The Plan for Establishing Community-Led Management of Fish Conservation Zones was endorsed by DAEO

On July 31, 2026, a consultation meeting took place at the Pak Ou District Agriculture and Environment Office to discuss establishing a new Fish Conservation Zone (FCZ).

The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Simone Sleumsack (Deputy Chair of Governance Committees, Pak Ou District) and Mr. Thongchanh Lansy (Chair of the Association for Promoting Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Conservation, or APSAEC).

Representatives from local government including, District Governor’s Office, District Agriculture and Environment Office, Lao Women’s Union and APSAEC team members also attended.

Key Highlights:

• APSAEC shared a brief overview of its organization and presented the action plan for creating the fish conservation zone.

• The project will focus on two local target communities: Hatkhor and Phatheung villages.

• This initiative is made possible with funding support from IUCN through APSAEC.

The meeting representatives unanimously agreed on and endorsed the planned FCZ activities! With full local government and community support, we are excited to work on participatory planning next steps to protect aquatic life and traditional fish populations in lower Nam Ou River.