New Xesap National Park: Preserving the unique biodiversity of the Annamites

The significant redesignation by a Prime Minister's Decree increases the protected area to a total of 202,300 hectares, including the 49,000-hectare Pale area, which is considered a significant and relatively undisturbed habitat for key species, contributing significantly to the 30x30 global biodiversity agenda. 

“We believe this designation marks a crucial step towards enhancing conservation efforts and ensuring the sustainable management of Xesap’s rich natural treasures. WWF-Laos applauds the Lao government for this significant achievement and remains dedicated to supporting the park's management through our enduring partnership with the provinces of Salavan and Sekong”, said Loris Palentini, Country Director at WWF-Laos. “This recognition goes beyond congratulations; it reaffirms our collective commitment to wildlife and forest conservation, improving the resilience of local communities, and strengthening our collaborative efforts to reach our ambitious global biodiversity targets.” 

Nestled in the Annamite mountain ranges, Xesap National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to some of the world's most endangered species that are found nowhere else in the world. Among its inhabitants are the elusive Roosevelt's muntjac, the vibrant red-shanked douc, the rare Annamite striped rabbit, and the stunning crested argus. New species are being discovered in the Annamites at an incredible rate, including many large mammal species described for the first time by science in the last century. Notably, Xesap National Park is also one of the few places in the Annamites where the legendary Saola – known as the 'Asian Unicorn' – has been sighted, and is considered to have high potential as a site for population recovery. 

Spanning the provinces of Salavan and Sekong, with nearly 35 villages located in and around the park, Xesap is now one of seven national parks in Laos. With its forested valleys, limestone karst hills, vertiginous mountains, and extremely rich biodiversity and endemism, Xesap's reclassification from a National Protected Area to a National Park is a well-deserved recognition of its ecological importance in the Greater Mekong. 

“The announcement of Xesap as a National Park is a milestone for conservation, not only in Laos but also in the entire region”, says Vibeke Christensen, Head of Natural Resources and Climate Asia from KfW, the German Development Bank. Jointly with WWF, KfW has been supporting conservation measures in the Central Annamites through the implementation of the Carbon and Biodiversity project, now in its second phase, for more than ten years as part of the IKI. 

The National Park offers valuable opportunities for scientific research, including environmental DNA surveys, camera trap surveys for ground-dwelling species, and acoustic surveys for arboreal species (e.g. gibbons). 

The partners now aim to further strengthen the partnership with the Department of Forestry and the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Offices of Salavan and Sekong provinces, as well as with districts and local communities. Key goals include improving park management and biodiversity conservation, promoting resilient local community development, and ensuring long-term conservation success that benefits both people and nature.