The exploitation of non-wood forest products and the gathering and the marketing of orchids in local markets constitute a serious threat for plant biodiversity in Laos. A study on the importance of wild orchids was carried out by a researcher of national University of Laos (UNL) within the framework of project PDDP in Phongsaly. A similar study was carried out in the area of Nakai (NTPC2) by the national laboratory of botany in August 2006. The orchids are in way of disappearance, very quickly.
Our project aims to change this unsustainable pattern by providing orchid seedbeds to villages. By reconverting traditional practices and creating new horticultural trades, participating villages present an alternative to wild collection. Villagers are paid by the company for the “management” of the seedbeds.This project is the result of a double partnership:
- Public – private, between the National University of Laos (UNL) - Laboratory of Botany and the Vientiane Orchidees company. This partnership relates to the identification, selection and multiplication by propagation, cutting, and In-Vitro Orchids. The company Vientiane Orchidées buys the seedlings produced by the laboratory of the UNL (at a discounted price), obtains the exclusive rights in research and supply of these seedlings, and returns a portion of revenues (5%) to the laboratory. Vientiane Orchidées is responsible for transplanting seedlings to the seedbed, maintenance and growth, and selling the orchids on international markets.
- Private – private,between the company Vientiane Orchidées and citizens of villages that perform the illegal practice of gathering wild orchids for marketing. The partnership rests on the development of contractual relations between the company and citizens of these villages. Villagers will be employed by the company for the installation of equipment and maintenance of the seedbeds. While villagers perform the role of in situ nursery gardener, seedlings would eventually be purchased by the company. This partnership rests on a schedule of conditions whose central point is the abandonment of the practice of gathering orchids in natural environment and of protection of the biodiversity.
We would like to implement a lasting program, non-threatening to biodiversity, while supporting fair trade and sustainable development.
Another aspect of the development is to create parallel activities like trekking to discover orchids and their habitat. This activity can replace income lost from the illegal trade of orchids. For example, villagers could earn income as guides or by providing services like food or lodging.
