Lao PDR Establishes Its National Geoparks Commission
12 January 2026 The Government of the Lao PDR has officially established the Lao National Geoparks Commission, strengthening coordination and governance of geopark initiatives at the national level. Created by Prime Ministerial decree, the Commission reflects Laos’ determination to become a long-term member of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, while remaining aligned with the country’s […]
Tham Pha Mue Rock Art Geosite: Advancing Knowledge and Heritage Understanding
23 December 2025 Recent scientific investigations at Tham Pha Mue, geosite of Hinboun Geopark, have significantly strengthened knowledge of one of the most important prehistoric rock art sites in Lao PDR. The site contains over 200 rock art motifs, predominantly negative hand stencils, alongside anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figures. These motifs are distributed across multiple panels […]
Field Visit by Authorities to the Hinboun Geopark
December 2025 Strengthening Institutional Ownership Through On-Site Exploration In early December 2025, national and local authorities carried out a field visit within Hinboun Geopark, focusing on several geosites located in Khounkham District. This visit aimed to strengthen institutional understanding of the territory’s geological value and to connect strategic planning with on-the-ground realities. By visiting key […]
Steering Committee of the Hinboun Geopark
December 2025 Coordinating the Next Steps of the Geopark Development In December 2025, the Steering Committee of Hinboun Geopark was convened, bringing together key institutional stakeholders involved in the project both from Lao PDR and France. This meeting provided a space to review recent milestones, including community awareness activities, the official creation of the Geopark, […]
Study Visit to the UNESCO Global Geopark of Khorat, Thailand
November 2025 Learning from International Experience to Support the Hinboun Geopark From 28 to 30 November 2025, seven national and territorial Lao officials participated in a three-day study visit to the UNESCO Global Geopark of Khorat in Thailand. This exchange was organised within the framework of the KARST project “Khammouane Ardèche Stratégie Territoriale”, alongside partners […]
Official Creation of the Hinboun Geopark
November 2025 A Provincial Decision Formalising Governance and Management Structures In November 2025, Hinboun Geopark was officially established through a formal decision of the Governor of Khammouane Province, marking a decisive step in the structuring of the territory and its governance. On 18 November 2025, Provincial Decision No. 424 formally created the governance and management […]
Khammouane Province Approves the Governance of the Hinboun Geopark
18 November 2025 With the support of SMERGC, in partnership with Tétraktys, as part of a cooperation project funded by the AFD, Khammouane Province has officially approved the governance framework and management structure of the Hinboun Geopark, marking a key milestone toward its recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark. This decision by the Governor confirms […]
Community Awareness Activities and Adhesion Agreements
September 2025 Raising Awareness on the Geopark Concept in Nakai and Khounkham Districts In September 2025, Hinboun Geopark conducted a series of awareness-raising activities in the districts of Nakai and Khounkham to introduce local communities to the Geopark concept and the objectives of the Hinboun Geopark project. These sessions focused on explaining what a Geopark […]
French delegation in Laos
4 April 2023 As part of the KARST project, a French delegation traveled to Laos from 20 to 30 March 2023. The mission will include presenting the draft Geopark management plan to the Governor of Khammouane Province, holding a steering committee meeting on governance and boundaries, visiting new facilities, meeting Lao and French partners, assessing […]
Laotian delegation in Ardèche
28 February 2023 A Lao delegation visited Ardèche from 21 to 26 February. Hosted by Isabelle Massebeuf, President of the SMERGC, the delegation brought together senior officials from the tourism and foreign affairs sectors, as well as representatives of Khammouane Province and the districts of Nakai and Khounkham. They met with local elected officials and […]
