(KPL) The Department of Forestry under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment on March 3, 2026 convened a meeting in Vientiane to present the outcomes of the 79th Standing Committee session of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

The session, chaired by Dr. Somvang Phimmavong, Director General of the Department of Forestry, reviewed progress in the Lao PDR’s implementation of its CITES obligations. Representatives from international organizations and related sectors attended the meeting.

An official ceremony marking National and International Wildlife Day followed the briefing. The event was chaired by Dr. Linkham Douangsavanh, Minister of Agriculture and Environment, and held in a hybrid format in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the CITES Secretariat.

Addressing the gathering on World Wildlife Day 2026, themed “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants,” the Minister highlighted Laos’ biodiversity wealth, noting the country is home to more than 1,000 wildlife species, including numerous rare and globally endangered animals.

He said wildlife protection and habitat conservation remain key national priorities, supported by policies, legislation and long-term development strategies. In line with resolutions of the 12th Party Congress, Laos aims to maintain forest cover at 70 percent of total land area, equivalent to approximately 16.5 million hectares.

As the country prepares for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status between 2026 and 2029, the Minister underscored a shift toward green growth, promoting sustainable production and responsible resource management.

He also called for strengthened international cooperation based on Access and Benefit Sharing principles, aligned with national forestry and land-use strategies through 2035 and the Vision toward 2050.

KPL