© WWF-Laos
DONG HUA SAO NATIONAL PARK
DONG HUA SAO PRIORITY SITE OVERVIEW

© WWF-Laos

Dong Hua Sao National Park, located in Champasak Province, encompasses the lowlands of the eastern Mekong plains and the iconic Bolaven Plateau, which ranges from 1,000 to 1,300 meters above sea level and spans approximately 93,893 hectares. Known for its cooler climate and fertile volcanic soil, the plateau is central to Laos’s coffee production, serving as a major source of income for surrounding communities.

The park forms part of a unique natural coffee landscape, where shade-grown coffee cultivation coexists with rich forest ecosystems, supporting biodiversity and sustainable farming practices. As a vital watershed, Dong Hua Sao contributes to water security and agricultural productivity in the region. Conservation efforts in the park are essential not only to protect its natural resources but also to promote eco-friendly livelihoods, climate resilience, and long-term sustainability for the communities that depend on it.

© WWF-Laos

Working Together in Dong Hua Sao: Key Activities

  • Land-use planning and zoning for sustainable landscape management

  • Promotion of agroforestry and sustainable farming practices

  • Livelihood improvement through nature-based and climate-resilient options

  • Forest restoration and enrichment planting in degraded areas

  • Community awareness raising on forest and wildlife conservation

  • Capacity building for local authorities and knowledge sharing with forest-dependent communities

  • Development of forest management plans and deforestation monitoring systems

© WWF-Laos

Our Vision for Dong Hua Sao

With improved landscape governance and stronger partnerships, Dong Hua Sao National Park has the potential to lead innovation in forest conservation and sustainable land use on the Bolaven Plateau. As a critical highland watershed and home to some of Laos' most fertile soils, the park offers a unique opportunity to align forest restoration, agroforestry, and climate resilience.

 

By integrating conservation with sustainable coffee landscapes and inclusive planning, Dong Hua Sao can serve as a model for how protected areas contribute not only to biodiversity goals, but also to green economic development and long-term water and livelihood security in southern Laos.

Latest: Any updates on Dong Hua Sao will appear here – stay tuned.
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