Crackdown on forest crime in Nakai-Nam Theun National Park

The Nakai Nam Theun National Park Management Committee has announced plans to address major environmental threats in the park.
These include reducing the incidence of deforestation, illegal hunting and unauthorised entry by 40 percent, and increasing forest cover to 86 percent through expanded tree planting.

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Mr Linkham Douangsavanh.

These goals were laid out at the committee’s annual meeting last week, which was attended by the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry and President of the Nakai Nam Theun National Park Management Committee, Mr Linkham Douangsavanh.
The meeting addressed pressing concerns, including illegal hunting of land and aquatic animals, unlawful collection of non-timber forest products, and unauthorised human activities within the park’s protected zones.
Mr Linkham stressed the need for the relevant sectors to allocate funds to improve the standard of living in villages in and around the Nakai Nam Theun National Park.
He advised the ministry’s Forestry Department to work with the Nakai Nam Theun National Park Management Committee to prepare for the park’s nomination as a World Heritage Site, with the goal of establishing it as a model for effective forest and biodiversity conservation aligned with green and sustainable development principles.
Nakai-Nam Theun National Park is one of the largest and most biologically significant protected areas in Laos. Spanning 427,770 hectares, it stretches across Khammuan and Borikhamxay provinces in central Laos.
The park boasts an impressive 86 percent forest cover, supporting a wide range of habitats including evergreen, semi-evergreen, and montane forests.
In addition, the park supports five major wildlife groups, comprising 92 mammal species, 29 reptile species, 25 amphibian species, 403 bird species, and 69 fish species.
Despite its protected status, the park faces ongoing threats from illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, and land encroachment. Climate change and limited enforcement capacity further complicate conservation efforts.
With strong government backing and growing international interest, Nakai Nam Theun is being developed as a model of sustainable forest and biodiversity management. It stands at the forefront of Laos’ efforts to protect its natural resources and promote eco-friendly development.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update May 14, 2025)