The best way to protect forests is by placing communities at the heart of conservation and equipping them with the skills and authority to safeguard their lands and livelihoods. One of the key ways Cord supports this in Laos is by helping communities establish and strengthen Village Land and Forestry Committees (VLFCs).
Cord provides tailored training and coaching to guide communities through the VLFC registration process — often the critical step in securing formal recognition from local authorities, giving them the mandate needed to manage local forests effectively.
Traditionally, VLFCs were male-dominated and focused primarily on monitoring illegal logging. We work closely with communities to make VLFCs more inclusive and participatory, ensuring that women and young people — who play a vital role in the use and stewardship of forest resources — have a seat at the table and a voice in decision-making. By applying gender-transformative and mainstreaming approaches, Cord supports women’s meaningful participation, helping to shift power dynamics and foster more equitable, inclusive governance.
With stronger leadership and training, VLFCs are expanding their role: tracking environmental changes, proactively enforcing conservation rules, regulating the harvesting of non-timber forest products (NTFPs), and collaborating with neighbouring villages to promote sustainable practices. In Laos, Cord has already supported the establishment of 10 VLFCs. By strengthening these local governance bodies, we are helping communities take charge of their own lands — ensuring forests continue to provide food, income, and security for generations to come.
A Local Example: Protecting Natural Resources in Nachandai
In many rural areas of Laos, NFTPs like mushrooms, red ant eggs, and wild frogs are essential sources of food and income. However, unsustainable harvesting and weak forest governance have led to a steep decline in their availability.
In response, villagers in Nachandai, Xonnabouly District, Savannakhet Province, took action. With support from Cord and our local partner, the Community Development Association (CODA), they designated conservation zones to protect key NTFPs. To ensure these efforts were sustainable, Cord helped the community establish and formally register a VLFC with the District Governor.
With a clear mandate, the VLFC established new community-led regulations in their forests:
- A ban on catching baby frogs during breeding seasons
- A prohibition on harvesting frogs in designated conservation zones
- A permit system for non-residents collecting NTFPs, to prevent overharvesting
- Stricter penalties for rule violations by community members
These measures have already had a measurable impact. In July 2024, the VLFC in Nachandai reported a significant increase in the availability of natural food sources compared to the previous year. Local species like the Eung bullfrog are showing signs of recovery, thanks to improved forest management and active community patrols.
“We can’t believe that we are contributing to forest management and protecting our NTFPs for our community. Limiting the use by neighbouring villages seemed impossible — but we can do it.”
MR. NAM, LOCAL LEADER
Community-led conservation works — especially when communities are empowered not just with knowledge, but with recognition, tools, and a space to lead. Through our continued work with VLFCs, Cord is helping put that power where it belongs: in the hands of those who depend on the forest most.
Lucy Godfrey, June 2025
