Background and history

Laos is a biodiversity hotspot. Agricultural biodiversity contributes significantly to livelihoods of both rural and urban people of Laos and is considered a crucial resource for food security and healthy diets. This wealth is Laos’ great natural and social heritage as most of Lao food, folklore and cultural traditions are closely linked to agrobiodiversity.

While agrobiodiversity has been well documented, the body of knowledge is scattered, difficult to access, and in danger of being lost. Thus, a platform bringing together experience and knowledge on agrobiodiversity in Laos is of crucial importance.

Pha Khao Lao was initially developed under the Agrobiodiversity Initiative (TABI), a project financed and supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation from 2010-2020. The aim of TABI was to conserve, enhance, and manage the biological diversity found in northern Laotian farming landscapes to improve the livelihoods of upland farm families. The project had put in place an important information and knowledge management component, which eventually led to the creation of the Pha Khao Lao platform.

Mission and Vision

Pha Khao Lao aspires to be the central hub for agrobiodiversity in the Lao PDR.

Our Mission is to gather, consolidate, and share knowledge, information, and data on Lao agrobiodiversity for students, researchers, and practitioners. Further, we aim to promote agrobiodiversity practices on farms, in landscapes and along value-chains, and to empower local communities to use their natural resources sustainably.

Our Vision is a future in which all stakeholders in Laos are empowered to embrace and utilize agrobiodiversity for a more sustainable and prosperous future. We wish to inspire future generations and believe in celebrating Laos’ rich natural heritage and fostering a culture of conservation and responsible management of this valuable resource.

Tools and Products

The Pha Khao Lao agrobiodiversity platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools and resources. Users can explore a website featuring a database with over 1400 plant, animal, and fungi species, alongside profiles of agrobiodiversity champions in Laos. The platform stays up-to-date with weekly social media posts on Facebook and a YouTube channel boasting around 80 videos. Additionally, the website curates news from Laos and the Mekong Region that are relevant to agrobiodiversity.

Prospects and plans

From being a platform availing information on species and news on agrobiodiversity, Pha Khao Lao has developed into a project with a broad portfolio of activities. We are, conducting studies on agrobiodiversity related issues in Laos, participating in the implementation of projects on agriculture and nutrition, organising events on agrobiodiversity, etc.

In future, Pha Khao Lao wants to consolidate its role and position as a central knowledge platform for agrobiodiversity related matters in Laos. To achieve this, we have started to join forces with global biodiversity platform to foster the exchange of data and information. We are also exploring opportunities to work with the private sector to engage its actors into the promotion of agrobiodiversity. Lastly, we wish to reinforce our research component and to be more active in teaching and education to bring knowledge about agrobiodiversity to the young generation in Laos.

Why is it called Pha Khao Lao?

Pha Khao is a low standing table used for eating meals in Lao and a poignant symbol of Lao people’s connection to agrobiodiversity. The table is usually made locally of rattan or bamboo. Family and friends gather around the table and share meals which consist largely of agrobiodiversity food such as fish, sticky rice, local vegetables, stews- and hand-made dipping sauces.