Lao PDR launches new Herbarium to spotlight biodiversity, nutrition and rural livelihoods

Vientiane, 22 May 2026- The Government of Lao PDR, together with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO), today launched the Herbarium of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in Lao PDR, a new knowledge product highlighting the critical role of biodiversity in supporting nutrition, livelihoods, resilience and rural economies.

Held at the UN House in Vientiane to mark the International Day for Biological Diversity, the launch brought together senior government officials, development partners, members of the diplomatic community, civil society organizations and youth representatives.

Developed under the Agriculture for Nutrition Phase II (AFN II) project, the Herbarium documents the diversity, traditional uses and economic potential of non-timber forest products across Lao PDR. The initiative was financed by the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GASFP) and IFAD and implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI), and the Centre for Development and Environment (CDE).

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Boundeth Southavilay, Director-General of the Department of Planning and Cooperation at the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, emphasized the importance of linking biodiversity conservation with sustainable rural development. “This publication reflects valuable experience and knowledge generated through the AFN II project. Initiatives like this matter not only for conservation, but also for strengthening and highlighting best practices in nutrition, resilience and sustainable livelihoods for rural communities.” 

The publication combines scientific documentation with local knowledge, cultural heritage and visual storytelling, making biodiversity more accessible to wider audiences, particularly young people and local communities.

Highlighting the importance of integrated approaches to development, Shairi Mathur, Head of the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Lao PDR, said, “This model reflects the kind of development approach countries increasingly need — one that demonstrates how investments in rural development can simultaneously support people, communities and the environment.”

The launch also showcased how biodiversity can serve as a driver of rural transformation and local economic opportunity. Soulivanh Pattivong, IFAD Country Programme Coordinator for Lao PDR, noted that the initiative reflects IFAD’s broader commitment to investing in the “first mile” of sustainable food systems. “This publication shows that biodiversity is not only something to protect — it is also something that creates value for rural households, women and youth, local enterprises and future food systems,” he said.

The AFN II project builds on lessons from earlier nutrition-sensitive agriculture initiatives and promotes integrated approaches linking agriculture, biodiversity, nutrition, women’s empowerment, climate resilience and local value chains. The Herbarium is one example of how these investments are helping transform local knowledge into practical development solutions.

Since 1978, IFAD has supported 17 programmes and projects in Laos with a total investment of US$509.07 million, including US$164.81 million in IFAD financing, directly benefiting approximately 330,000 rural households.

IFAD currently co-finances two major programmes in the country: the Partnerships for Irrigation and Commercialisation of Smallholder Agriculture project and the Agriculture for Nutrition – Phase II project, which aims to improve food and nutrition security, strengthen climate resilience and increase incomes for smallholder farmers.