Let’s meet the #AlumniInnovationGrants participants for 2026!

Phaeng Xaphokham completed a diploma in Permaculture in 2021 with an #AustraliaAwards scholarship. This has helped him further his career as an Agriculture Extension Officer at the Luang Prabang Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office.

After working with local farmers to preserve native seeds and increase incomes through honey production, Phaeng is now looking to increase bamboo production for ethnic farmers in remote Northern Laos.

His project, ‘Bamboo conservation for a sustainable future” aims to empower communities in sustainable bamboo management, ensuring environmental protection, income generation, and cultural preservation and being project model for other communities in the future.

Phaeng says “Many rural communities in northern Laos rely on bamboo for food, construction, handicrafts, and income especially for women. However, overharvesting, deforestation, and conversion of forest land into industrial plantations have significantly reduced bamboo availability. With this project, I hope to promote community lead bamboo conservation, sustainable harvesting, and restoration practices.”