Law on wild animals

Article 1. The amended Law on Wild Animal is hereby promulgated.

Article 2. This decree shall enter into force on the date it is signed. President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic [Seal and signature] Thongloun Sisoulith Unofficial Translation by WCS, reviewed and approved by DOF Lao People’s Democratic Republic Peace Independence Democracy Unity Prosperity National Assembly No. 92 /NA Vientiane Capital, 17/07/23 Resolution Of the National Assembly On the Approval of the Law on Wild Animal (Amended) - Pursuant to the Constitution of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (amended in 2015), Chapter VI, Article 67, point 1; - Pursuant to the amended Law on National Assembly and Law on Provincial People’s Assemblies No. 82/NA, dated 30 June 2020, Article 11 Point 1. After the 5th Ordinary Session of the 10th National Assembly underwent thorough and comprehensive review of the content of the Law on Wild animal (amended) in the afternoon of 13 July 2023 and approved the law in the afternoon of 17 July 2023 The National Assembly agrees to:

Article 1. Approve the Law on Wild Animal (amended) with the majority vote more than half of the present members of the National Assembly.

Article 2. This decree shall enter into force on the date it is signed. President of the National Assembly [Seal and signature] PhD. Saysomphone Phomvihane Unofficial Translation by WCS, reviewed and approved by DOF Lao People’s Democratic Republic Peace Independence Democracy Unity Prosperity National Assembly No. 42 /NA Vientiane Capital, 17 July 2023 Law on Wild Animal (Amended) Chapter I General Provisions

Article 1 (Amended) Objectives This Law determines the principles, regulations and measures relating to wild animal management, monitoring and inspection activities in order to make these efficient and effective with the aim of avoiding the [negative] impact on nature and habitats; restricting the decrease and extinction of wild animal species; and mobilizing the public as a whole to be aware of the significance of, uphold consciousness to love, care and cherish for wild animal, and proactively engage in the sustainable management, protection, development and utilization of wild animal, and the protection of the environment, in line with green and sustainable direction, thus ensuring the rights and interests of the nation and the people by improving the living conditions of the people, enabling regional and international integration and contributing to the national socio-economic development.

Article 2 (Amended) Wild Animal Wild animal are all species of animals which are born, live and grow in the wilderness and the wild animal habitats or are taken [from those areas] for raising and breeding. They are composed of mammals, reptiles, birds and other wild animal species.

Article 3 (Amended) Interpretation of the Terms The terms used in this Law have the meaning as follows: 1. CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) means the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora which was adopted in Washington, D.C. on 3rd March 1973, and Lao PDR becoming a party of on 1st March 2004; 2. Mammals mean wild animal which have mammary glands and give birth to offspring, such as: elephants, tigers, monkeys, bats, Laotian rock rats and other mammals; 3. Reptiles mean wild animal which are vertebrate, have scales or hard shell and lay eggs and move by creeping or crawling, such as: crocodiles, snakes, turtles, lizards, monitor lizards and other reptiles; Unofficial Translation by WCS, reviewed and approved by DOF 4. Birds mean wild animal which have wings, feathers and lay eggs, such as: peacocks, vultures, crows, Greater coucals, Red junglefowls, pheasants and other birds; 5. Filial 1 Generation means offspring which are born to Parental Generation that are taken from the wild for raising; 6. Filial 2 Generation means offspring which are born to the Filial 1 Generation; 7. Wild Animal Parts mean any parts of wild animal, such as head, leg, foot. skin, meat, blood, horn, rhino horn, ivory, tooth, bone, gall, oil, fat, scale, shell, hair, claw, tail and other organs; 8. Wild Animal Products mean the parts of wild animal taken for processing into finished products or semi-finished products, such as medicines, ornaments, and other household items; 9. Registration means the gathering of historical data and other information on wild animal including carcasses, parts and products thereof which are in the possession [of the applicant], such as: name, age, sex, color, weight, place of birth, category, species, place of origin, physical appearance marks and other unique features, for the purpose of issuing the animal registration certificate and certification of ownership of the animal owner; 10. Declaration of List means the declaration made by individuals, legal entities, or organizations on the number of increase or decrease of the wild animal and carcasses, parts and products thereof which are in their possession; 11. Wild Animal Habitats mean the places of living, breeding in nature, such as forests, grasslands, caves, bogs, rivers, streams, marshes, ponds, or wetlands; 12. Wild Animal Species Conservation Area [Wild Animal Sanctuary] means the area of forest, forestland and water body which is designated to be the habitat of wild animal of various species in accordance with the regulations; 13. Animal Cruelty means the excessive use of animal for labor, the lack of care for animal husbandry and its health, insufficient feeding, abusing animals, transporting animals in overcrowded condition, among others; 14. Mitigation Hierarchy means the internationally recognized methods of mitigating the impacts of investment projects on biodiversity and ecosystem services that require to apply measures of avoidance, minimization, restoration and offset respectively with the aim of achieving No-Net-Loss or Net-Gain of biodiversity; 15. Biodiversity Offset means the actions to compensate for residual adverse impacts arising and persisting from an investment project after appropriate avoidance, minimization and restoration measures have been taken; 16. Non-destructive Tools mean the traditional weapons and native hunting tools that cause no threat and risk to the extinction of wild animal species; 17. Commercial Purpose means the conduct of activities that are related to the trade in wild animal including carcasses, parts and products thereof, in cash or in other forms, for economic benefits; 18. Wild Animal Zoo means the place that the State has permitted to be established by individuals, legal entities and organizations for undertaking wild animal Unofficial Translation by WCS, reviewed and approved by DOF raising, breeding and conservation activities with the aim of providing tourism services, wild animal circus shows and promoting cultural exchange.

