CEPA’s profile

CEPA’s profile 

MISSION AND VISION:
Mission: To support the Rights of Local ethnic people and development of rural communities and to promote the protection of the environment and sustainable use of natural resources in line with government policy. And  Human Rights. Based on the decree of Lao PDR.

Vision: To raise Human Rights, environmental and cultural awareness among Lao people order to protect the natural resources and traditional cultures of Laos. Component with in education to the Lao is the based on the policies of the Lao Government.

Strategies:
• To reduce damage to natural resources by raising awareness of the importance of environmental protection and cultural preservation. And community Rights and education for people in the hole country.
• To promote sustainable livelihoods in ethnic communities and encourage community participation in development. And the Rights to access of the natural resources and food security.
• To encourage participation of all Lao people in the development of the country. Protection the natural resources and forestry
• To promote the Rights of people and the sustainable use and conservation of natural resources.

MAIN ACTIVITIES 
• EIA and SIA assessment, natural resources system adjustment, community’s forest system adjustment
• To implementing and promote the Rights and justice. Environmental education for children, youth and communities in rural areas.
• Workshops for writers and journalists on the importance of environmental and cultural preservation. And the Rights
• Non-formal educations. And marketing
• Development projects to promote sustainable livelihoods, including water and sanitation systems, education, medical care and sustainable agriculture. And community forest products and relief , Resettlement 
• Impact studies: Research on the impact of dam and irrigation system construction, tree plantations, and other development projects; research on the impact of internal migration on culture and the environment. Creative writing skill and drama and the research of what the Lao government purpose is.
• Research on traditional cultures in Laos, including customs, poems, folktales, folk songs, proverbs and beliefs.
• School building and Vocational Training

HISTORY OF THE ORGANIZATION:
Lao-CEPA’s founder, Mr. Sengphouxay Inthavikham, created the local non-profit group “For Life, For Environment” (FLFE) in 1997 in order to promote natural resources conservation amongst Lao youth. In 2001, FLFE became the Environmental Education and Cultural Association (later known as Lao-CEPA, Community Environmental Promotion and Cultural Association). In 2006, Lao-CEPA received full registration as a non-profit association under the umbrella of the Lao Union of Science and Engineering Associations (LUSEA). President of CEPA now is Mr. sonphachanh Thavikham