 2025
In Lao PDR today, only a few Lao nationals will consider—or have opportunities to pursue—a career path in nature conservation. This lack of local engagement is one of the many factors preventing better conservation standards in the country, a concern shared by all conservation partners and practitioners in Laos.
To address this challenge, in 2024 we launched Lao Youth on a Mission for Nature Conservation—a training course designed to inspire a new generation of Lao conservationists. Targeting youth aged 20 to 35, our aim is to encourage and equip them to pursue meaningful careers protecting the country’s extraordinary biodiversity.
In 2025, we implemented the second edition of the programme, in partnership with Econox Laos, building on the successes and lessons from the pilot year. The result was an even more impactful and inspiring experience for participants.
Lao Youth on a Mission for Nature Conservation: Cohort 2025 with Association Anoulak and EconoxLaos team
A diverse group united by passion
This year’s programme brought together 26 participants from across Laos, representing universities, conservation NGOs, government agencies, and the private sector. The average participant age was 24 (15 females, 9 males, 2 undisclosed gender).
Learning, skills, and inspiration
The training combined technical conservation knowledge with practical skills and networking opportunities. Highlights included:
- Conservation knowledge – Species-specific conservation (e.g., Saola, elephants, wetlands), wildlife rescue, anti-trafficking work, and the role of technology in research.
- Practical skills – Project planning, leadership, community engagement, research methodologies, and conservation campaigning.
- Career insights – Clearer understanding of conservation pathways beyond science, including education, communications, and policy roles.
- Inspiration – Motivational talks and direct interactions with leading conservation organisations such as Saola Foundation, WCS, WWF, IUCN, LCTW, ECC, and Free the Bears.
Measurable impact
The evaluation results speak for themselves:
- 96% reported learning new things.
- Over 85% agreed or strongly agreed with all tested learning outcomes.
- 100% would recommend the programme to others.
- At least 85% felt better prepared for a conservation career, and 77% expressed interest in volunteering or interning with participating organisations.
- 89% felt confident to contact organisations for opportunities following the training.
Participants described the programme as a turning point—helping them clarify career goals, boosting confidence, and showing that conservation needs people from many backgrounds, not only scientists.
One participant summed up the experience with this heartfelt reflection:
“If I could rate this program, it would be 1000/10 — and even that wouldn’t do justice to the level of excellence, care, and inspiration this program delivered.
From the very beginning, the professionalism, thoughtfulness, and seamless coordination were beyond impressive. Every single detail was intentional — from smooth logistics to perfectly timed sessions, and most of all, the powerful learning environment they created.
One thing I deeply appreciated was their commitment to sustainability. The waste management system was so well designed that, honestly, the only waste I personally produced during the workshop was a bit of tissue. There was zero single-use plastic, and yet everything was efficient, comfortable, and refreshing. It’s rare to see sustainability practiced so meaningfully in every corner of a program.
But above all, what made Econox and Anoulak so special was the people. The organizers, facilitators, and the entire team behind the scenes — you are some of the most inspiring, passionate, and visionary individuals I’ve ever had the honor of meeting.
Thank you for setting a new standard and showing us what thoughtful leadership truly looks like. Grateful beyond words 💚”
Beyond the classroom
The programme’s field visit to the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife was among the most inspiring experiences, giving participants a firsthand look at wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. Structured networking sessions and panel discussions allowed them to connect directly with professionals, role models, and peers in the conservation community.
Building a conservation movement
By providing knowledge, skills, inspiration, and professional connections, Lao Youth on a Mission for Nature Conservation is helping to build a stronger, more resilient generation of Lao conservation leaders. With continued support and collaboration, we can ensure more young Lao voices are at the forefront of protecting the country’s unique natural heritage.
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This programme was supported with funds to Association Anoulak from Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, Zoological and Botanical Garden Wilhelma, and additional unrestricted funds received from sponsors in 2025 (La Citadelle de Besancon; Stitching Wildlife; Parc de Cleres; Parc Animalier Barben).
Introduction to the Lao Youth on a Mission for Nature Conservation by Association Anoulak
Presentation from an alumnus from cohort 2024 to share her experience and journey, as part of Module 2 – Orientation, introduction to Youth On Mission and team building
Mr. Silisack SITHIPHONE delivering a workshop on Career Planning & Skill Mapping for Lao Conservationists Job Application & Team Building
Module 2: Career Planning & Skill Mapping for Lao Conservationists Job Application & Team Building
Module 3: Wildlife Research Techniques & Protected Area Management by WCS-Lao
Module 3: Wildlife Research Techniques & Protected Area Management by WCS-Lao
Module 4: Conservation: Expert Talk + Scenario Exercise by IUCN-Lao
Module 5: Endangered Species Conservation: The Case of the Saola by the Saola Foundation
Module 5: Endangered Species Conservation: The Case of the Saola by the Saola Foundation
In presence of the Saola Foundation team
Module 6: Research Methodologies and Academic Pathways by National University professor
Module 7: Elephant Conservation and Ethical Ecotourism by Elephant Conservation Center
Module 7: Elephant Conservation and Ethical Ecotourism by Elephant Conservation Center
Module 8: Wildlife Rescue and Anti-Trafficking Work by Free the Bears-Lao
Module 8: Wildlife Rescue and Anti-Trafficking Work by Free the Bears-Lao
Module 9: Conservation Campaigning and Public Engagement by WWF-Lao
Module 9: Conservation Campaigning and Public Engagement by WWF-Lao
Module 10: Leadership and Project Planning for Change by Katalyst & Partners
Module 10: Leadership and Project Planning for Change by Katalyst & Partners
Module 10: Leadership and Project Planning for Change by Katalyst & Partners
Module 11: Panel discussion: Building a Conservation Movement: How We Work, Why It Matters, and Where You Come In (with the participation of WCS, WWF, IUCN, Free The Bears, Elephant Conservation Center, The Saola Foundation)
Public event Module 11: Panel discussion: Building a Conservation Movement: How We Work, Why It Matters, and Where You Come In
Association Anoulak addressing the audience as part of the panel discussion
Module 11: Panel discussion: Building a Conservation Movement: How We Work, Why It Matters, and Where You Come In (with the participation of WCS, WWF, IUCN, Free The Bears, Elephant Conservation Center, The Saola Foundation)
Module 11: Panel discussion: Building a Conservation Movement: How We Work, Why It Matters, and Where You Come In (with the participation of WCS, WWF, IUCN, Free The Bears, Elephant Conservation Center, The Saola Foundation)
Module 12: Field Trip: Wildlife Rescue in Action at the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife
Module 12: Field Trip: Wildlife Rescue in Action at the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife
Module 12: Field Trip: Wildlife Rescue in Action at the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife
Participants taking part in hands-on exercises
Participants taking part in hands-on exercises
Participants taking part in hands-on exercises
Participants taking part in hands-on exercises
Participants taking part in hands-on exercises