interventions, including camera-trapping techniques. There has also been an increased focus on ex- situ conservation. Measures have been taken to protect ecosystems, particularly in northern Laos (e.g. Xiengkhouang, Houaphanh, and Luang Prabang Provinces), including herbicide awareness and management programs, the establishment of fish conservation zones, and incentives to link local livelihoods with ecosystem health. There are many examples of traditional knowledge being used and accepted by partner districts and provinces, reflecting respect for local communities’ customary use of natural resources.
A number of steps have been implemented in the Lao PDR since it ratified the Nagoya Protocol in September 2012; legislation has been enacted to harmonize with the international treaty of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) from the use of genetic resources. The Environment Protection Fund (EPF) is as an important financier for capacity building and the management of Conservation Forest and Protection Forest which complements well the Forest and Forest Resource Development Fund, other schemes also provide the potential for financing conservation through various payments for forest environmental services initiatives.
On the contribution to the Millennium Development Goals, from the information compiled from several MDG Progress Reports, MDG reviews, and the UNDAF -2012-2016 report, it can be concluded that the MDG for Goal 7 to ensure environmental sustainability has made a positive start in terms of institutions and processes, but is not currently on track to achieve its targets. vi