Department of Forestry and Save Elephant Foundation Strengthen Cooperation to Enhance Tiger and Elephant Management under the CITES Compliance Action Plan in Lao PDR

Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR — 12 March 2026. The Department of Forestry (DOF), Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), and the Save Elephant Foundation (SEF), Kingdom of Thailand, have signed a Letter of Agreement (LoA) to strengthen technical cooperation on the conservation and management of elephants and tigers in Lao PDR. The collaboration forms part of the implementation of the CITES Compliance Action Plan (CAP) and reinforces the Government of Lao PDR’s commitment to improving wildlife governance, conservation, and compliance with international obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

The Letter of Agreement was signed by Associate Professor Dr. Somvang Phimmavong, Director General of the Department of Forestry, on behalf of the Department of Forestry, and Ms. Saengduean “Lek” Chailert, Founder of Save Elephant Foundation, on behalf of the Foundation.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Ms. Suchanya Sangsawang, Board Member of Save Elephant Foundation; Dr. Adul Sangtong, Head Veterinarian of Save Elephant Foundation; Ms. Tipsuda Masit, Officer of Save Elephant Foundation; Mr. Khamphon Bounthavy, Head of the Wildlife Management and CITES Division, Department of Forestry; Mr. Bounthavy Manivong, Deputy Head of the Wildlife Management and CITES Division; together with officials from the Department of Forestry.

Strengthening Tiger Management under the CITES Compliance Action Plan

Under the agreement, Save Elephant Foundation will provide technical assistance to support the Department of Forestry in strengthening the national management system for captive tigers. Priority areas of cooperation include the development and enhancement of the National Tiger Management Database, support for sterilization programmes in accordance with national policies, and DNA sampling and genetic identification to improve traceability and prevent illegal breeding and trafficking of tigers.

These activities will contribute to establishing a transparent, science-based and accountable management system that enables the Government of Lao PDR to effectively monitor captive tiger populations, strengthen law enforcement, and fulfil commitments under the CITES Compliance Action Plan.

Advancing Captive Elephant Welfare and Conservation

The partnership also aims to strengthen the conservation and welfare of captive elephants in Lao PDR. Technical cooperation will support the establishment of a comprehensive National Captive Elephant Database, implementation of elephant identification card and microchipping programmes, and development of national standards and guidelines to improve the welfare, health, husbandry and long-term management of captive elephants.

These initiatives will complement the Department of Forestry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national elephant management, improve traceability of captive elephants, and promote high standards of animal welfare through coordinated government action.

Broader Wildlife Conservation Cooperation

The Letter of Agreement further provides a framework for expanding technical cooperation to other wildlife conservation priorities identified by the Government of Lao PDR. Through this partnership, both parties reaffirm their shared commitment to biodiversity conservation, wildlife protection, scientific management, and the implementation of international conservation obligations.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Associate Professor Dr. Somvang Phimmavong emphasized that the cooperation represents another important milestone in strengthening Lao PDR’s institutional capacity for wildlife management through scientific and technical collaboration with international conservation partners. He noted that the partnership will contribute significantly to improving the management of captive tigers and elephants while supporting the country’s continued implementation of the CITES Compliance Action Plan and broader biodiversity conservation objectives.

The Department of Forestry expresses its appreciation to Save Elephant Foundation for its continued technical support and looks forward to further strengthening cooperation in protecting wildlife and conserving Lao PDR’s rich natural heritage for future generations.

#SaveElephantFoundation