Bounchanh Mekaloun

Bounchanh Mekaloun, Deputy Head of the Forest Research Center at the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI), says that forests are far more than landscapes: they are living sources of food, health, and opportunity. After graduating from the Faculty of Forestry in Vietnam, he returned to Laos equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with a strong determination to serve rural communities. His early experiences working closely with villagers shaped his conviction that sustainable forestry must go beyond conservation; it must actively contribute to improving livelihoods, strengthening food security, and enhancing community wellbeing.

As a team leader under the Agriculture for Nutrition Phase II (AFN II) project, which spans six provinces across northern and southern Laos, Bounchanh promotes the cultivation and sustainable management of forest-based food resources. Since 2023, he has been guiding communities in improved planting techniques, nursery establishment, and responsible forest food management. He conducts regular field visits to these villages, provides hands-on training, and conducts practical demonstrations. Bounchanh also helps to strengthen capacities of district and provincial agricultural staff.

His journey demonstrates that when professional expertise is paired with dedication and genuine community engagement, forests become powerful tools for nourishment, resilience, and long-term development. His leadership helps local communities to protect their forest resources, to cultivate healthier lives, and to achieve more secure future for the next generation.