S&B organization participated alongside with academic trainers from Thailand and Laos in this four-day training workshop, which enabled 20 Laotian students to acquaint themselves with key concepts related to “One Health” and local cultural and environmental heritage. The case studies presented highlighted the crucial role that this heritage can play in developing, at the local level, a comprehensive health policy that integrates human and animal health management with the preservation of the vitality of surrounding ecosystems. In combination with a field study conducted with the participation of a village community in Phou Kao Kwai National Park in Laos, the students were able to apply these theoretical insights through a participatory approach with the villagers.

“This workshop not only provided training for Laotian students but also facilitated exchanges and learning between the participants and the villagers themselves. They were able to analyze the challenges facing their local ecosystem and the critical role of heritage in this context, and expressed their desire for better education on these issues.” (Dr. Marco J. Haenssgen, Chiang Mai University)