Many countries in Southeast Asia face significant challenges in protecting the environment and the rights of local communities. That is why our Hub's core activities revolve around establishing connections between research institutes, scholars from diverse backgrounds, the private sector, local communities and colleagues from the local and national government. Together with our stakeholders, we want to collaboratively develop pathways and solutions that empower the population and the governments to protect and enhance biodiversity while improving livelihoods in the region. Our focus of work is Sayaboury, Laos, and on expanding our research efforts into neighboring countries. Complementary activities have also been initiated in Nan, an adjacent area in northern Thailand.