Article 4 (Amended) State Policy on Wild Animal Activities The State encourages and promotes wild animal activities by formulating policies, laws, strategies and regulations; and providing personnel, budget, vehicles, equipment and materials, advanced techniques and technology for these activities. The State encourages individuals, legal entities or organizations, both domestic and foreign, to invest in the in-situ management, protection and development of wild animal to become a potential for tourism and for research and experiment, by granting credit incentives, tax and duty exemption or reduction in accordance with the laws.

Article 5 (Amended) Principles of Wild Animal Activities Wild animal activities shall be performed in accordance with the following principles: 1. Complying with the guidelines, policies, Constitution, laws, strategies, the National Socio-Economic Development Plan, conventions to which Lao PDR is a party, and relevant international agreements; 2. Ensuring centralized and uniform management throughout the country; 3. Considering wild animal protection as the primary task, and sustainable wild animal management and development as important tasks; 4. Ensuring participation of all parties in the society and coordination between ministries, agencies, and local administrations; 5. Ensuring equality, fairness, transparency, and auditability; 6. Ensuring biological safety and benefits to individuals, legal entities and organizations in accordance with the laws; 7. Utilizing wild animal effectively, economically and with no impact on the environment .

Article 6 (Amended) Wild Animal Ownership Wild animal of all species living in nature in the territory of Lao People’s Democratic Republic is the property of the national community that the State is responsible for managing in a centralized and uniform manner throughout the country. The State recognizes right to wild animal utilization of individuals, legal entities or organizations in accordance with the laws. Wild animal that individuals, legal entities or organizations raise and breed by using their own labor or capital with the authorization from the Wild animal Management Authorities shall become the property of these individuals, legal entities or organizations.

Article 7 (Amended) Obligations of the Citizens All citizens shall have the obligation to participate, contribute and cooperate in wild animal activities in accordance with the laws, such as protection, notify or report on occurrence of wild animal disease, actions that violate the laws, and prevention of potential negative impacts on wild animal. Unofficial Translation by WCS, reviewed and approved by DOF

Article 8 (Amended) Scope of Application of the Law This law shall apply to individuals, legal entities or organizations, both domestic and foreign, which engage and involve in wild animal activities in Lao PDR.

Article 9 (Amended) International Cooperation The State promotes relations and cooperation with foreign countries, and regional and international bodies on wild animal activities through exchange of lessons, information, scientific research, technique, technology, human resource development to allow such activities to be expanded, strengthened and modernized, and through the implementation of conventions to which Lao PDR is a party and relevant international agreements. Chapter II Categories of Wild Animal

Article 10 (Amended) Categories of Wild Animal Wild animal in Lao PDR is classified into three categories as follows: 1. Wild animal of prohibited category are wild animal in List I; 2. Wild animal of managed category are wild animal in List II; 3. Wild animal of general category are wild animal in List III. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is responsible for approving the wild animal lists from time to time.

Article 11 (Amended) Wild Animal List I Wild animal in List I are wild animal species which are rare, threatened and faced with risk of extinction. These species are important for the ecosystem, conservation tourism and scientific research. Wild animal in List I must be managed, protected, and developed.

Article 12 (Amended) Wild Animal List II Wild animal in List II are wild animal species which are not yet threatened with extinction. These species are valuable for the ecosystem, socio-economic development, and scientific research. Wild animal in List II must be managed, protected, developed, and their utilization must be controlled.

