Peter Brakels

Peter Brakels is the Species & Protected Areas Programme Coordinator at IUCN Laos. His work focuses on biodiversity conservation, species monitoring, and the identification and management of important areas for nature. He works with government agencies, NGOs, local communities, private companies, and universities to support conservation planning and knowledge sharing.

An important part of Peter’s work is connecting local knowledge with conservation science. He supports local villagers and ethnic communities to participate in wildlife surveys, including camera trapping and sound recording. Local knowledge of wildlife, forests, and landscapes provides useful information for identifying species, understanding threats, and supporting conservation activities.

Peter also contributes to the identification of valuable ecosystems outside of formally protected areas. His work has helped map more than 80 potential Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (community wetlands, fish conservation zones, sacred sites, biodiversity offsets) that deliver conservation outcomes inside working multifunctional landscapes outside formal protected areas.

He also supports the application of international conservation tools, including the IUCN Red List, Key Biodiversity Areas, and the IUCN Green List for Protected and Conserved Areas. These tools help assess species, identify areas of importance, and strengthen conservation planning and management.

Peter emphasizes the importance of adapting conservation approaches to local contexts and cultures. He also considers education, training, and knowledge sharing important for strengthening conservation capacity in Laos. His work demonstrates the role of collaboration between scientific institutions, government agencies, and local communities in supporting biodiversity conservation.