Location and logistics
Lao Uplands Conference, 12-14 march 2018
Suphanouvong University, Luang Prabang, Laos
6 km from town
4 km from Luang Prabang International Airport
All participants to the conference are requested to upload the SLI.DO App on their smartphone:
- During the conference participants can ask their questions on-line to the presenters during the presentations to feed the discussions and debates at the end of each session or during panel discussions.
- Using the SLI.DO App on their smartphone participants will also vote during polls proposed by the organizers of the different sessions and for the most convincing arguments during the debates.
Field trips
1. Eco-friendly intensification in Pouthong village, Viengkham district
Pouthong is a Khmu village located in Viengkham district, two and a half hours drive from Luang Prabang. Traditional farming systems there are based on upland rice cultivation, extensive livestock raising, and NTFP collection. Since 2015, the village community is engaged in designing and implementing climate smart development with the support of the EFICAS (Eco-Friendly Intensification and Climate-resilient Agricultural Systems) project. Activities include participatory land use planning, design, monitoring and evaluation of improved livestock systems (fodder systems, animal health, water and shelters), diversification of cropping practices and farming systems (e.g. stick lac, vegetable, cardamom).
More information on: eficas-laos.net
2. Organic coffee production – Saffron Coffee Company
Saffron Coffee was founded in 2006 in Luang Prabang. Saffron Coffee exists to improve the quality of life of Lao hill tribe farmers by providing a high value crop with a positive environmental impact as well as providing ongoing training in farming techniques in order to produce the highest quality Highland Arabica coffee. As a social, profit-for-purpose business, profits are reinvested for the benefit of upland farming families through Arabica coffee cultivation. Saffron Coffee is organically shade-grown, hand-picked, processed, hulled, graded, hand-sorted, and roasted in northern Laos. The visit will include Saffron processing facilities close to Luang Prabang, coffee roasting methods and, of course, coffee tasting!
More information on: saffroncoffee.com
3. Integrated livestock systems at Laos Buffalo Dairy farm
Laos Buffalo Dairy (LBD) is a socially-responsible enterprise consisting of a commercial dairy and production facility to make products such as yogurt, cheese and ice cream for local and overseas customers. LBD provides income opportunity and services to neighboring villagers (through e.g. rental of land or female buffaloes, employment at the dairy and production facility, breeding program to improve calf survival rates). LDB also contributes to local capacity building (through e.g. skills development program for local women; workshops for teachers and students from the Northern Agricultural College). During the visit, participants will have the opportunity to discover the interactive mini-farm, the training center, and try our dairy products!
More information on: laosbuffalodairy.com
4. Organic vegetable production in Long Oh village, LPG district
Ban LongOh is a one member of Luang Prabang organic agriculture association. Located 30 minute far from Luang Prabang town, it produces organic vegetable to supply Luang Prabang market.
More information on: facebook.com/LuangPrabang-Organic…
5. Biodiversity conservation at Pha Tat Kae Botanical garden, Chan village, LPG district
Pha Tad Ke is the first botanical garden in Laos, created to be a regional research center with the first living collection of the flora of Laos that provides opportunities for collaboration with international botanical institutions. Pha Tad Ke is developed and cared for with the help of dedicated scientists and more than 50 Lao staff and offers a beautifully landscaped setting for visitors. At the garden, the team develops educational programs for all age groups while conducting research into plant reintroduction, horticulture, ethno-botany and medicinal plants to address critical problems ranging from the management of local natural resources to conserving biodiversity worldwide. Through our publications, cultural and social outreach activities, we aim to make a substantial contribution to develop specialist skills for a sustainable and bio diverse future.
More information on: pha-tad-ke.com
