Konglor Village Moves Towards Sustainable Development

Community in Konglor Village, Khammouane Province, has established the Association for Eco-Tourism Konglor-Natane (AEKN) to promote sustainable economic development.

With the increasing income generation by the tourists visiting Konglor Cave, the natural attractive tourism sites in Khammouane Province, AEKN has supported small-scale projects. Local women's handicrafts made from cotton and silk are sold at tourism site and export to the capital city, which is the main income source for families.

In addition, the association also supports household agriculture and livestock. More than 15 local families stabilise their income with animal husbandry and vegetable planting initiatives. They have received resources such as ducklings, chickens, frogs, fish, and vegetable seeds, along with training in livestock care and sustainable farming practices.

"After receiving vegetable seeds and organic farming training from AEKN, our family has seen better results in vegetable planting. This creates additional sources of income from supplying this agricultural and livestock production to local restaurants and hotels, where the food demand is increasing" said Mued Phetvixay, a resident of Konglor village. "I urge the project to continue, as it significantly benefits many families and improves their livelihoods."

Another highlight is that the AEKN supports the community's waste management initiative in the community as well as at the tourism sites by providing 45 segregated bins for households. The community collectors empty the bins weekly, sort recyclables, and earn extra income by selling items like plastic bottles and cans to the recycle companies accordingly.

The CEGGA II Programme supports these initiatives and focuses on building the capacity of community-based associations and local organizations in several regions in Laos. The programme is funded by Switzerland, Germany, and the European Union, and implemented by GIZ