Association Anoulak is a French non-profit organization dedicated to the long-term protection of biodiversity and the support of local communities through sustainable livelihood initiatives. Since the signing of the MoU in 2019, the organization has worked closely with Nakai-Nam Theun National Park to implement integrated programs in biodiversity research, anti-poaching efforts, community development, and conservation education.

Meeting co-chairs: Director of the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office of Khammouan; Vice-governor of Nakai District; Director of Association Anoulak

Key Achievements Over the 7-Year Partnership

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
• 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. National and International Communication
Throughout the project, the organization maintained consistent communication with partners and the broader public via:

• Detailed progress reports, Annual Reports
• Media engagement via News posts and videos
• Scientific publications sharing findings with the global conservation community

6. 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.

7. 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.

Supporting National and Global Conservation Goals

All of these programs were implemented in alignment with key national strategies and policies, including:

• The National Green Growth Strategy to 2030
• The National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2021–2025)
• The Forestry Law and Wildlife and Aquatic Law
• The National Elephant Management Action Plan (2021–2031)
• The Decree on Protected Areas (adopted in June 2023)
• The IUCN Green List strategy for Nakai-Nam Theun National Park

Through this multi-year collaboration, Association Anoulak and Nakai-Nam Theun National Park have made significant strides in preserving one of Southeast Asia’s most important biodiversity hotspots. The legacy of this partnership sets a solid foundation for continued cooperation and innovation in conservation in Lao PDR.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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
3. 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.

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As we bid farewell to 2024, let’s celebrate a year of remarkable achievements and transformative milestones. Together, we’ve advanced our efforts in Biodiversity Research and Monitoring, empowered communities through Sustainable Livelihoods, and strengthened Capacity Building programs.

What we can be the most proud of is the support we have provided to communities, youth, and our team members, which has positively impacted their livelihoods, growth, and skills—bringing us, collectively, closer to a brighter and more sustainable future.

As we confront the complex challenges of biodiversity conservation, in 2025 our association is embracing a transformative approach: shifting from direct implementation to empowering civil society as the champions of environmental protection. While anti-poaching patrols and research have yielded critical successes, long-term conservation requires building a foundation of local stewardship.

By investing in education, capacity-building, and sustainable livelihoods, we aim to equip communities in Laos with the skills, knowledge, and resources to lead conservation efforts themselves. This shift ensures that the next generation of conservation practitioners emerges from within, fostering a deep sense of ownership, resilience, and lasting commitment to safeguarding their natural heritage. Therefore, from 2025, we will focus our efforts on Capacity Building in Laos. We invite our donors and partners to join us in this bold vision for sustainable impact.

The post The Anoulak Family wishes you a Happy New Year 2025! appeared first on Association Anoulak.

At Association Anoulak, we prioritize selecting team members based on their motivation and commitment to conservation. Over the past few years, many of our team members have surpassed our expectations, taking on their roles with exceptional dedication and responsibility. Recognizing their potential, we have made it a priority to support their growth by offering annual scholarships to pursue academic studies in nature conservation. This initiative aims to nurture a new generation of skilled and passionate Lao professionals in the field of biodiversity conservation.

One of the major challenges faced by conservation organizations in Laos is the limited number of qualified Lao nationals available to join teams and implement programs. To address this gap, it is essential to encourage more Lao students to pursue academic and professional careers in conservation, starting with undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

In 2024, Association Anoulak awarded scholarships to three exceptional team members to support their academic journeys and empower them for future careers in conservation. Mr. Ouphakhone Souvandee and Ms. Laythong Sythongbay are pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry at the National University of Laos, where they have consistently demonstrated diligence and dedication. Meanwhile, Ms. Keomany Leuangthi has been awarded a Stripendium Hungaricum Scholarship for the Bachelor Program in Wildlife Management Engineering from the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Science in Hungary. While the scholarship she received covers accommodation and tuition fees, Association Anoulak is proud to provide additional financial support for her living expenses.

We are incredibly proud of their commitment and achievements and wish them the best in the rest of their studies!

