Celebrating 7 Years of Conservation Impact: Association Anoulak and Nakai-Nam Theun National Park Conclude MoU Partnership

On 13 May 2025, Association Anoulak hosted a closing meeting to mark the successful conclusion of a seven-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nakai-Nam Theun National Park (NNT NP), running from 2019 to 2025. The event brought together distinguished representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National University of Laos, Khammouan Province, Nakai District, and local villages to reflect on a fruitful partnership dedicated to biodiversity conservation and community resilience in the Annamite Mountains of Lao PDR.

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.