Another dreadful problem is that of opium production and the increased drug use by the local population. Laos is the third largest producer of opium, a third of which is consumed in the country itself. The government tries to train farmers in growing alternative crops such as rice, coffee or spices, and offers them education, improved health services, safe water supply, and a better road infrastructure to link the villages with markets for their products. The multifunctional approach of the project has been remarkably successful so far in improving living conditions in the villages. A common project by the Laos Ministry for Agriculture and Forests with NGOs and local communities aims at protecting the fish resources of the Mekong river.
Villagers learn how to catch fish and frogs without endangering the stocks.
Special attention is paid to the protection of the river dolphin which is threatened by extinction. We are looking forward to the summer of the year 2000 and the exciting times in store for us in Hannover.