Article 13 (Amended) Wild Animal List III Wild animal in List III are wild animal species which are capable of reproducing widely in nature and are important for the socio-economic development, ecosystem, livelihoods of the people and scientific research. Unofficial Translation by WCS, reviewed and approved by DOF Wild animal in List III are allowed to be used in accordance with the laws by ensuring that such use shall be in a sustainable manner. Chapter III Wild Animal Activities Section 1 Management of Wild Animal

Article 14 (Amended) Management of Wild Animal Wild animal management includes the following activities: 1. Registration and declaration of lists of wild animal; 2. Hunting of wild animal; 3. Management of wild animal hunting tools; 4. Trade in wild animal; 5. Movement of wild animal; 6. Import, export, re-export and transit of wild animal; 7. Establishment of wild animal zoos; 8. Establishment of wild animal farms; 9. Wild animal circus shows; 10. Production of documentary film on wild animal; 11. Wild animal conservation tourism; 12. Wild animal museum; 13. Storage of wild animal carcasses, parts and products; 14. Wild animal information system; 15. Resolving human-wild animal conflict; 16. Mitigation of project development impact on wild animal; 17. Other activities.

Article 15 (Amended) Registration and Declaration of Lists of Wild Animal Wild animal in List I which are raised in wild animal zoos, wild animal farms, wild animal rehabilitation and breeding centers and other authorized places including the carcasses, parts and products thereof must be registered and the lists declared with the District Agriculture and Forestry Office. Wild animal in List II which are raised in wild animal zoos, wild animal farms, wild animal rehabilitation and breeding centers and other authorized places for commercial purpose must be registered and the lists declared with the District Agriculture and Forestry Office. Individuals, legal entities or organizations must declare the lists, number, species, and the increase or decrease of wild animal in their possession to the District Agriculture and Forestry Office on an annual basis. Unofficial Translation by WCS, reviewed and approved by DOF In case the wild animal species, including the carcasses, parts and products thereof are listed in the CITES Appendices, it is required to register and declare the lists with the CITES Management Authority in accordance with the relevant regulations. Wild animal in List III which are raised or bred are not required to be registered and the lists of wild animal to be declared. The procedure, conditions for registration and declaration of lists of wild animal will be defined in a separate regulation.

Article 16 (Amended) Hunting of Wild Animal Hunting of wild animal refers to the taking of wild animal by catching, shooting, driving, trapping, chasing or other methods. Wild animal hunting shall be carried out as follows: 1. Wild animal in List I are absolutely not permitted for hunting, except for only necessary cases: research and breeding that are non-commercial purposes for which it is required to obtain the authorization from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. 2. Wild animal in List II are permitted for hunting for certain species, in certain areas and certain seasons for utilization for the public and family benefits and for customary utilization, by using non-destructive tools as defined by the Wild animal Management Authorities. 3. Wild animal in List III are permitted for hunting in the specified season, by using non-destructive tools.

Article 17 (Amended) Management of Wild Animal Hunting Tools Individuals, legal entities or organizations aiming to produce, import and export, possess and use wild animal hunting tools must apply for authorization from the Agriculture and Forestry sector and comply with the regulations of the relevant sector. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is responsible for determining the regulations on the management of wild animal hunting tools.

Article 18 (Amended) Trade in Wild Animal Wild animal in List I including the carcasses, parts and products thereof are absolutely not permitted for trade. Wild animal in List II including the carcasses, parts and products thereof from the Filial 2 Generation and subsequent generations are permitted for trade, whereas the breeder parents and the Filial 1 Generation are not permitted for trade. The breeder parents shall be released back to the wild, whereas the Filial 1 Generation shall be kept as breeder parents or released back to the wild. Wild animal in List III are permitted for trade in accordance with the laws. The trade in wild animal including the carcasses, parts and products thereof which are listed in the CITES Appendices shall be carried out in accordance with the laws, Convention to which Lao PDR is a party, and relevant international agreements. Unofficial Translation by WCS, reviewed and approved by DOF

Article 19 (Amended) Movement of Wild Animal The movement of wild animal in List I and List II, including the carcasses, parts and products thereof, between provinces requires an application for permit from the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office, and the presentation of the certificate of origin, animal registration certificate and animal health certificate, as the case may be. The movement of wild animal in List I and List II, including the carcasses, parts and products thereof, between districts requires the application for permit from the District Agriculture and Forestry Office and the presentation of the certificate of origin, animal registration certificate and animal health certificate as the case may be. The movement of wild animal in List III does not require the application for permit, but must have the wild animal health certificate as the case may be.

