The decision was announced during a meeting on July 28 to introduce regulations governing the development, management, and implementation of the provincial master plan for the Silver Pheasant. The meeting was held in Luang Namtha District and attended by provincial and district officials, security representatives, business operators, and other stakeholders.
Among those attending were Khamphay Uppengvong, Vice President of the Luang Namtha District Administration Organization, and Viengkham Xayavong, Deputy Director of the Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism.
The Silver Pheasant is native to the province and inhabits village, district, and provincial protected forests, as well as the Nam Ha National Protected Area. The male is distinguished by its white crest, long white tail, bluish-black body, and red facial patch, while the female has olive-brown plumage and a shorter tail.
Provincial authorities said the bird will serve as a symbol of Luang Namtha's rich biodiversity and will be featured in monuments at key public locations and major tourist attractions to promote nature-based tourism and community participation in conservation efforts.
The Silver Pheasant will also be incorporated into provincial branding, including official logos for products, goods, services, and organizations in both the public and private sectors. Souvenirs featuring the bird will be developed to strengthen the province's tourism identity and showcase the ecological importance of the Nam Ha National Protected Area.
Officials said the initiative is intended to encourage wildlife conservation, increase public awareness, attract domestic and international visitors, and support the long-term protection of the species and its natural habitat.
To safeguard the provincial symbol, authorities will enforce strict conservation measures prohibiting the hunting, capture, possession, purchase, sale, or trapping of Silver Pheasants, as well as unauthorized entry into protected forests for hunting purposes.
Violations may result in warnings, administrative sanctions, fines, civil liability, or criminal prosecution, depending on the nature and severity of the offence.