Looking ahead, we plan to expand our support to more Lao students who aspire to pursue academic programs in nature and environmental protection, strengthening the foundation for conservation efforts in Laos. If you are interested in sponsoring some Lao students in the future contact us at info@conservationlaos.com

From right to left: Mr. Ouphakhone Souvandee; Ms. Laythong S both enrolled since 2024 in a Bachelor’s degree at the National University of Laos; Camille, founder and director of Association Anoulak; Ms. Lampheuy Community program poject manager.

Ms. Keomany has been studying in Hungary since September 2024 for the Bachelor Program in Wildlife Management Engineering

The post Supporting Anoulak team members with studentships to upskill the talented new generation of Lao nationals! appeared first on Association Anoulak.

The two trainers were from the Faculty of Forestry Science (Prof Dr. Viengsamone Thammavong) and the Department of Forestry (Mr. Phonphanh LuangAhphai). The training was attended by representatives from PAFO, DAFO, NNT NP, DoNRE, Association Anoulak, and the village facilitators from our program’s four target villages in Thaphaibanh cluster.

Two trainers Prof Dr. Viengsamone Thammavong and Mr. Phonphanh LuangAhphai in presence of the trainees

Prof Dr. Viengsamone Thammavong teaching trainees

Trainees practicing analysis of data collected during field practice

The training included theory lessons on data collection, data management, data analysis methodology, and field practice in villages. The field practices included the set-up of sampling plots, within which plants were counted according to the method.

Monitoring natural resources in the community and family forests, where these are collected, forms an integral part of our program Community Resilience and Biodiversity Conservation in Nakai District, in which we support local communities in the value chain of their traditionally made handicrafts. Furthermore, our team has previously provided training on collecting plants sustainably to ensure their re-growth and raising awareness for protecting natural resources. These contributions will ensure the program’s sustainability by preventing resource depletion.

Field practice

data analysis training

Association Anoulak team will continue supporting and training the village facilitators to implement the assessment within the community forests of the villages. The evaluation results will be presented to the village authorities and villagers for consultation and decision-making on NTFPs assessment, after which an agreement will be reached with district partners to continue to lead and monitor this activity with support from Association Anoulak.

Training participants with trainers, in presence of Association Anoulak director.

Field practice

Trainees in the field

Field practice

Field practice

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We gave the results and other ongoing programs on research and biodiversity research, including the systematic camera-trap survey monitoring program we led in 2023 (as the third replicate since 2018); our pilot project on Endangered Luciocyprinus striolatus; our study of the population of resident Asian Elephant. The government partners all provided positive feedback on these programs. They agreed with our recommendations for conserving Luciocyprinus striolatus (Paa Kang) in Nakai with Fish Conservation Zones targeted at the species, with technical partner FISHBIO. They also noted the importance of all these research programs to inform future conservation strategies for the national park.

We then presented all the achievements of our community’s sustainable livelihood program, which supports villagers in the value chain of their traditional handicrafts. Government partners at all levels were impressed by the program’s positive results. It was notably suggested that our approach should be expanded to other villages within the national park. It was also recommended that thanks to the new handicraft products from the villagers, Nakai district will be able to register for the One-District-One-Product program to promote these handicrafts at the national level. We also discussed the program’s sustainability, insisting that all our support will focus on the capacity building of villagers to become leaders within their community to trade their products.

With Mr. Sengkeo Phakounthong, Deputy of Nakai district governor office

With Mr. Bounphone PhottaAhmath, division head of conservation forest, Department of Forestry

With Mr. Bounchan Xaypanya, director general, of the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry office of Khammouan province

With Mrs. Buaka Keomany, Head of Nakai District governor’s office

With Ms. Chanphengxay SyAckSone, technical staff of the Department of Planning and Cooperative of MAF

With Mr. Somphou Ounvongkhampheng, Deputy director general, office of Industry and Commerce of Khammouan province

With Dr. Souklaty Sisaneth, Deputy Director of Research and Academic Service, National University of Laos

