TABI AGROBIODIVERSITY MODEL

More than 1,000 species identified in associated selected habitats. Land use planning is implemented in almost 1,000,000 ha in 315 villages in 13 provinces. ABD importance promoted to more than 230,867+ people. ABD curriculum implemented in 50 schools. 1,000 articles and 30 VDOs on ABD helped to attract 80,000+ people on Facebook. 30,000 people active in Phakhaolao. […]

LIVING LANDSCAPES Embracing Agro-Biodiversity in Northern Laos

The Lao uplands have long been recognized for their rich agro-biodiversity. Home to globally important species of animals, plants, and micro-organisms, this agro-biodiversity is the legacy of the upland farmers’ agricultural knowledge and practices passed down over generations. Towards the end of the 20th century and the start of this one, the agrarian transition and […]

NAFRI Research Report: Farmers’ access to credit in the Lao PDR

The agricultural sector plays an important role in the development of the Lao PDR. In 2017, the growth rate of GDP was 6.9%. The growth rate of the agricultural sector increased by 2.9% contributing to 17.7% of the country’s GDP. In addition, the agriculture sector contributed to 60.8% of total employment. The financial sector largely […]

New records of ferns in the flora of Laos

Fieldwork in Lao PDR during 2007-2008 resulted in the discovery of 15 unrecorded fern species among the flora of Lao PDR. All have been identified in other countries in southeastern Asia, as well as from other tropical areas. The species are as follows: Asplenicaceae (Asplenium delavayi, A. rockier), Athyriaceae (Anisocampium cuspidatum), Dennstaedtiaceae (Microlepia hookeriana, Pteridium […]

Hmong herbal medicine and herbalists in Lao PDR: pharmacopeia and knowledge transmission

In Lao PDR, the Hmong ethnic group has extensive knowledge about the use of medicinal plants. However, despite the importance of the Hmong pharmacopeia as a primary health care resource, no study has been undertaken to thoroughly document medicinal plant knowledge and its transmission. Objectives of this study are (i) to describe and characterize Hmong […]

New and noteworthy species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from Vietnam and Laos

Strictly endemic species Begonia alta, B. babeana, B. crassula, B. gesneriifolia, B. minuscula, B. nahangensis, B. rigidifolia, B. rubrosetosa, B. rugosula, B. sonlaensis, and B. viscosa (Begoniaceae) are described and illustrated. Relations and morphological differences of described species from their allies are shortly discussed

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants of Laos toward the discovery of bioactive compounds as potential candidates for pharmaceutical development

Using semi-structured field interviews with healers in the Lao PDR, plant samples were collected, extracted, and bio-assayed to detect bioactivity against cancer, HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria. Plant species demonstrating activity were recollected and the extracts subjected to a bioassay-guided isolation protocol to isolate and identify the active compounds.