The Po Nowan Village bridge project is one of many development projects taking place amongst 12 villages in the Seuang Valley. The goal of the Seung Valley project is to raise the overall living and infrastructure standards of the 12 villages that inhabit the area so they are able to receive commercial visitors for eco-tourism activities. In order for this to take place in the Po Nowan village, they first have to raise their basic living standards by securing food sources.
By building a bridge across the nearby river, the Po Nowan Village will be able to access farmlands which were previously cut off during flood season. This bridge will also allow trekkers to visit the village which will bring about a secondary income to the Po Nowan Village.
What's covered in the project costs:
- Materials costs including metal bars and cement
- Local Labour costs to oversee bridge build
Additionally, volunteers on the World Expeditions Laos Ecotourism Development project will provide labour to help with construction over a 4 day period in October 2009.
Why is this project needed?
In 2004 the Po Nowan village migrated from their traditional highland home down to the Seuang River valley for better access to schools, medical services and to markets. Migration brought many benefits but their farmland remains in the highland region. 90% of villagers must walk 2 to 3 hours to their farms.
The greatest difficulty is crossing the Seuang River during flood season – which corresponds to planting season. The result is 70% of villagers face food insecurity.
This project will improve access to highland farmland through construction of an affordable / effective river crossing (suspension bridge / pontoon bridge / zip wire) while creating alternative supplemental livelihoods through ecotourism activities (trekking / homestays / ethnic dance & music).
Project Background:
Lao is landlocked by its neighbors Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, China and Vietnam. The mighty Mekong River runs the entire length of the country, providing fishing, irrigation and fertile farmland along the delta. Its population of 6 million people is distributed through modern towns, rural villages and isolated, ethnic, mountain tribes. Luang Prabang, Lao PDR, is situated on the Mekong River – one of the world’s great river systems – and is the center of northern Lao arts and culture. The town has rightfully been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status and is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the world. While the people of the Seuang River valley live close to Luang Prabang, they receive virtually no benefits.
In the 12 villages identified along the Seuang River upward of 80% of villagers live in poverty of which 40% in extreme poverty. The majority of the population does not have access to adequate housing and sanitation. Most do not have access to basic health care. Through community service this project will fight poverty while protecting the local environment and enhancing ethnic cultures.
As the World Tourism organization says, "The potential for tourism to play a significant role in the alleviation of poverty is increasingly recognized by international bodies and national governments. Its geographical expansion and labor intensive nature support a spread of employment and can be particularly relevant in remote and rural areas where many of the poor live".
Community Involvement
The project partner is World Expeditions who provide responsible travel tours in Laos. Through their close ties to local communities this village was identified as needing assistance and has become the focus of the 2009 Community Project Trip to Laos.
Participants on this project will be working side by side with the community during this project which will allow for meaningful interaction and a richer cultural experience.
Po Nowan Villagers in needs analysis / planning meeting conducted on 13 May 2009
The Seuang River Project also works in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to promote environmental protection and cultural preservation. IUCN is the world’s oldest and largest global environmental network that supports scientific research and field projects all over the world.
How you can get involved:
Some of the volunteer labour on this project will come from the World Expeditions' Community Project Trip participants who will perform the work over 4 days, under the guidance of local partners and villagers.
You can join World Expeditions Community Project and help to construct the Seuang River Community-Based Eco Tourism Lodge Project, departing October 3, 2009.
