Historic Agreement Signed to Save the Saola!
Representatives and guests from the Saola Foundation, the Department of Forestry and Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Provincial Office of Bolikhamxay Province, the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office of Bolikhamxay, the District Agriculture and Forestry Offices of three districts covered by the MoU, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of National Defense, and other officials from the Government of Lao PDR, pose for a photo after signing the MoU
We are thrilled to share an exciting milestone for Saola conservation and the Annamite Mountains. The Saola Foundation has signed a transformative Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR). This landmark agreement, ratified in February 2025, sets the stage for unprecedented collaborative conservation efforts in the Annamite Mountains.
Dr. Lorraine Scotson, CEO of the Saola Foundation, and Dr. Oupakone Alounsavat, Deputy Director General of the Department of Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, from the Government of Lao PDR, signing the MoU agreement
What This Means
Over the next two years, the Saola Foundation will lead critical initiatives in Bolikhamxay Province, including:
- Intensive Saola search activities – Searching tirelessly to locate and protect this elusive species with our dedicated Annamite Mountains Research and Conservation Team.
- Capacity building – Strengthening the skills and expertise of both our Annamite Mountains Research and Conservation Team and technical staff from our partner, the Department of Forestry.
- Sustainable conservation – Developing long-term strategies to preserve Annamite biodiversity while engaging local communities.
“This is a landmark partnership,” says Dr Lorraine Scotson, CEO of the Saola Foundation. “…critical to our race to save Saola and a first step in our broader mission to save overlooked species facing global extinction in the Annamite Mountains.”
With this partnership, we are committed to applying cutting-edge research, innovative conservation strategies, and strong community involvement to ensure the survival of the Saola and the many other species facing imminent global extinction and their critical habitat. Our planned intensive Saola search activities sets a new benchmark for conservation efforts in Southeast Asia!
The Saola Foundation celebrating after the MoU signing
Thank You for Your Support!
We couldn’t have reached this historic moment without your dedication and belief in our mission. Your ongoing support, whether through spreading awareness, engaging with our updates, or contributing directly, fuels our conservation work in the Annamite Mountains.
If you would like to further support our work, please consider making a donation. Every contribution, big or small, helps us take another step toward securing the future of the Saola and the rich biodiversity of the Annamite Mountains. Donate here.
Thank you for being part of this journey—we look forward to sharing more updates soon. Together, we can make a difference!
Warm regards,
The Saola Foundation Team