Article 20 (Amended) Import, Export, Re-export and Transit of Wild Animal The import, export, re-export and transit of wild animal shall be carried out as follows: 1. For wild animal in List 1 including the carcasses, parts and products thereof, the Government is responsible for making approval based on the proposal of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry; 2. For wild animal in List II and List III including the carcasses, parts and products thereof, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is responsible for making approval based on the proposal of the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is responsible for approving the annual plan for the import, export, re-export and transit of wild animal including the carcasses, parts and products thereof based on the proposal of the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office. The import, export, re-export and transit of wild animal of all categories including the carcasses, parts and products thereof which lie in CITES Appendices shall be carried out in accordance with the laws, Convention to which Lao PDR is a party, and relevant international agreements.

Article 21 (Amended) Establishment of Wild Animal Zoos Individuals, legal entities or organizations, both domestic and foreign, intending to establish wild animal zoos for tourism sites, study and research, and dissemination and awareness-raising for the public to know and uphold the value and consciousness of loving, cherishing, protecting and developing wild animal in a sustainable manner, shall apply for authorization from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The standards and conditions for the establishment of wild animal zoos will be determined in a separate regulation.

Article 22 (Amended) Establishment of Wild Animal Farms Unofficial Translation by WCS, reviewed and approved by DOF Individuals, legal entities or organizations, both domestic and foreign, intending to establish wild animal farms by taking wild animal from nature or captive-bred wild animal for raising, research, and breeding as commodities to meet domestic demand and for export to foreign countries shall apply for authorization from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The standards and conditions for the establishment of wild animal farms will be determined in a separate regulation.

Article 23 (Amended) Wild Animal Circus Shows Taking wild animal to perform circus shows in any place inside the country is allowed without seeking authorization. Taking wild animal for circus shows outside the country or taking wild animal from outside the country for circus shows in Lao PDR shall require the application of temporary export permits or temporary import permits, from the Government for wild animal in List I, and from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry for wild animal in List II and List III, and compliance with the relevant laws. Taking wild animal for circus shows outside the country must require the return of such wild animal in accordance with the contract terms. In case such wild animal gives birth to offspring , the offspring must also be returned along with their parents. If the wild animal taken outside the country for circus shows dies , the carcasses or parts of such wild animal must be returned to Lao PDR, with the responsibility held in accordance with the contract. Taking wild animal for circus shows outside the country shall require the presentation of the health certificate, ownership certificate or contract, and guarantee contract, and compliance with the laws of the importing country. Taking wild animal listed in the CITES Appendices for circus shows outside the country shall be carried out in accordance with the Convention to which Lao PDR is a party and the relevant international agreements.

Article 24 (Amended) Production of Documentary Film on Wild Animal Individuals, legal entities or organizations, both domestic and foreign, intending to conduct productions of documentary films on wild animal for dissemination and raising awareness about wild animal management, protection, development and utilization associated with the promotion of conservation tourism, lifestyle and the good culture of Lao multi-ethnic people, shall apply for authorization from the Agriculture and Forestry sector and other relevant sectors.

Article 25 (New) Wild Animal Conservation Tourism Individuals, legal entities or organizations may engage in tourism operations that are associated with wild animal conservation [in areas] allocated by the State and with no negative impact on biodiversity and environment, by applying for authorization from the Agriculture and Forestry sector. Unofficial Translation by WCS, reviewed and approved by DOF

Article 26 (Amended) Wild Animal Museum Individuals, legal entities or organizations intending to establish wild animal museums for collections of carcasses, parts and products of all wild animal species shall apply for authorization from the relevant sector based on the agreement of the Agriculture and Forestry sector.

Article 27 (New) Storage of Wild Animal Carcasses, Parts and Products Wild animal carcasses, parts and products which are acquired from hand-overs, returns or confiscations shall be stored in a safe place under the supervision of the Agriculture and Forestry sector. The carcasses, parts and products of wild animal which are listed in CITES Appendices shall be stored with the CITES Management Authority. Regarding wild animal carcasses, parts and products which are seized as part of case proceedings, these must be stored in a safe place under the supervision of the Forestry Inspection Officers until the completion of the case proceeding. In case the wild animal carcasses, parts and products are perishable or cannot be kept for a long period of time or can be kept by using significant budget, a committee shall be appointed to address the issue in accordance with the regulations.

Article 28 (New) Wild Animal Information System Wild animal information system refers to information gathering, compiling, storing, analysis, and examination in paper or electronic form. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry shall create, update, manage and use wild animal information, and provide and exchange such information by coordinating with relevant ministries, agencies and local administrations. The Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office, District Agriculture and Forestry Office shall improve the wild animal information system to connect with the information system of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and shall provide and exchange wild animal information according to their responsibility. Individuals, legal entities, organizations, both domestic and foreign, may access and use data in the wild animal information system in the performance of their work as authorized by the Agriculture and Forestry sector, in compliance with the relevant laws and regulations.