From left to right: Ms. Toun Silanon, village facilitator from Makfeung village; Mr. Bounphone Photta Ahmath, division head of conservation forest, Department of Forestry; Mr. Sengkeo Phakounthong, Deputy of Nakai district governor office; Mr. Somphou Ounvongkhampheng, Deputy director general, office of Industry and Commerce of Khammouan province; Ms. Camille Coudrat, Association Anoulak director; Mr. Buavern Kongmanychuang, village chief, Thongnoy village; Mr. Leuth Sondy, village chief, Korbong village; Mr. Bounsoung Singphai, village chief, Makfeung village; Mr. Bounchan Xaypanya, director general of the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry office of Khammouan province; Mrs. Buaka Keomany, Head of Nakai District governor’s office; Ms. Chanphengxay SyAckSone, technical staff of the Department of Planning and Cooperative of MAF; Mr. Souklaty Sisaneth, Deputy Director of Research and Academic Service, National University of Laos; Ms. Lampheuy, community project manager, Association Anoulak; Mr. Sythad Phimmachanh, director of Nakai-Nam Theun National Park.

The post We present our achievements of 2023 to Government partners appeared first on Association Anoulak.

Project partners are pleased to share the final Research Study Fact Sheet:

As well as the project video:

We hope that this project will inform future conservation plans for the long-term survival of the species in Laos. Project partners and sponsors will work together to pursue this work, especially in Nakai-Nam Theun National Park, which hold the largest population in the country with the best hope for its long-term survival, yet is also where it faces numerous imminent threats that could lead the species to global extinction.

Based on this pilot project, the final recommendations for the protection and conservation of wolfbarb in Nakai-Nam Theun National Park are as follows:

1. Conduct a follow-up study to understand the species’ reproductive cycle in Nakai-Nam Theun, including the identification of key locations of reproduction and spawning.
2. Set up community-based Fish Conservation Zones within the national park targeted for wolfbarb.
3. If possible, avoid the practice of catch-and-release sport fishing in Nakai-Nam Theun National Park, as this park represents the best location in the world for the long-term conservation of the species.
4. If sport fishing is unavoidable, conduct an impact assessment and define appropriate regulations prior to authorizing and promoting this practice in the park.
5. Develop community-based ecotourism to observe the species in its natural habitat. Any ecotourism projects must directly benefit the local communities and ensure their involvement in the protection of the species, notably through community-based Fish Conservation Zones.
6. Conduct awareness-raising for local authorities and local communities on the conservation value of the species.

All project partners are thankful for the financial support from:

• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF): granted to FISHBIO as main project leader at all project sites in Laos
• The French Agency for Development (AFD) and Brot für die Welt: granted to CCL for project coordination in Oudomxay Province
• Mandai Nature and Association Française des Parcs Zoologiques (AFdPZ): granted to Association Anoulak for project coordination in Khammouan Province

The post Last chance to be saved: A collaborative effort to protect the Endangered Wolf Barb L. stiolatus in Laos appeared first on Association Anoulak.

Camille Coudrat (Association Anoulak director) presented the preliminary results of our project on the distribution of White-cheeked Gibbons in Central Laos.

Camille presenting at IPS 2023

Camille presenting at IPS 2023

Camille presenting at IPS 2023

INVESTIGATING THE UNKNOWN: DISTRIBUTION OF THE SOUTHERN WHITE-CHEEKED GIBBON NOMASCUS SIKI AND THE NORTHERN WHITE-CHEEKED GIBBON N. LEUCOGENYS IN CENTRAL LAOS
– Camille Noemie, Zoe Coudrat, Association Anoulak (Primary Presenter)
– Michal Hradec, Czech University of Life Science Prague
– Hana Vostrá-Vydrová, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague
Abstract: Nomascus gibbons are the most threatened of the four Hylobatidae genera. The Northern N. leucogenys and the Southern White-cheeked Gibbon N. siki are both classified as Critically Endangered. They have a restricted global range and are endemic to Laos and Vietnam. It is currently speculated that the Nam Kading-Nam Theun (river) represents the major geographical barrier between N. leucogenys and N. siki (ranging north and south of the river, respectively). However, in central Laos the distribution range limit between the two species remains uncertain, preventing appropriate conservation planning. Gibbon songs are taxonomically distinct between species. To investigate the distribution of N. siki and N. leucogenys, we collected and obtained from partner institutions a total of 896 gibbon songs from sites in central Laos and Vietnam. We compared these recordings with 213 vocal recordings of genetically-screened gibbon individuals of both species from zoological facilities in Europe. Our dataset contains 674 records from males and 222 records from females. We performed the Kruskal-Wallis test to select acoustic parameters. We used cluster analysis to identify differences in vocalization among the gibbon populations. Cluster analysis is a multivariate method useful for identifying the same individuals based on the acoustic parameters they assign into clusters. The preliminary results showed that in the area north of the Nam Kading-Nam Theun are groups similar to N. siki while groups south of the river show a mixture of the two species. The results of our research will lead to re-evaluating the global distribution of both species and adapt national conservation prioritization.

