From agrobiodiversity to agroecology, Manivanh Aliyavong’s work has been shaped by a long-term commitment to sustainable food systems in Laos and Southeast Asia.

Currently serving as the Regional Small Grants Manager at ALiSEA (Agroecology Learning Alliance in Southeast Asia), Manivanh supports local and regional actors who are driving agroecological change on the ground. Her role connects grassroots initiatives with regional learning, ensuring that practical experience feeds into shared knowledge and collective action.

Her journey began in 2015 with The Agro-Biodiversity Initiative (TABI), a landmark collaboration between the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). Over the final years of this 10-year program, she contributed to efforts that linked sustainable land management with biodiversity conservation and livelihood improvement in upland communities. From fisheries co-management to organic farming and non-timber forest product value chains, TABI provided a strong foundation for her work at the intersection of people, land, and biodiversity.

Following the completion of TABI, Manivanh continued this path through ALiSEA, an informal yet dynamic regional alliance dedicated to advancing agroecology in Southeast Asia. By fostering collaboration, encouraging evidence-based learning, and creating safe spaces for exchange, ALiSEA enables diverse stakeholders to learn from one another and strengthen the agroecological transition across the region.