Speakers: Dr. Paul-David Lutz; Dr. Olivia Angé; Mr. Khamla Phanathaboun
Date: 13 December 2024
Venue: Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office, Luang Prabang Province/ Lao PDR

Abstract

Hosted at the headquarters of the Luang Prabang Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office (PAFO), this seminar brought together twenty participants from various government departments and ministry line agencies including Dept. Of Natural Resources and Environment, National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI), Land-use Unit, Dept. Of Commerce, Dept. Of Tourism, Irrigation Unit, Lao Women’s Union, Lao Youth Union and Lao Front for National Development.

Presentations were given by Prof. Olivia Angé (SeedsValues Principal Investigator) on the overall aim and approach of the SeedsValues approach/project research and activities in Peru; by Dr. Paul-David Lutz (SeedsValues/FNRS postdoc) on his recent field research into seed valuation and agricultural change in Nam Bak district Luang Prabang province and by Dr. Khamla Phanthaboun (NAFRI Luang Prabang) on rice genetic diversity and ongoing preservation and seed improvement efforts at provincial level. Following the presentations, a lively and productive discussion ensued in which participants shared experiences, ideas and strategies for preserving the biodiversity of rice varieties and rice-related traditions in line with the national and provincial governments’ overall strategy for sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development. The seminar established/enhanced basis for intensified dialogue, cooperation and exchange between the SeedsValues project and local partners at provincial level.

We thank Mr. Vongsone Chanthumma for his efforts in organizing and facilitating this seminar.