We also co-authored another presentation that was given by one of our technical partners Dr. Cornelia Oedekoven from St. Andrews University, that presented another of our current collaborative projects on gibbons, consisting of developing new technology to survey gibbon populations. Later this year, we will be testing the prototype in Laos.

Dr. Cornelia Oedekoven resenting at IPS 2023

GIBBON SURVEYING IN THE DIGITAL AGE

– Cornelia Oedekoven, University of St Andrews (Primary Presenter)
– David Borchers, University of St Andrews
– Mark Peter Johnson, Aarhus University
– Camille Noemie, Zoe Coudrat, Association Anoulak
Abstract: Gibbons are difficult to see and easy to hear, so the best way to detect them is to listen for them. It is easy to establish gibbon presence this way, but not so easy to estimate gibbon density and abundance, which requires information on their locations when calling. Humans doing the listening can estimate directions to calls, and gibbon locations can be estimated by triangulation (although this can be labour-intensive and error-prone). Digital recorders are better listeners than humans in that they are cheaper and don’t get tired. Currently available recorders don’t estimate directions to calls but it turns out that accurate directions to calls is important for accurate density estimation. We introduce new digital recorders with synchronised clocks and multiple microphones which are able to provide estimated directions to sound sources accurately, and show how this improves density and abundance estimation, using acoustic spatial capture-recapture methods. We briefly discuss survey design, how calls can be efficiently extracted from acoustic files, and summarise results from initial field testing. These confirm that use of the new digital recorders with angle estimation substantially improves density estimation as well as provides much better information on sound source locations. They will undergo full field testing in Laos late this year. We hope their use will improve gibbon population monitoring and conservation planning in the near future.

Participants at the Gibbon Symposium held at the IPS 2023

The congress was also a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with many friends and colleagues, including former professors, as well as meet new people for exchanging knowledge, ideas and discuss potential new collaborations!

With former professors Dr. Susan Cheyne and Dr. Giuseppe Donati

With former professor and mentor Dr. Anna Nekaris

The post Presentations at the International Primatological Society 2023 in Kuching, Borneo Malaysia appeared first on Association Anoulak.

Luciocyprinus striolatus is a species of endangered cyprinid native to parts of Laos and China. It is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN, 2021). The abundance of the species is thought to be rapidly declining due to various impacts from human activities including deforestation, infrastructure and hydropower development, low water levels, the use of destructive fishing gears, and climate change. The species is believed to be already extinct from China, which makes Laos the only country where the species can be protected. The distribution of the species in Laos remains little known, as well as the threats it faces where the species has been confirmed. There are currently only three locations in Laos where the species has been recorded recently in Oudomxay Province, in Khammouan Province (including Nakai-Nam Theun National Park) and in Bolikhamxay Province.

Survey team from Association Anoulak, FISHBIO, Nakai-Nam Theun National Park, and villagers in January 2023

When we initiated the project, the status of Luciocyprinus striolatus in Nakai – Nam Theun National Park remained unknown, therefore a research and conservation project was urgently needed to ensure the long-term conservation and survival of the species locally.

The overall aim of this project was to increase scientific knowledge and understanding of the distribution, life cycle and threats of this data-poor Endangered species (Luciocyprinus striolatus) in order to conserve and protect the population in Laos with future development of local conservation action plans.

