Peter Brakels

Peter Brakels is the Species & Protected Area Programme Coordinator at IUCN Laos. His work focuses on biodiversity conservation, species monitoring, and the identification, evaluation, and effective management of protected and conserved areas.

Peter works closely with government agencies, NGOs, local communities, private companies, and universities to support conservation planning, field research, and knowledge sharing. He and his team collaborate with National Parks across Laos to assess and strengthen management effectiveness. This includes supporting biodiversity surveys and the development of long-term monitoring systems using tools such as camera traps and acoustic monitoring devices.

A central part of Peter’s approach is bringing together conservation science and local knowledge. He works closely with local communities, recognising that their knowledge, experience, and understanding of the landscape are essential to developing effective and locally appropriate conservation solutions. Peter also contributes to identifying and recognising important ecosystems and conservation areas outside formally protected areas. His work has helped identify and map more than 80 potential Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs), including community wetlands, fish conservation zones, sacred sites, and biodiversity offsets. These areas can contribute to measurable conservation outcomes while remaining part of working, multifunctional landscapes outside formal protected areas.

He also supports the application of internationally recognised conservation tools, including the IUCN Red List, Key Biodiversity Areas, and the IUCN Green List for Protected and Conserved Areas. These tools provide a framework for assessing species and ecosystems, identifying areas of global importance, and strengthening conservation planning and management.

Peter emphasises the importance of adapting conservation approaches to local contexts, cultures, and realities. He also considers education, training, and knowledge sharing fundamental to building long-term conservation capacity in Laos. Through his work, he seeks to strengthen collaboration between scientific institutions, government agencies, conservation organisations, and local communities, helping to turn biodiversity knowledge into practical conservation action.