Article 29 (New) Resolving Human-Wild Animal Conflict The Agriculture and Forestry sector shall take the lead in coordinating with relevant sectors, agencies, local administrations, and people to prevent and control conflicts between human and wild animal. In cases where wild animal causes the loss and damage to human life, health, property and safety, the concerned individuals, legal entities and organizations shall resolve the issue timely, use appropriate measures in accordance with the regulations, and report to the relevant authority. The measures for resolving conflicts are defined in a separate regulation. Unofficial Translation by WCS, reviewed and approved by DOF

Article 30 (New) Mitigation of Project Development Impact on Wild Animal The Agriculture and Forestry sector shall take the lead in coordinating with relevant sectors and local administrations, and promoting the participation of the people to manage, monitor and inspect the investment projects, in ensuring minimal impact on wild animal and wild animal habitats. In case the project causes impact on wild animal, the project developer shall be responsible for implementing the mitigation hierarchy measures and compensations in accordance with the laws. During the project preparation phase, if the results of the feasibility assessment show inability to achieve No-Net-Loss of biodiversity, the project will not be approved. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is responsible for defining the compensation for impacts on wild animal. Section 2 Protection of Wild Animal

Article 31 (Amended) Protection of Wild Animal Wild animal protection includes the following activities: 1. Wild animal survey; 2. Designation of wild animal species conservation area; 3. Establishment of wild animal health rehabilitation center; 4. Release of wild animal back to the wild; 5. Scientific research; 6. Awareness-raising; 7. Other activities.

Article 32 (Amended) Wild Animal Survey Wild animal survey refers to the collection of data on species, populations, hereditary diversity, survival status, growth, habitats, wild animal species conservation zones, etc. The Agriculture and Forestry sector shall take the lead in coordinating with relevant sectors and local administrations to conduct wild animal surveys and establish wild animal database systems to provide information for development planning for each area in each period. Individuals, legal entities or organizations intending to conduct wild animal surveys must apply for authorization from the Wild animal Management Authorities.

Article 33 (Amended) Designation of Wild Animal Species Preservation Zone The Agriculture and Forestry sector shall coordinate with relevant sectors and local administrations, with the participation of the people, to define the habitats, wild animal species preservation zones and feeding zones, based on the actual data obtained from surveys , and to issue regulations on the management of wild animal species preservation zones according to its responsibility. Unofficial Translation by WCS, reviewed and approved by DOF

Article 34 (New) Establishment of Wild Animal Health Rehabilitation Center Individuals, legal entities or organizations, both domestic and foreign, intending to establish wild animal health rehabilitation centers as places to rehabilitate and provide treatment to wild animal which are infected, injured or weak, shall apply for authorization from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. In the case of wild animal which are seized, confiscated, sequestered or handed- over by individuals, legal entities or organizations, they must be taken to the wild animal health rehabilitation center for performing health checks, rehabilitation and treatment, as the case may be. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is responsible for defining regulations on the establishment of wild animal health rehabilitation centers.

Article 35 (New) Release of Wild Animal Back to the Wild The release of wild animal back to the wild must be implemented in the forest area or natural habitat which is suitable and has the environmental conditions allowing such animal species to live, not causing impact on other species, and is under strict management and protection.

Article 36 (Amended) Scientific Research Scientific research refers to the examination and analysis of the species, its reproduction, breeding, genetics, growth, diet, ecosystem and value, and includes the search for suitable forms and technical standards for use in wild animal activities. Individuals, legal entities or organizations may conduct scientific research on wild animal and invest in the establishment of scientific research institutes or centers in accordance with the authorization of the relevant sector and in compliance with the laws, Convention to which Lao PDR is a party, and relevant international agreements. Taking samples of the wild animal including carcasses, parts and products thereof for scientific research outside the country requires obtaining the authorization from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. After the completion of the scientific research, the results of such research must be sent to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry within fifteen days. The persons who receive the authorization and benefits from scientific research shall share the benefits with the State in accordance with the agreement.

Article 37 (New) Awareness-Raising Awareness-raising refers to the dissemination and education on the meaning and significance of wild animal activities through mass media, inclusion in learning-teaching curriculum, and encouragement and promotion of the development of wild animal-related activities to mobilize the public as a whole to raise consciousness in loving, caring, and cherishing wild animal, changing the behavior in the use of wild animal, and proactively participating in the sustainable management, protection and development of wild animal. Unofficial Translation by WCS, reviewed and approved by DOF The Agriculture and Forestry sector shall take the lead in coordinating with relevant sectors, agencies, local administrations and other parties with regard to awareness-raising. Section 3 Development of Wild Animal

Article 38 (Amended) Development of Wild Animal Wild animal development includes the following activities: 1. Wild animal breeding; 2. Wild animal raising; 3. Other activities.

