{"id":4125,"date":"2025-02-18T15:49:40","date_gmt":"2025-02-18T15:49:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/onenatureinstitute.org\/?p=4125"},"modified":"2025-02-18T15:49:40","modified_gmt":"2025-02-18T15:49:40","slug":"why-conservation-needs-to-include-well-being-insights-from-laos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/onenatureinstitute.org\/stories\/blog\/why-conservation-needs-to-include-well-being-insights-from-laos\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Conservation Needs to Include Well-Being: Insights from Laos"},"content":{"rendered":"

Picture Courtesy Association Anoulak<\/p>\n

Traditional conservation metrics often focus on wildlife populations, habitat protection, and economic outcomes<\/strong>. But what about the human communities<\/strong> who live alongside wildlife and depend on these natural resources?<\/p>\n

At OneNature<\/strong>, we believe that truly sustainable conservation<\/strong> must enhance both ecological and human well-being.<\/p>\n

The Wild Happiness Approach in Laos<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Our recent partnership with Association Anoulak<\/strong><\/a> in Laos demonstrates how this integrated approach<\/strong> works in practice. Using the Wild Happiness Index<\/strong>, we assessed community well-being across multiple domains in four villages within Nakai-Nam Theun National Park<\/strong><\/a>\u2014one of the largest remaining forest blocks in the Indochinese Peninsula<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The results were illuminating<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

\u2705 80% of respondents<\/strong> reported high environmental satisfaction<\/strong>
\u2705 86% expressed willingness<\/strong> to participate in conservation efforts<\/strong>
\u2705 83% highlighted strong social support networks<\/strong>
\u2705 70% reported high life satisfaction<\/strong>\u2014exceeding national and regional averages<\/p>\n

This strong foundation for community-based conservation<\/strong> exists alongside deep cultural connections to the forest<\/strong>, reinforcing that protecting nature and preserving cultural heritage<\/strong> go hand in hand.<\/p>\n

A Sustainable Future for Conservation<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

\u201cOur program in Nakai-Nam Theun National Park has built upon the rich ecological knowledge<\/strong> and traditional handicrafts<\/strong> of local communities to create alternative income opportunities<\/strong>. Alongside these efforts, we have worked on long-term natural resource management<\/strong> and the preservation of cultural heritage<\/strong>. The Wild Happiness Index<\/strong> serves as a valuable tool to guide our focus, ensuring the program\u2019s long-term sustainability<\/strong> with strong community ownership<\/strong>.\u201d
\u2013 Camille N. Z. Coudrat, Director, Association Anoulak<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The Wild Happiness assessment<\/strong> not only highlighted strengths<\/strong> but also areas needing attention<\/strong> before Association Anoulak transitions out of the area in 2025<\/strong>. While social bonds are strong<\/strong>, some villages face challenges in health access and livelihood opportunities<\/strong>. This knowledge allows for targeted support<\/strong> where it’s needed most.<\/p>\n

Through our five-step Wild Happiness approach<\/strong><\/a>, we don\u2019t just gather data<\/strong>\u2014we engage communities in deep listening, collaborative analysis, and co-creation of solutions<\/strong>. This ensures that conservation initiatives align with local values and priorities<\/strong>, leading to long-term success for both people and nature<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The Future of Well-Being in Conservation<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The work in Nakai-Nam Theun<\/strong> exemplifies OneNature\u2019s core belief<\/strong>:
\ud83d\udc49 When communities thrive<\/strong>, they become powerful stewards<\/strong> of their natural heritage.
\ud83d\udc49 Understanding well-being<\/strong> leads to stronger conservation<\/strong> outcomes.
\ud83d\udc49 Measuring and supporting<\/strong> these connections ensures sustainable conservation<\/strong> programs.<\/p>\n

As we expand this approach globally<\/strong>, the lessons from Laos remind us that the path to sustainable conservation<\/strong> lies in supporting the holistic needs of communities who live alongside wildlife<\/strong>. Their well-being<\/strong> isn\u2019t just a beneficial outcome<\/strong>\u2014it\u2019s essential<\/strong> to conservation success.<\/p>\n

If you’re interested in integrating well-being into conservation<\/strong>, let’s talk!<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udce9 Reach out to info@onenatureinstitute.org<\/a><\/strong>
\ud83d\udd17 Learn more: https:\/\/onenatureinstitute.org\/programs\/wild-happiness\/<\/strong><\/p>\n

With Gratitude
\nBeth Allgood and the OneNature Team<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Conservation isn\u2019t just about protecting wildlife and ecosystems\u2014it\u2019s about ensuring the well-being of the communities who live alongside them. In partnership with Association Anoulak, OneNature assessed community well-being in four villages within Nakai-Nam Theun National Park, Laos. The findings revealed strong environmental satisfaction, cultural connections, and willingness to participate in conservation, underscoring the vital role of human well-being in sustainable conservation. Read more about how the Wild Happiness Index is shaping a new approach to conservation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4130,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[11,10],"tags":[64,65,56],"class_list":["post-4125","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-newsletters","category-blog","tag-laos","tag-well-being-in-conservation","tag-wild-happiness"],"yoast_head":"\nWhy Conservation Needs to Include Well-Being: Insights from Laos - OneNature<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover how OneNature\u2019s Wild Happiness approach is transforming conservation efforts in Laos by integrating community well-being into environmental protection. 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