This Solutionscape focuses on the Nam Tien Provincial Protected Area in Sayaboury, Laos. Affected by uncontrolled growth of agriculture, only 40% of the Nam Tien protected area currently remains covered with forest. Local and regional authorities responsible for protecting these areas often lack resources, capacity, and enforcement ability. As a result, forest areas are treated as open spaces for unchecked and unsustainable farming practices, with farmers growing crops like maize, cassava, banana, watermelon, and rubber. The effects include wildlife loss, soil erosion, polluted water, and disrupted water flows. At the same time, local farmers, who depend on these crops, face insecure incomes due to unpredictable market changes. Adding to the pressure, foreign investors target these forest areas for large-scale farming, creating more pressure on the landscape and challenges for local communities.

To address these issues, the Wyss Academy is working with local governments, communities, private sector representatives, and research groups to develop solutions that protect and restore nature while supporting the people who depend on the land and its resources. The ongoing, highly interlinked projects focus on developing new business models for conservation and working toward the joint management of protected areas. They also test innovative ways to restore tree cover through agroforestry and create nature-positive income alternatives for local communities by combining technical, market-based, and educational approaches. Engaging both current and future generations, these projects bring together various stakeholders to drive lasting impact.