Wishing you a happy new year 2026 and announcing our new direction from 2026

Association Anoulak wishes you the best for the New Year 2026! We hope the year 2026 will be joyful, exciting, adventurous, peaceful and kind to all with meaningful connections with people and nature.

In 2025, we officially closed our Memorandum of Understanding with Nakai-Nam Theun National Park.

Since the signing of the MoU in 2019 and our pre-2019 actions in Nakai-Nam Theun National Park, the Association Anoulak has worked closely with Nakai-Nam Theun National Park to implement integrated programs in biodiversity research, anti-poaching efforts, community development, and conservation education.

Key Achievements Over > 7-Year Partnership with the Nakai-Nam Theun National Park

1. Biodiversity Research and Monitoring – Association Anoulak has led and supported a wide array of scientific research projects, contributing valuable data and insights into the park’s rich biodiversity. These include: primate research on red-shanked doucs and gibbons; Gibbon distribution and population monitoring; Botanical surveys across diverse habitats; Otter distribution surveys; A pioneering arboreal camera-trap program; Large-scale systematic ground camera-trap surveys to monitor mammals and ground birds; Research and conservation of the Large-antlered muntjac, a highly threatened endemic species; Environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys; Elephant population monitoring and research; Research and conservation activities for the Endangered Worlf Barb (Luciocyprinus striolatus)

2. Anti-Poaching Patrol Support – In coordination with NNT NP, the association supported regular forest patrols aimed at reducing illegal hunting and wildlife trade, helping to safeguard the park’s most threatened species.

3. Conservation Education and Awareness – Awareness-raising efforts reached various levels of society through: Village-level educational activities and the creation and dissemination of conservation education resources and books

4. Community Livelihood Development – To support the resilience of local communities living in and around the park, Association Anoulak initiated sustainable income-generating activities, notably the development of handicraft value chains and marketing strategies, empowering villagers—especially women—to gain economic independence through traditional skills.

5. Capacity Building and Training – The project invested significantly in building the technical skills of local partners, including NNT NP staff, researchers, and community members involved in conservation programs.

6. Technical Advising to Park Authorities – Association Anoulak played an advisory role to the Nakai-Nam Theun National Park Authority, particularly in the design and implementation of biodiversity research and monitoring protocols.

Looking Ahead

As the MoU chapter with Nakai-Nam Theun National Park comes to a close, Association Anoulak remains fully committed to its mission in Lao PDR. The organization’s future focus will center on strengthening the capacity of Lao civil society in the conservation sector through three core programs:

• Youth Engagement – Inspiring and empowering young Lao individuals to explore and pursue careers in nature conservation through educational outreach, mentorship, and exposure to field-based opportunities.
• Professional Development for Lao Conservationists – Enhancing the skills and knowledge of Lao professionals working in environmental protection and biodiversity through tailored training such as the Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation
• Scholarships for Lao Students – Supporting Lao students through academic scholarships to undertake higher education in the fields of environmental science, biodiversity conservation, and related disciplines, fostering the next generation of national conservation leaders.

Through these initiatives, Association Anoulak will continue to invest in building a resilient, skilled, and passionate Lao conservation community to ensure long-term stewardship of the country’s natural heritage.

We hope that you will continue to support and follow us in these new endeavors. Here is to a successful 2026 year!