Appreciation, Harmonization and Peaceful Coexistence with Nature by Tom

Nam Ha National Protected Area is one of the country's most well-known areas for the Critically Endangered (CR) Species of wildlife. 

There are many endangered species of wildlife found in Nam Ha National Protected Area including Silver Pheasant (Lophura nycthemera), Red Muntjac (Muntiacus muntjac), Asiatic Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus), Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus), and Asiatic Golden Cat (Catopuma temminckii), which has been categorised by the Wildlife and Aquatic Law of Lao PDR, and also listed in the IUCN Red List of Critically Endangered (CR) Species.

Furthermore, Marbled Jewel Orchids (Anoectochilus spp.), Snuff Bean/Sword Bean (Entada scandens) and Red Sandalwood/Sander (Pterocarpus santalinus) are listed in the Prohibition Category (I) of the NTFP List of Lao PDR.

NTFPs have played a potential role in providing economic value, some species are important export products such as Calamus viminalis, Calamus acanthospathus, and Calamus tetradactylus which significant contribute in generating the household’s income and national revenue.

The concept of sustainable tourism is employed at the Nam Ha National Protected Area. Not only does this give importance to responsible and sustainable management of the ecosystem and natural attractions to both locals and tourists, it also provides income to the indigenous people engaged in the tourism activities such as kayaking, trekking through the spectacular forest and waterfalls, and exploring the amazing scenery offered by this protected area.

Local people’s lives connect and harmonies with nature, and have a high appreciation of the values of nature, which will lead to peaceful coexistence, just like the Lao Government's slogan of small village in big forest. 

The Khmu have played a key role in pushing sustainable and responsible tourism practices forward through active participation in preserving traditional knowledge, and promoting the natural resource-based livelihood practices and beautiful culture, while significantly contributing to sustainable management and conservation of forestry and biodiversity.

Furthermore, Hmong’s musical culture has been inherited from many generations, which is associated with various ritual traditions.

The Qeej, or mouth organ, is known as one of the oldest Hmong musical instruments and has an important role in their culture; it is connected to the beliefs, traditions, and way of life of the Hmong. Through this instrument, the intangible cultural values of the Hmong ethnic group is preserved and promoted to the younger generations.

Although there is a big challenge of the rapid social, economic, and environmental changes in the region, the preservation of the traditional lifestyles of Akha is becoming increasingly difficult. 

However, Akha is still practicing many elements of their traditional culture with great success such as living in bamboo houses, dressing in their traditional costumes and accessories embroidered with their own unique style that represents their identity, and practicing the most important festival of the year, the Akha Swing Festival.

The Lan Tan has a long history that reflects the identity of an ethnic group with expertise in cotton cultivation, yarn spinning, natural dyeing, and weaving. They have applied their wisdom dating back to several generations into the management of local communities in tourism, in promoting culture, in the production of traditional handwoven fabric, and in natural dyeing of cotton fabric.

MEET THE STORYTELLER

"I would like to present on the beauty of nature, ecotourism, diversity of ethnic groups, the relationship between people and nature, local livelihood."

- Tom, Lao PDR

Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed by the Young ASEAN Storytellers should not be taken, in any way, to reflect the official position or opinion of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, its partners, the ASEAN Member States, and the ASEAN Secretariat.