The agreement was signed on July 23 in Oudomxay Province by Somvang Phimmavong, Director General of the Department of Forestry under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment; Phonmali Inthaphom, Director General of the Tourism Development Department under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism; and Somphet Maopraseuth, President of the Nam Kat Yorla Pa Tourism Development Group.
The signing ceremony brought together representatives from government agencies, the private sector, international organizations, and development partners.
Under the agreement, the parties pledged to strengthen cooperation in conserving forests and biodiversity while promoting sustainable tourism as a driver of economic growth and community development. Priority areas include biodiversity research, the development of biodiversity databases, the promotion of nature-positive tourism standards, investment, education, and knowledge sharing.
The initiative also aims to ensure that local communities benefit from tourism while protecting natural resources and encouraging innovation in conservation.
Officials said the partnership establishes a long-term framework for collaboration between the public and private sectors, conservation organizations, academic institutions, and development partners to support sustainable tourism development.
They expressed confidence that the initiative will help enhance Laos' international profile as a biodiversity tourism destination while advancing conservation, scientific research, and sustainable development.