Training Workshop: Day II

Bounchanh Mekaloun from the Forestry Science Research Center explains some of the finer points of forest inventory design in the WWF conference room. I love the mix of technical forestry jargon and Lao script on the slide. [NOTE: Off to Cambodia tomorrow morning].

Impact Monitoring

Crummy shot of a whiteboard, but illustrated is the sample design for a network of permanent sample plots (PSP) to monitor the ecological impact of harvesting rattan from the world's first FSC-certified, sustainable rattan operation at Ban Sopphuane, Laos (see Thin Red Line). Twenty-five plots scattered throughout three harvest areas to monitor changes in the population structure of 14 rattan species. I call this a good day. [NOTE: This didn't really take all day. The morning was occupied with analyzing growth data and explaining to everyone how the original rattan inventories were conducted. We knocked out the PSP design in about an hour late in the afternoon. I still call this a good day].

Back In Laos

Wasn't the easiest trip I've ever made, but I'm back in Vientiane, Laos. Couple of days of inventory training for WWF staff and offering help on data analysis and management planning. I really like this place. [NOTE: Brief layover in Frankfurt on SQ 025 turns into an overnight because of a mechanical problem with the plane. Missed both of my connecting flights. Not complaining, I'm just saying...].