at the local level. One report on an environmental perspective on hydropower and mining development in the Lao PDR (Stenhouse & Bojoe, 2010) expressed that the significance and scope of these effects is related to the size of the project and its location. The same report states that there are several mining concessions and hydropower projects which overlap with NPAs which are areas of high biodiversity. Based on the latest assessment, in line with the government policy to respond to regional demand, thirty-one potential sites for hydropower dams have been identified in forest areas, amounting to 140,635 hectares (MAF, 2005).
The hydropower sites are one of the drivers of deforestation as they represent areas designated for development and are seen as financially attractive logging sites as no regeneration of forests is required after logging (MoNRE, 2012). Transport corridors: given its strategic location, the Lao PDR aims to become a land link and centre of logistics for the GMS. In recent decades, the development of road networks and transport within the country has given rise to fairly rapid north-south and east-west economic corridors with international linkages. Given its strategic location, the Lao PDR aims to become a land link and centre of logistics for the GMS. (MoNRE, 2012).
Road construction provides convenient transport facilities infrastructure to Lao people. However, it can also be a threat for wildlife habitat and biodiversity. Apart from the direct impacts of their construction; land clearing, and damage to freshwater ecosystems and waterways by erosion, roads also 'open up’ previously inaccessible forest and natural areas which allows exploitative activities to take place (wildlife hunting, logging and encroachment). Tourism: according to the Lao PDR Tourism Strategy 2006-2020, from 1990 to 2000 - the Visit Laos Year had begun – the number of tourists significantly increased during this period, from 14.400 tourists in 1990, to 737,208 tourists in 2000.
The tourism industry’s contribution to the national and local economies is also growing. Based on its geographical location, natural abundance, historical and cultural aspects, the Lao PDR has a special character that attracts more tourists to rural remote areas, especially to ethnic villages and natural sites; protected forests, caves and, rivers. The negative environmental impacts of tourism development relate to the physical development of facilities (in terms of construction and infrastructure development, and as well as deforestation and intensified or unsustainable land use).
Tourism in the Lao PDR is just at its inception and is not considered as one of the major threats to biodiversity; however some best improved practices should start to be disseminated in key crowded places such as the main country caves, and waterfalls. For example, the development of paths, the use of non-fuel boats in caves is to be practiced. Forest/brush fire: Fires (human and naturally induced) are known to have played a role in affecting the ecology of forests in the Lao PDR. Savannah burning occurs every year, especially in dry season. In addition to savannah burning, scrub forest and rangeland are also burned as a result of 18