From the forests of Nakai-Nam Theun National Park to the urban markets of Vientiane Capital!

On the 11 December 2021, Association Anoulak participated in the Christmas Market organized by the French Institute of Laos in Vientiane. Association Anoulak set up a booth among over 20 other booths that were displaying and selling handicrafts and local products from diverse regions of the country. Our booth attracted the visitors for its unique and beautiful handicrafts put on display!

These beautifully created handicrafts made from bamboo, rattan and pandanus leaves were produced by the villagers from the Nakai-Nam Theun National Park as part of our project to support the local communities in the development of their handicraft value chain and marketing strategy to bring them an alternative income. Our project also includes a natural resource management program launched this year 2021, to ensure the sustainability of the project.

All the handicrafts that Association Anoulak sells is directly purchased from the villagers (paid up front) who get direct cash benefit. Anyone buying the handicrafts therefore directly supports the livelihoods of the villagers! These crafting skills have been traditionally transmitted from generation to generation. It is important for these cultural practices not to be lost as they are part of the cultural heritage of Laos and its people.

In addition to the handicrafts, we also sold our published books (Wonders of the Annamites; Spirit of the Saola; Pangolin: Life of a Scaly Antearter).