Ecotourism in Laos

• Nam Ha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the largest protected area in Laos.
• Owing to the Ecotourism project 2220 km squared of land has been given protection status as a heritage park.
• The area is home to 38 species of large mammal and 300 bird species. Animals such as clouded leopards, tigers, Asian elephants and the Guar now have added protection.
• Ecotourism has added value to natural resources. Former hunters and orchid pickers are now employed as guides and therefore reducing their negative impact on the environment.
• The Nam-Ha Eco guide service provides over $30,000 per year. These funds have been reinvested into conservation of wildlife.
• The Wide network of eco-guides and participating villages means that poaching and forest clearance violations are more likely to be reported. Guides and trekkers also deter poachers and help to monitor biodiversitites on behalf of the government.
• Tourist numbers in Nam-Ha have grown to over 6500 per year. There are concerns the continued growth may cause more damage and therefore it cannot be classed as ecotourism.
• There are growing concerns about greenwashing in the region, When developers disguise luxury holidays as "sustainable" and "environmentally friendly" when they are not.