Friday 1 June 2012

Le Centre d’Ethnologie et des Arts Traditionnels est un musée situé au centre de Luang Prabang, non loin du marché Darat (Darat Market). C’est une association à but non lucratif dédié à la collection, la conservation et l’étude des arts traditionnels et des modes de vie des ethnies environnantes.

Le TAEC fut fondé en 2006 pour ouvrir ses portes en juillet 2007, organisant des expositions sur la culture ethnique Lao, mettant aussi à disposition un magasin proposant des produits artisanaux et un café orienté gastronomie ethnique. Durant les 4 premières années, le TAEC a accueilli près de 40.000 visiteurs, et s’est rapidement imposé comme un des hauts points de la conservation du patrimoine et du développement des communautés locales.

On June 1, Laos celebrates National Arbor Day, a major environmental event that intentionally coincides with International Children’s Day. This symbolic date aligns with the start of the rainy season, providing ideal planting conditions across the country.

The initiative primarily aims to raise public awareness - particularly among young people - about environmental protection and the impact of climate change. The Lao government utilizes the day to mobilize citizens, schools, and officials. The core objective is to reach the nation’s ambitious goal of expanding forest cover to 70% of the total land area.

To achieve this, massive nationwide campaigns are coordinated annually in major provinces and Vientiane Capital. For instance, recent campaigns have targeted planting millions of seedlings across thousands of hectares of degraded forest lands. Beyond the immediate ecological impact, the day strengthens community solidarity and fosters long-term sustainability. By encouraging all sectors to plant trees in parks, conservation areas, and roadsides, Laos actively invests in the protection of its rich biodiversity and crucial natural resources.