Our Team
Pha Khao Lao is a joint initiative of the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI) of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Government of Laos and the Centre for Development and Environment (CDE) of the University of Bern, Switzerland. Both institutions have been collaborating on the development of the PKL platform and are committed to continue their fruitful collaboration. NAFRI and CDE receives strategic and conceptual guidance from an advisory board composed of specialists in agrobiodiversity and related fields.
National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI) Team
Ketsaline Phachansithy
Komkeo Sibounwang
Komkeo Graduated Higher Diploma of Computer Engineering from National University of Lao 2008-2009. 2013-2014 completed Bachelor Degree of Computer Engineering from National University of Lao. 2010 – As a present responsible for IT Support and Web developers for Center of Agriculture and Forestry Information and Communication (CIC), NAFRI, MAF. He involved Pha Khao Lao team since June 2017 as Knowledge Base Senior team.
Manoluck Bounsihalath
Director of Information and Communication Center in NAFRI, more than 8 years of experiencing in information management and knowledge transfer. I love cooking and eating Lao food especially “Aoklam”(vegetable soup with soaked rice) which is a Lao famous recipe and good health.
Centre for Development and Environment (CDE) Team
Souphaphone Phathitmyxay (Sou)
I am a Database and GIS Specialist with over 18 years of experience working on development projects in Laos. Throughout my career, I’ve played a key role in building and managing information systems for various organizations, including the Lao government and international NGOs. My expertise lies in data analysis, database development, and user training. At CDE, I have contributed to projects like the Lao Land Lease and Concession Information System (LCIS) and the K4D project, developing online platforms and training government staff on data management. My passion lies in using technology to support sustainable development efforts in Laos.
Ms. Duangkhae KEONOY (Khae)
My work at CDE focuses on agrobiodiversity in Laos. I manage the Pha Khao Lao Database, collecting and integrating information on plant and animal species. I also develop educational content for the Pha Khao Lao platform and support awareness campaigns promoting the conservation and sustainable use of this valuable resource. My field experience in Xieng Khouang, Bolikhamxai, Khammouan, and Vientiane Capital allows me to contribute grounded knowledge to CDE’s important work.
Bouavone Thipphavanh (Vone)
I’m passionate about promoting agrobiodiversity. At CDE, I create engaging media content and communication materials for the Pha Khao Lao platform. I also contribute to the platform’s database by collecting and integrating information on agrobiodiversity species. I actively support awareness campaigns for the conservation and sustainable use of this valuable resource. My field experience in Vientiane Capital, Khammouan, and Xieng Khouang provides valuable insights for my work at CDE.
Andy Souvanphakdy (Dy)
With a strong foundation in finance and business administration, I bring a blend of academic knowledge and practical experience to my role as a Project Assistant of Pha Khao Lao. I have a passion for environmental issues and have actively contributed through volunteer work and internships with organizations like FAO and VFI, focusing on data management, knowledge platforms, and project support. My language skills further enhance my ability to collaborate effectively in a cross-cultural setting.
Dr. Albrecht Ehrensperger (Albi)
My work focuses on various aspects of sustainable land systems. Since 2007, I’ve held management roles at the Centre for Development and Environment (CDE) at the University of Bern. Currently, I coordinate agroecology and agrobiodiversity projects in Laos, where I am based part-time. My work spans international research, capacity building, and project leadership, with a focus on sustainability in Asia and Africa.
Advisory Board
The Pha Khao Lao advisory board is composed of experts in various fields and disciplines related to or relevant for agrobiodiversity. The advisory board provides strategic guidance and supports the project team in its mandate to avail high quality, up-to-date and relevant information to its intended beneficiaries. Current members of the advisory board are listed below.
Chintanaphone Keovichith
Chintanaphone was born in the Vientiane capital. She graduated with a bachelors degree from the Faculty of Economics and Business Management from NUOL in 2008. She started work at CLICK in 2014. She loves Lao food, especially insects like: crickets, grasshoppers, and bamboo soup name “Nor Ka Saen” – small bamboo – grown in Khammuan province. “I like to eat bamboo soup since I was a child and my grandmother cooked for me. We eat it with hot sticky rice, it so fantastic and bamboo soup is one of the unique meals of Lao people.”
Kevin Kamp
Michael Victor
Michael Victor is a rural development specialist with 20 years of experience focusing on communication, knowledge management, capacity development and project design in the agriculture and natural resource management sector. I have worked both in Laos, the Mekong region and globally. One of my favorite products in Pha Khao Lao is Broom grass as it is a versatile product that grows in fallows in the Uplands. One food I enjoy eating is ‘bamboo grubs’ fried and salted. It goes great with a glass of beer and watching the sunset on the Mekong.
Dr. Koukham Vilayheuang
Lucie Reynaud
Thavone Phommavong
Joost Foppes
Peter Brakels
Peter Brakels is an environmental scientist with 10 years of experience in the biodiversity conservation and protected area management sector. Currently working for IUCN Laos PDR as a technical advisor in their National biodiversity conservation program. In his free time, Peter conducts herpetological surveys and photographs the diversity of herpetofauna in-situ with the goal of identifying and mapping the species diversity of Laos. His main interests are in the ecology and conservation of amphibians in Laos.
Simone Vongkhamho
Since 2004, I have been employed as researcher of Forestry Research Center. I have been involved to do the research related Silviculture techniques, Forest Plantation, Forest and Non-Timber Forest Products Value Chain in across the country. I like to learn and listen the story from the old men who living in rural area with conserved valuable indigenous knowledge of forest product (planting, gathering…) because its make me enough to inspire a sequel.
Dr Vichith Lamxay
My name is Vichith Lamxay, a Lao national with experience as a lecturer at the Biology department, Faculty of Natural Sciences, National University of Laos. I am a Flora researcher, facilitator, trainer, and postgraduate administrator at the Faculty of Natural Sciences as well as a national consultant in many projects including; IUCN, UNDP, GIZ, WMPA, NAFRI. I have long-standing experience working for National University of Laos as a lecturer and researcher in the field of plant diversity and Biodiversity conservation since 1983.
University of Bern, Switzerland
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Lao PDR