The government plans to develop the Dong Hua Sao National Bio-Diversity Conservation Area and the Xe Pian National Bio-Diversity Conservation Area in Champasack provinces as ecotourism sites as part of efforts to promote sustainable tourism.
Vientiane Times reports that the plan was discussed in Champasack Province on Friday at a meeting between Vice President of the National Assembly, Mr. Sommad Pholsena, the Governor of Champasack province, Dr. Vilayvong Bouddakham, and a representative from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Laos.
Plans for the two sites were reviewed, as well as ways to best rehabilitate and develop the areas.
The Republic of Korea provided insights from its own experiences, which will be helpful in the development of Dong Hua Sao and Xe Pian National Park.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Sommad said “This meeting is an important step in allowing technical experts and others involved to voice their opinions on the protection of biodiversity in both national parks to the benefit of socio-economic development and generate revenue for the country and local communities, in addition to conservation efforts.”
“Sustainable tourism (eco-tourism), together with stable and sustainable forms of conservation, is important for every country in the world,” he added, according to Vientiane Times.
The development of the two parks is part of the National Green Growth Strategy, which was approved by the government in January 2019, with the goal of ensuring development remains sustainable.
Logging and exploitation of natural resources have been a means for economic growth in Laos in the past, however, experts say that the nation will suffer when such resources are depleted.
Instead, the magnificent natural environments of Champasack Province, known for its waterfalls and forests, have the potential to draw hundreds of foreign visitors each year.
The Dong Hua Sao National Protected Area is located about 30 kilometres east of Pakse and about 10 kilometers south of central Paksong district.
