Meet the youth forest guardians in Lao PDR

Pamie

Forests and wildlife are vital natural resources, yet they are increasingly threatened by illegal logging and wildlife trafficking. Having grown up in a rural community, I have witnessed firsthand the continuous loss and degradation of forests. Addressing this issue requires collaboration across multiple sectors, especially with creativity, energy, and hands-on action of youth to lead the way.

Bounmy

‘Why are forests important?’ and ‘How to protect them well?’ were not easy questions to answer or explain to my fellow community members, until I joined the RECOFTC project. Here, I truly realized how vital forests and wildlife are by seeing their value from different perspectives. I also learned about the importance of community forest management for sustainability.

Growing up in a rural area, I want to share knowledge and experience with my community. As the traditional Lao proverb goes, “Forests will stay with us only if we stay with them.”

Saythong

By supporting community outreach, raising student awareness and exchanging experiences and lessons on village-level forest management, I have developed greater confidence and motivation to drive positive change through conservation action. Each activity we’ve carried out marked an important step in helping communities better understand the value of forests and commit to conservation efforts for sustainability through youth action.
As the traditional Lao proverb goes, “Humans are part of nature. If we cherish life, we must never destroy trees.” 🌳

Tikso

Changing mindsets is difficult and takes time, but I hope to be part of the effort to shift young people’s attitudes toward environmental conservation. Joining the RECOFTC project has taught me that forest conservation is everyone’s responsibility. This is the message I want to share with youth and communities by applying the skills to raise awareness and deepen understanding, particularly in my village. I hope we can build a greener and more sustainable future together with the community I call home.

Pavina

I have been working as an environmental conservation volunteer for years, and I aspire to share knowledge on forest conservation and the sustainable management of natural resources with local communities, so they can actively participate in environmental stewardship and improve livelihoods in a sustainable way. This is one way I seek to create positive change and give back to the community that has shaped my learning and growth.

Soukphansa

I had no prior experience in this field. Now, I have a deeper understanding of forests, particularly laws and policies on forests and wildlife, which has strengthened my readiness for forestry work.

I also gained valuable teamwork and peer learning experience through exchanges with fellow youth and had the opportunity to join Asia–Pacific regional exchanges–which was beyond my expectations.

I sincerely hope that impactful initiatives like this will continue, so that more Lao youth can contribute to environmental conservation.

Jeetao

For me, the greatest aspiration is to turn the knowledge, experiences and lessons gained through volunteering into meaningful personal growth and service to others. The experience has taught me resilience, selflessness, and the power of collective action. I firmly believe that when we unite with sincerity and share knowledge, our communities will thrive sustainably and with excellence.

Palisa

I’ve always had a strong desire to learn about forest and wildlife conservation and sustainable solutions, since I have witnessed these issues and challenges firsthand in my hometown. I am eager to work in this field so I can apply the knowledge and experience gained to create a meaningful and lasting impact.

If given the opportunity, I want to share this knowledge with a family-run primary school in my hometown to help build environmental awareness among children from an early age so they will grow into responsible adults who care for our country’s natural resources.

Methabounsawan

If forests disappear, life disappears with them. Forests are the ‘lungs of the Earth’ and the source of rich biodiversity. That’s why I am deeply committed to being part of protecting forests and wildlife.

Through the project, I have strengthened my knowledge, developed skills and built my confidence. I believe these are essential foundations for becoming a youth leader today—raising awareness within communities and working together to protect forests and wildlife for the long term.

Tany

The project offers more than just experience; it also opens new perspectives on life. The knowledge and lessons I have gained will be shared to benefit my community in practical ways. I truly believe that sharing knowledge with sincerity can create new opportunities and possibilities for the future of our village.

Vithalack

I have learned that conservation is very important. We become part of the country’s development—a small step that helps create change for our future and a better society. Joining the project means being a voice, being part of the youth who take action for development, and playing a role in forest and wildlife conservation. I want to be a good example for the young people in my community. I hope that children and the new generations will hear my voice and be inspired to rise and work together to protect and preserve our natural resources.

Phanmingkou

The project has given me invaluable lessons, and I am now ready to bring them back to my hometown. I believe that true growth happens when we grow together as a community, from our own village. We can create a brighter future for everyone.

Sinthon

My hope for joining the RECOFTC project is to develop personal skills such as teamwork and become a role model for forest and wildlife conservation within my community. I want to help ensure that natural resources remain sustainable for future generations.

Sinenglee

Joining the project has taught me the value of taking action, working with others and understanding that conservation begins with each of us. I aspire to be a small but meaningful force in protecting forests and wildlife, so that nature remains vibrant and valued alongside our communities. Through this, I hope to inspire my community members to unite to conserve forests and wildlife and build a sustainable future.

Siriprapha

I want to stand up and be a voice for our forests. They are so much more than just beautiful scenery—they are the 'lungs of the Earth' and home to countless wildlife species. I believe that protecting the environment is safeguarding our own future. My work might only be a small beginning, but I hope my dedication can contribute to the collective efforts to maintain the balance of nature for generations to come.

Char

The journey of forest conservation can be tiring, and the results may not be immediately visible. Yet every step we take helps protect our planet. Forests are the source of life that sustains humanity—providing water, food and shelter for countless species, large and small. Protecting forests is not merely an act of love for nature; it is a responsibility to safeguard the future and lives of people across generations.

Sia

I am very proud to join the conservation and protection of forests and wildlife. This experience has helped me understand the value of natural resources and has equipped me with practical approaches to caring for forests and wildlife so they can coexist sustainably with our communities.

This experience has inspired me to share knowledge and raise awareness within communities, especially in remote areas, so that together we can protect nature and build a future where forests thrive alongside people.