Dr. Vichith Lamxay during his field work for NATURA project, Nong Loup Ian wetland, Vientiane capital.

Vientiane Capital – February 14, 2026

Prof. Dr. Vichith Lamxay transformed a community outreach session at Tadthong Temple in the Nong Loup Ian wetland into a living science lesson. Drawing on more than 40 years of botanical expertise, he guided Tadthong residents to see familiar plants not as background scenery, but as essential components of a high‑performance living infrastructure that protects their village from erosion, flooding, and water pollution.

The Local Heroes of Engineering

During Dr. Vichith’s session, he sought to bridge the gap between complex science and everyday life by using simple, familiar examples of native plants that local residents recognize. He revealed that these familiar neighbors are actually the “architects” of the village’s safety:

• Kok Khai Noun (Salix tetrasperma Roxb.) as The Aquatic Nursery: While this willow helps stabilize the banks, its most vital role is providing a “home.” Its massive, submerged root system creates perfect breeding grounds and safe havens for fish, frogs, and snails to thrive.
• Phoum Ben (Combretum trifoliatum Vent) as The Bio-Shield: These hardy shrubs are the masters of stability. Growing in dense thickets, they act as a “Wave Breaker” that slows down floodwater and grips the soil with an interweaving root network that keeps the riverbanks from collapsing.
• The Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) as The Life-Giver: Beyond its beauty, the lotus acts as a high-tech “Oxygen Pump.” It breathes air into the mud, filtering out excess Nitrogen and Phosphorus—effectively serving as the wetland’s natural wastewater treatment system.

The outreach session brought together over 70 community members, local leaders, and practitioners, strengthening shared understanding of wetland conservation under the NATURA Project.

“I grew up with these plants, but today I learned they are working for our village. If we don’t protect them, we are the ones who lose.” – A Community participant, Tadthong outreach.

The Domino Effect of a Healthy Home

Dr. Vichith showed that when these local “architects” thrive, they build a home for the rest of the ecosystem. It is a natural domino effect:

1. Water Quality: The Lotus and the wetland plants act as a filter, cleaning cloudy and stinky water until it is safe for the village.
2. Aqua Life Nurseries: With Phoum Ben holding the soil and Kok Khai Noun providing shelter, fish and biodiversity begin to recover.
3. The Return of the Supermarket: As biodiversity increases, the wetland stops being just an “open space” and starts functioning as before and traditions can be revived .

Dr. Vichith Lamxay shares his knowledge and field experience with the local community.

“For me, the Nong Loup Ian wetland is not a wild place on the edge of the village; it is a living system quietly working every day to hold the soil, clean the water, and support families. Once people see that, they would want to restore and protect this area.” – Dr. Vichith Lamxay

A Shared Responsibility

Dr. Vichith emphasized that science isn’t just for experts—it is a tool for the whole village. By understanding the science of the wetland, every participant becomes a “Guardian of the Water.” When the community works together to manage waste and protect native plants, they aren’t just following a project plan; they are restarting a natural engine that has supported their families for generations.

This story was developed through the NATURA Project, supported by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) in partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the Government of Lao PDR.

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Learn more about NATURA project: Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Adaptation in Lao PDR (NATURA) Phase I — Global Green Growth Institute