VIENTIANE, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Laos' culture and tourism ministry, in collaboration with the country's agriculture and environment ministry, hosted the Laos Biodiversity Destination Forum in northern Laos' Oudomxay province from Wednesday to Friday.
The forum brought together government representatives, businesses, international organizations, and educational institutions to promote biodiversity tourism and sustainable development.
According to a report issued by the tourism ministry on Friday, the forum highlighted the growing global demand for nature-based and environmentally responsible tourism experiences. Biodiversity tourism is emerging as an important opportunity to support conservation efforts while creating sustainable economic benefits for local communities.
Laos possesses abundant natural resources, including forests, rivers, limestone landscapes, protected areas, wildlife, and one of Southeast Asia's most ecologically valuable ecosystems.
The forum underscored the need for stronger partnerships among public and private sectors, communities, and international organizations to develop responsible tourism models, improve natural resource management, and enhance Laos' competitiveness in the global tourism market. ■