Article 39 (Amended) Wild Animal Breeding Wild animal breeding refers to the increase of wild animal population and genetic diversity through natural, semi-natural, artificial reproduction methods or by using other techniques including restoration of degraded habitats, feeding zones and breeding zones, with the aim of preventing the extinction of wild animal species. Individuals, legal entities or organizations intending to breed wild animal shall perform in compliance with the policy, methods, regulations and technical standards set out by the agriculture and forestry sector.

Article 40 (Amended) Wild Animal Raising Wild animal raising refers to the taking of wild animal for raising in suitable places in compliance with technical standards which includes management, protection, use of parental generation and management principles that can support wild animal to be healthy, grow and have production without causing negative impacts on the environment . Wild Animal in List I acquired from nature or other places which have not yet reproduced shall not be permitted for raising, except for only necessary cases: research and breeding for non-commercial purposes. Wild Animal in List II are permitted for raising for the purposes of research and breeding. In case such wild animal species are already reproduced, they are permitted for family-based raising and business raising from Filial 1 Generation and subsequent generations, in accordance with the laws. Wild Animal in List III are permitted for family-based raising and business raising in accordance with the laws. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is responsible for defining the technical standards relating to wild animal raising. Section 4 Utilization of Wild Animal Unofficial Translation by WCS, reviewed and approved by DOF

Article 41 (Amended) Types of Wild Animal Utilization Wild animal utilization consists of four types as follows: 1. Utilization for public benefits; 2. Utilization for family purposes; 3. Customary utilization; 4. Utilization for business purposes. Wild animal utilization of all types shall ensure sustainability, balance of ecosystem and no negative impact on environment.

Article 42 (Amended) Utilization for Public Benefits Utilization for public benefits refers to taking wild animal including the carcasses, parts and products thereof to serve the collective interest, such as scientific research, tourism, sports, and such use must be in compliance with the laws. The utilization of wild animal in List I for public benefits requires an application for authorization from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry based on the proposal of the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office. The utilization of wild animal in List II for public benefits requires an application for authorization from the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office based on the proposal of the District Agriculture and Forestry Office. The utilization of wild animal in List III for public benefits is allowed without the application for authorization.

Article 43 (Amended) Utilization for Family Purposes Utilization for family purposes refers to taking wild animal in List III including the carcasses, parts and products thereof for use for consumption, decoration, etc. according to permitted seasons and locations by using non-destructive methods and tools. The utilization of wild animal in List II for family purposes requires an application for authorization in accordance with the regulations.

Article 44 (Amended) Customary Utilization Customary utilization refers to the taking wild animal in List II and List III including the carcasses, parts and products thereof for use in necessary cultural practices or beliefs which have existed for a long time, such as: the release of birds, turtles and snakes, and the worshiping of objects.

Article 45 (Amended) Utilization for Business Purposes Utilization for business purposes refers to the taking wild animal including the carcasses, parts and products thereof for conducting business operations, such as wild animal zoos, wild animal farms, import, export, re-export, transit, and production of documentary films on wild animal. Utilization for business purposes shall be performed in compliance with the laws, Convention to which Lao PDR is a party and relevant international agreements. Unofficial Translation by WCS, reviewed and approved by DOF Section 5 Prevention and Control of Wild Animal Disease

Article 46 (New) Prevention of Wild Animal Disease Prevention of wild animal disease refers to the formulation of plans and technical measures prior to the occurrence of disease in order to prevent and mitigate the risk factors that will lead to the occurrence of wild animal diseases, and includes wild animal disease surveillance and notification. Individuals, legal entities or organizations which engage in wild animal raising must carry out disease prevention regularly in accordance with the guidelines of the agriculture and forestry sector.

Article 47 (New) Notifiable Wild Animal Diseases Notifiable wild animal diseases are severe wild animal diseases that can be transmitted from wild animal to wild animal or to domestic animals, or from wild animal to humans. with rapid spread , causing negative impacts to the lives and health of humans and animals, as well as the economy and society. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry shall define the list of notifiable wild animal diseases based on the Notifiable Wild animal Diseases of the World Organization for Animal Health, and notify the public periodically.

Article 48 (New) Wild Animal Disease Surveillance Wild animal disease surveillance refers to the systematic monitoring, collection and analysis of data and information related to wild animal health and diseases, including the reporting and notification of data and information to relevant parties for carrying out the prevention and control of the diseases in a timely manner. The Agriculture and Forestry sector shall coordinate with relevant sectors, local administrations and other parties, both domestic and overseas, to conduct wild animal disease surveillance effectively. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is responsible for formulating the surveillance plan and the guiding manual on the surveillance of notifiable wild animal disease of each category.