The specific objectives of the projects were:

• To conduct an assessment of the threats to Luciocyprinus striolatus in Nakai – Nam Theun National Park watershed

• To conduct an assessment of the current presence/absence, distribution, abundance, and ecology of L. striolatus

The project included the following activities:

1. Water sampling for environmental DNA analysis to detect the presence of the species
2. Luciocyprinus striolatus individuals tagging for movement study
3. Water quality sampling collected
4. Qualitative assessment of threats on the species

Water quality testing

Collection of water samples for environmental DNA analysis and detection of L. striolatus

One of the three individual L. striolatus captured along the Nam Theun in January 2023 which was tagged and released for future movements monitoring in case of opportunistic recapture by local fishers

A total of 25 eDNA samples were collected along three main rivers (Nam Xot, Nam Theun, Nam Noy) in the Nakai-Nam Theun National Park in 2022-2023 (Figure 1). 72% of the water samples collected detected Luciocyprinus striolatus (i.e. 18 samples out of total 25 samples). The positive detections of the species came from three different sites: Nam Xot, Nam Theun, Nam Noy (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Locations of the 25 river water samples collected in Nakai-Nam Theun National Park in 2022-2023 for the detection of Luciocyprinus striolatus via environmental DNA analysis

The main threats identified on the population of Luciocypronus striolatus in Nakai-Nam Theun National Park are:

• Fishing of the species (as a target species or by-catch) by local villagers for subsistence food and/or local trade
• Depletion of prays of Luciocyprinus striolatus as a result of over-fishing and unregulated fishing by local communities for subsistence food and/or local trade
• Catch-and-Release tourism attraction and promotion within the national park (with no prior impact assessment and management plan)
• Seasonal droughts
• A lack of awareness on the species’ conservation value by local communities and local authorities
• A lack of conservation plan for the species for the national park

Luciocyprinus striolatus is under threat at all locations where it has been confirmed to occur in Laos: Nam Pak in Oudomxay Province, Xay Champhone in Bolikhamxay Province and Nakai-Nam Theun National Park in Khammouan Province.

However, Nakai-Nam Theun National Park represents the best location across the world for the long-term conservation of the species.

Tagging of one of the three individual L. striolatus captured along the Nam Theun in January 2023 which was tagged and released for future movements monitoring in case of opportunistic recapture by local fishers

Based on this pilot project, the final recommendations for the protection and conservation of L. striolatus in Nakai-Nam Theun National Park are as follows:

1. Conduct a follow-up study to understand reproduction cycle of the species in Nakai-Nam Theun (including key locations of reproduction and spawning)

2. Set-up community-based Fish Conservation Zones within the national park targeted at L. striolatus

3. The practice of catch-and-release sport fishing in Nakai-Nam Theun National Park should be avoided as the national park represents the best location across the world for the long-term conservation of the species. Conduct impact assessment of catch-and-release sport fishing and species abundance before authorizing and promoting this practice in Nakai-Nam Theun National Park.

4. Develop community-based ecotourism tours to observe the species in its natural habitat. Ecotourism project must directly benefit the local communities, to ensure their involvement in the protection of the species notably through community-based Fish Conservation Zones that are set-up for the protection of the species population

5. Conduct awareness raising for local authorities and local communities on the conservation value of the species

Tagging of one of the three individual L. striolatus captured along the Nam Theun in January 2023 which was tagged and released for future movements monitoring in case of opportunistic recapture by local fishers

Measurements taken on one of the three individual L. striolatus captured along the Nam Theun in January 2023 which was tagged and released for future movements monitoring in case of opportunistic recapture by local fishers

Water quality testing device (provided by Nam Theun 2 Power Company)

Training by Mr. Sinsamout (FISHBIO) to Association Anoulak team on the morphological characteristics of fishes

Training by Mr. Sinsamout (FISHBIO) to Association Anoulak team on the morphological characteristics of fishes

The post Pilot project completion: Research and Conservation of the Endangered Wolf Barb Luciocyprinus striolatus in Nakai-Nam Theun National Park appeared first on Association Anoulak.

