As evidence that locals are beginning to see the benefit in preservation, they are helping Lao Pako build a 40 hectare prime forest retreat across the river. It's the last remaining untouched jungle in the area, hope for many species of indigenous plants and animals. What's more visionary is Lao Pako's preservation of not only the natural resources, but the human ones as well. Village life revolves around the rice harvest. Other than weaving and planting, women have no employable skills.
Men know only harvesting and homesteading.
With no way to learn how to run a business, Lao Pako offers empowerment through training. Employees are also managers, responsible for the weekly routine and discipline required to keep a tourist business running and attractive to Western clientele. Cooks, for example, must calculate how much the guests will eat, arrange transportation to and from the market, and make the appropriate purchases within a budget. This has meant drastic changes for the ethnic minority tribes people, most of whom know only slash and burn agriculture. Nevertheless, many are eager to learn new skills and prepare for the tourist industry, which they know will soon invade their country.