Article 49 (New) Wild Animal Disease Report Individuals, legal entities or organizations which have found or suspected that wild animal are infected with notifiable diseases or died in large numbers in a short interval of time, must report the incident to the Wild animal Management Authorities within twenty-four hours. In the event that the laboratory confirms the detection of notifiable wild animal diseases, , the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry must issue notification in writing to the public, and report to relevant international organizations. In the event of a zoonotic disease, it is required to alert the Health sector within twenty-four hours. Unofficial Translation by WCS, reviewed and approved by DOF In the event that the death of wild animal in large numbers is confirmed as not caused by notifiable diseases, the Wild animal Management Authorities must notify the relevant sectors, local administrations and other parties to resolve the incident.

Article 50 (New) Declaration and Cancellation of Notifiable Wild Animal Disease Outbreak Zone The local administration authority or the Government is responsible for making the declaration and the cancellation of the notifiable wild animal disease outbreak zones based on the proposal of the Agriculture and Forestry sector, as follows : 1. If the disease outbreak occurs within the area of one district, municipality, or city, the relevant Chief of the District, Municipality Mayor, or City Mayor shall be responsible for making the declaration and cancellation; 2. If the disease outbreak occurs in more than one district, municipality, city, but lying within the area of a province or capital city, the relevant Provincial Governor, Capital City Mayor shall be responsible for making the declaration and cancellation; 3. If the disease outbreak occurs in more than one province, the Prime Minister shall be responsible for making the declaration and cancellation. In the declaration of the notifiable wild animal disease outbreak zones, the Agriculture and Forestry sector shall clearly define the controlled zone and the surveillance zone and to appoint and define the functions and responsibilities of the task force in order to control the outbreak, and set out measures and warning notices to ban the movement of wild animal, carcasses, parts and products of wild animal into, out of or in transit of these zones, without obtaining the authorization from the task force. The notifiable wild animal disease outbreak zone will be canceled only when the Agriculture and Forestry sector has fully applied the outbreak control measures and is confident that such outbreak has ceased , and then give notice to the local administration authority or the Government to officially declare the cancellation of the notifiable wild animal disease outbreak zone.

Article 51 (New) Control of Wild Animal Disease Control of wild animal disease refers to the restriction of disease which is occurring, to prevent it from spreading to wider areas and causing significant impact to human and animal life and health and to the collective assets of the State, community, and people. In the event of a notifiable wild animal disease outbreak, the Agriculture and Forestry sector must coordinate with relevant parties to use some or all of the following measures to respond to the outbreak: 1. Destroy wild animal which are confirmed to be infected with wild animal disease; 2. Detain or destroy wild animal carcasses, parts and products, waste or equipment that could risk spreading the disease to other areas; Unofficial Translation by WCS, reviewed and approved by DOF 3. Carry out the cleaning and disinfection of the disease agents and contaminated equipment; 4. Issue warning notices and control the movement of vectors, such as: humans, live wild animal and vehicles transporting wild animal products into or out of the outbreak zone; 5. Suspend the breeding of wild animal species in the outbreak area ; 6. Provide drugs or chemicals to prevent wild animal diseases in disease-free zones; 7. Implement disease surveillance and apply certain hygiene measures on the basis of risk analysis in the outbreak zones to ensure the outbreak subsides ; 8. Conduct public advertisement and education campaigns to raise awareness of and participate in disease prevention and control . In the case of drug use to prevent, treat or control the notifiable wild animal diseases, it is required to ensure that the instructions of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry are complied with. Chapter IV Wild Animal-Related Business

Article 52 (Amended) Wild Animal-Related Business Operations Individuals, legal entities or organizations intending to conduct wild animal- related business operations must apply for enterprise registration with the Industry and Commerce sector as prescribed in the Law on Enterprise. After completing the enterprise registration , they must apply for Business Operating License with the Agriculture and Forestry sector.

Article 53 (New) Types of Wild Animal-Related Business The types of wild animal-related business are as follows: 1. Wild animal zoo; 2. Wild animal farm; 3. Wild animal breeding; 4. Trade in wild animal, including wild animal carcasses, parts and products; 5. Movement of wild animal, including wild animal carcasses, parts and products; 6. Import, export, re-export and transit of wild animal, including wild animal carcasses, parts and products; 7. Wild animal circus show; 8. Other businesses related to wild animal. The division for the management of wild animal-related business operations permits is defined in a separate regulation.