Here is a summary of her interview in English:

Camille Coudrat, a Frenchwoman living in Laos for a decade, is truly passionate about biodiversity. Founder of Association Anoulak, she is fully involved in the conservation of wildlife in Laos. In an interview for the “World of Women” association, she shares her journey, her childhood dreams, her inspirations and her hopes for the future.

From a young age, Camille already nurtured the desire to work with animals. She first aspired to become a veterinarian, but finally chose to study conservation biology. Her admiration for Jane Goodall, a famous primatologist, reinforced her passion for primates, in particular chimpanzees, which she dreamed of studying, thus following in the footsteps of her model.

Over time, Camille made her way by first studying general biology, later specializing in biodiversity conservation. However, her goal of studying primates in Africa took an unexpected turn when she discovered the species of “Red-shanked Douc” in Asia. This endangered species touched her deeply and was the starting point of her commitment to Laos, where she eventually obtained a doctorate studying the biodiversity of the Annamite mountain range, along the Lao-Vietnamese border.

When asked what motivated her career choices, Camille first cites her role models, inspiring women like Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey, who followed their dreams with determination and independence. Finding out about of the “Douc” in Laos was a revelation and pushed her to devote her efforts to the protection of this endangered species. But Camille also that the woman who inspired her is her mum. Her parent have always supported her to follow her choices and passion, which she is truly grateful for.

Camille’s greatest pride lies in the foundation of her association, Association Anoulak. However, what makes her particularly proud is to form and support a Lao team. Camille’s ambition is to train and inspire the new generation of Lao people to protect the environment and the biodiversity of their country. Camille has trained her in the various field techniques and offers them scholarships to continue their studies, thus enabling them to become future actors in conservation.

To finance her projects, Camille benefits from the support of many international donors. She devotes a large part of her time to seeking funding for each project she aims to develop.

When it comes to the impact of being a woman in a predominantly male field, Camille doesn’t see her gender as a barrier. She points out that she has been supported by both men and women throughout her career. According to her, the differences in sensibilities she brings as a woman have helped shape her association.

Finally, her wishes for the future are clear: she hopes that the Lao people themselves will be the guardians of biodiversity and nature in the long term. Her ultimate goal is to serve Laos and leave a lasting legacy by nurturing a new generation of conservation enthusiasts.

The interview with Camille Coudrat testifies to the strength of her determination and her will to preserve the biodiversity of Laos while investing in the future of the country through the training of the new generation of environmental defenders. An inspiring story that shows how childhood dreams can shape exceptional life journeys.

Interview (in French with English subtitles):

The post An intimate interview with Camille, founder and director of Anoulak, for “World of Women” appeared first on Association Anoulak.

From 18 to 25 July 2023, Ms. Keo (Wildlife Research Fieldwork officer at Association Anoulak) was selected to participate the annual “Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Field Skills Training Course” implemented by The Asian Turtle Program (ATP) of Indo-Myanmar Conservation (IMC). The course is conducted in collaboration with the Laos Conservation Trust for Wildlife (LCTW) and the National University of Laos (NUOL) under a Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF)/IUCN grant for IMC. In the week-long course, the 15 participants (Lao students, researchers, conservationists selected through a competitive application process) were provided with practical skills and experience relating to research and conservation of turtles through a combination of classroom instructions and field exercises.

Participants of the Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Field Skills Training Course, doint the turtle pose! July 2023 at the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife. Photo credit: ATP/IMC/CEPF/IUCN

The course’s participants had the opportunity to:

• Gain knowledge on tortoise & freshwater turtle identification and their conservation status in Laos PDR
• Gain more insights on tortoise & freshwater turtle biology, ecology and behaviour
• Obtaining new field research skills, including surveying, animal handling and data collection focusing on tortoise & freshwater turtle
• A chance to complete a short research project following the course

The first annual Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Field Skill Training Course was held by ATP in 2005 at the Turtle Conservation Center in Vietnam for university students and rangers from Vietnam. This course has been subsequently held every year since and has travelled to Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The course has been run for a few years in Laos, where a selection of Lao students, researchers and conservationists come together to learn about tortoises and freshwater turtles and their conservation.

