Saelao Project
SAELAO’s primary purpose is to set an example of sustainable development in Laos, by using environmentally friendly methods (e.g. biogas, permaculture) and minimizing the use of natural resources.
The rainforest in Laos is in critical danger and human activities must be changed to save it. Secondly, SAELAO seeks to collaborate with people around the world, in order to share best practices of sustainable development. The environmental problems we are facing (climate change, increasing desertification, etc.) cannot be solved by one country alone. By connecting projects with similar aims we can create a network around the world to share information, skills, and success stories. SAELAO plans to educate the local community about more efficient and sustainable uses for natural resources. Educational topics include: resource cycles, the use of natural fertilizer for increasing farm production and using technologies like biogas to reduce the need of wood. SAELAO will also create jobs for locals and a market for local farming products. A strong collaboration between SAELAO, the farms and the local economy (eg. restaurants) will create more autonomy for the local communities. International Visitors SAELAO provides a chance for international visitors to experience another side of Vang Vieng – a quiet, beautiful rural landscape – and an opportunity to get in touch with Laos culture and learn about sustainable farming. Currently, long-term volunteers stay at the project site in bungalows. In the future, more bungalows will be built to house additional guests. Volunteers experience an equal exchange – where they bring their skills and ideas to support the SAELAO projects and in return, they learn about Lao daily life and traditions. Scholarships for local children SAELAO is exploring setting up a program of educational scholarships for local children who come from poor families or suffer from physical or mental disabilities. In addition, the scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to participate in SAELAO projects and gain valuable work experience. |
Sustainable Buildings Community house are made out of mud Bathroom Bamboo Bungalow. The buildings in the project area have been constructed using natural materials, such as recycled wood, bamboo, mud and rocks from the region, trying to use as little timber as possible. Water Supply SAELAO lies in the rainforest area which is rich in clean fresh water and groundwater. SAELAO aims to set up a biological cleaning system that recycles water without using chemicals. The water is cleaned through a system of tanks with phases of stone and sand, after which the water returns into the water cycle. Waste Management Not long ago, the Lao people used natural materials (like banana leaves) for storage, instead of plastics. Today all over the world a huge amount of plastic are used every day. SAELAO seeks to find local solutions to reduce non-recyclable waste. Biogas The biogas plant was built with assistance from Fernando Pascual, a volunteer from Spain. The aim is to use cow manure for producing biogas, which can be used for cooking at the SAELAO restaurant and in local villages. The cow manure comes from the project itself as well as from the other farms in the village. Currently, SAELAO is focused on constructing the cowshed and then connecting the existing tank to the restaurant area. find out more http://saelaoproject.com |
