Site-based Conservation

Site-Based Conservation

The goal of the Site-based Conservation program is to promote localized conservation efforts within areas containing significant biodiversity. 

For relevant literature, articles, and project reports on our Site-based Conservation in Lao PDR please visit our library.

Bolikhamxay Ecosystem and Wildlife Project
The Bolikhamxay Ecosystem and Wildlife Project area is home to the largest uninhabited montane forest in Lao PDR.   In order to properly manage an area as diverse as the Bolikhamxay province, WCS is building a training facility within the province that will provide wildlife conservation instruction, field research courses, and a management program.  By creating smaller, decentralized programs, it is believed that the programs will be better equipped to respond and manage site-specific problems and issues.  

Nam Ha National Protected Area: 1996- 2008
· Wildlife and NTFP Management Project click here to go to the N H wildlife and ntfp management page
· Gibbon Conservation Project click here to go to the gibbon conservation project
· Past Nam Ha NPA Projects click here to go to the N H protected area project

WCS has been active in the Nam Ha NPA since 1996 and currently we have projects to conserve Gibbon populations  and a project to do community level sustainable resource management.  The aim of the Na Ham Project is to work with local communities to create an integrated management plan that supports both the needs of wildlife conservation and of the local residents.  As one of the largest NPAs in Lao PDR, Nam Ha is home to important biodiversity, but it is also home to a number of ethnic minority people.  Understanding how to accommodate the needs of all interested parties will be a major success not only for Nam Ha but also for other areas facing similar threats. 

Collaborating with the Adventist Development Relief Agency, the Wildlife and NTFP Project will evaluate the abundance and the sustainability of offtake of forest resources (wildlife and NTFPs) utilized for village subsistence.  As a result of these studies, a village management plans will be enacted that will regulate the use of forest products but that will also allow for the needs of local populace.  

Nakai- Nam Theun National Protected Area:  2003- 2007
· Biodiversity Baseline and Enforcement Project click here go to NNT biodiversity baseline and enforcement page
· Nakai Elephant Project click here go to existing Nakai elephant page

This Nakai- Nam Theun National Protected Area (NNT NPA) and the adjoining Nakai Plateau are two of the most important places for biodiversity conservation in Southeast Asia.  The NNT NPA is the largest protected area in Lao PDR covering an area of 3,460 km² and is the most biologically diverse.  It is home to many of the recently discovered animals like the Saola and Annamites Striped Rabbit.  The Nakai plateau is home to one of Southeast Asia’s largest wild elephant herds.  Both areas are threatened by unsustainable resource use and habitat conversion.

To read about wildlife tracking in the Nakai Nam Theun National Protected Area go to:

http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0,,
contentMDK:21354069~pagePK:64257043~piPK:437376~theSitePK:4607,00.html?cid=EXTEAPLao1

Click here to read about the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA) role in the Nam Theun 2 Hydroelectric Project:

http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTLAOPRD/Resources/IDA-Lao.pdf

Nam Et Phou Louey National Protected Area:  2003- 2007
click here to to the existing tiger project page
The Nam Et Phou Louey National Protected Area (NEPL NPA) is the second largest protected area complex in the Lao PDR (4200km2).  The NPA  reports high incidence of large carnivore attacks on village livestock and tiger hunting and trade.  The NPA requested WCS to provide accurate data on the abundance and distribution of tiger and prey, while providing technical assistance in addressing the livestock problem.