The Asian Turtle Program (ATP) is a program under the Indo-Myanmar Conservation, a UK registered charity. ATP is based in Vietnam, with most of its research and conservation work implemented in Vietnam. ATP was established during the development of the Turtle Conservation Centre (TCC) of Cuc Phuong National Park, Ninh Binh province, Vietnam. Their mission is to conserve Asia’s tortoises and freshwater turtles by conducting research, protecting habitats, raising awareness and building expertise. To learn more about them visit their websites: The Asian Turtle Program (ATP) of Indo-Myanmar Conservation (IMC).

Association Anoulak is grateful for giving this unique training opportunity to Ms. Keo!

Ms. Keo, Wildlife Research Fieldwork officer at Association Anoulak, receiving her certificate of attendance from the Trainers. Photo credit: ATP/IMC/CEPF/IUCN

Learning and practicing field navigation with maps, GPS, compasses. Photo credit: ATP/IMC/CEPF/IUCN

Learning and practicing field navigation with maps, GPS, compasses. Photo credit: ATP/IMC/CEPF/IUCN

Learning and practicing field navigation with maps, GPS, compasses. Photo credit: ATP/IMC/CEPF/IUCN

Learning and practicing field navigation with maps, GPS, compasses. Photo credit: ATP/IMC/CEPF/IUCN

Learning and practicing field navigation with maps, GPS, compasses. Photo credit: ATP/IMC/CEPF/IUCN

Methods of collecting information through interviews. Photo credit: ATP/IMC/CEPF/IUCN

Learning about turtle physiology and ecology, including Nesting behaviour of turtles, egg dynamics and handling. Photo credit: ATP/IMC/CEPF/IUCN

Photo credit: ATP/IMC/CEPF/IUCN

Learning about turtle and tortoise behaviour, morphology. Photo credit: ATP/IMC/CEPF/IUCN

Photo credit: ATP/IMC/CEPF/IUCN

Photo credit: ATP/IMC/CEPF/IUCN

Learning about tortoise morphology and species identification. Photo credit: ATP/IMC/CEPF/IUCN

Radio telemetry tracking practice. Photo credit: Keomany L.

Turtles survey techniques practice in the forest in Phou Khao Kouay National Protected Area (surveying, field data collection). Photo credit: ATP/IMC/CEPF/IUCN

Photo credit: ATP/IMC/CEPF/IUCN

_______

About ATP/IMC

“Indo-Myanmar Conservation (IMC) is a UK-registered charity that works to prevent the extinction of the Indo-Myanmar Hotspot’s globally threatened wildlife. IMC was established in 2008 with projects in Myanmar but has now expanded to other parts of the hotspot, including a strong presence in Vietnam.We work in a variety of different ways to conserve native wildlife directly and indirectly, with a focus on species which are both highly endangered and largely restricted to this hotspot”.

About CEPF

“CEPF empowers non-governmental organizations, Indigenous groups, universities and private enterprises to protect the world’s biodiversity hotspots and help communities thrive. It is a joint initiative of l’Agence Française de Développement, Conservation International, the European Union, the Global Environment Facility, the Government of Japan, and the World Bank. In the Indo-Burma Hotspot, it is also supported by the Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies. IUCN serves as CEPF’s Regional Implementation Team in the Indo-Burma Hotspot”.

About IUCN

“IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature, helps the world find pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges.

IUCN’s work focuses on valuing and conserving nature, ensuring effective and equitable governance of its use, and deploying nature-based solutions to global challenges in climate, food and development. IUCN supports scientific research, manages field projects all over the world, and brings governments, NGOs, the UN and companies together to develop policy, laws and best practice.

IUCN is the world’s oldest and largest global environmental organization, with more than 1,200 government and NGO Members and almost 11,000 volunteer experts in some 160 countries. IUCN’s work is supported by over 1,000 staff in 45 offices and hundreds of partners in public, NGO and private sectors around the world. www.iucn.org“

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