A Biodiversity Conservation and Community Development Workshop was held in Vientiane, capital of Lao PDR from August 5-10. The workshop was jointly organized by the Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS-SEABRI) and Lao Biotechnology and Ecology Institute (BEI). 

With 30 trainees from research institutions and universities of Lao, the workshop is aimed to raise awareness among stakeholders and the communities of the importance of biodiversity conservation and how to integrate sustainable community development with long-term regional biodiversity conservation. 

“We really appreciate the assistance of Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) and SEABRI in personnel training and research cooperation. With this workshop, more experienced researchers will be available to conserve regional biodiversity and promote sustainable development”, said Dr.Sourioudong Sundara, vice minister of Science and Technology of Lao at the opening ceremony. 

Since 2017, three large-scale biodiversity investigations have been jointly conducted. “We will continue carrying out such field investigations and cultivating more young researchers for Lao by holding workshops and enrolling Lao students to pursue academic degrees in XTBG”, said Prof. Quan Ruichang, assistant director of XTBG. 

The workshop is composed of indoor courses and field practices. Teachers are from XTBG, SEABRI, and BEI. 

Vice Minister Sourioudong Sundara of Science and Technology speaks  

Prof. Quan Ruichang of XTBG and Dr.Keovivone Outthachak of BEI speak  

Teachers and trainees pose a photo