Article 54 (New) Conditions for Wild Animal-Related Business Operations The conditions for conducting wild animal-related business operations are as follows: Unofficial Translation by WCS, reviewed and approved by DOF 1. Have the Enterprise Registration Certificate; 2. Have suitable site, capital, construction facilities, equipment, tools and vehicles; 3. Have the economic-technical feasibility study report and/or the business plan; 4. Have technical staff with intermediate or higher wild animal knowledge and a certificate of prior work experience in the wild animal-related business; 5. Other conditions as required by the type of business.

Article 55 (New) Documents Required for Applying for Business Operating License The documents required to apply for a business operating license are as follows: 1. An application form for business operating license, in the format prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry; 2. The original copy of the Enterprise Registration Certificate; 3. Economic-technical feasibility study report and/or business plan; 4. Other documents as required by the type of business.

Article 56 (New) Consideration for Issuing the Business Operating License The Agriculture and Forestry sector shall consider the issuance of the Business Operating License related to wild animal within thirty days, from the date of receipt of the application and supporting documents in full and in due form. In case the Business Operating License related to wild animal cannot be issued, the applicant must be notified of the reason in writing within this time period. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is responsible for defining the procedure, conditions and supporting documents required for the approval of business operations related to wild animal.

Article 57 (New) Business Operating License The Business Operating License related to wild animal has a validity duration of one year and may be extended. The Business Operating License cannot be transferred or assigned to another individual for use.

Article 58 (Amended) Rights and Obligations of the Business Operators The wild animal-related business operators have the rights and obligations as follows: 1. Conduct their business in compliance with the permits, technical standards and laws; 2. Receive the data and information relating to wild animal activities; 3. Appeal to the relevant authority regarding the violation of laws committed by forestry officers and relevant officials/civil servants; 4. Contribute the fund or labor to the development of wild animal activities; 5. Give cooperation, provide information and conveniences to the Agriculture and Forestry sector; 6. Pay the fees, service charges and other obligations in accordance with the laws; 7. Exercise other rights and perform other obligations as provided in the laws. Unofficial Translation by WCS, reviewed and approved by DOF

Article 59 (New) Suspension of Business Operations The wild animal-related business operations shall be suspended in the following cases: 1. Upon request by the wild animal-related business operator; 2. Conducting business operations inconsistent with the approved goals and objectives; 3. Conducting business operations in violation of the relevant laws. In case the business operator fails to remedy and make improvements in accordance with the warning notice, the Agriculture and Forestry sector shall issue an Order to suspend the business operations.

Article 60 (New) Withdrawal of Business Operating License The Business Operating Licence shall be withdrawn in case the business operator fails to comply with the Suspension Order. After withdrawing the Business Operating License, the Agriculture and Forestry sector shall notify the relevant Industry and Commerce sector within five official days, from the date of withdrawal of the Business Operating License. Chapter V Prohibitions

Article 61 (Amended) General Prohibitions Individuals, legal entities and organizations are prohibited from performing any of the following actions: 1. Offering bribes, or acting as middlemen in offering or accepting bribes; 2. Falsifying the documents or using forged documents; 3. Engaging in illegal possession, purchase, sale, hunting, import, export, re-export, transit or movement of wild animal including the carcasses, parts and products thereof; 4. Committing animal cruelty in all forms; 5. Engaging in the production, import, distribution and use of hunting weapons or tools of destructive characteristics, such as: explosive devices, chemicals, poisonous substance, electricity, light, sound, waves and so on; 6. Encroaching and destroying the wild animal species conservation zones, wild animal habitats and feeding zones directly or indirectly; 7. Releasing alien wild animal species with potential risk of causing hazards to native wild animal species and ecosystem; 8. Moving, altering or destroying boundary markers of the wild animal species conservation zones; 9. Performing other actions that violate the laws.

Article 62 (New) Prohibitions for Business Operators The business operators are prohibited to perform any of the following actions: 1. Conducting business operations in violation of the laws and permits; 2. Transferring or leasing the Business Operating License; Unofficial Translation by WCS, reviewed and approved by DOF 3. Using coercion, threats and inappropriate verbal words towards relevant officers or officials/civil servants; 4. Offering bribes to relevant officers and officials/civil servants or taking complicity to commit fraudulent acts; 5. Performing other actions that violate the laws.

Article 63 (Amended) Prohibitions for Officers and Officials/Civil Servants The officers and officials/civil servants related to wild animal activities are prohibited to perform any of the following actions: 1. Abusing their rights, functions, position and using coercion, and threats for seeking personal benefits and for the benefits of their family, relatives and friends; 2. Demanding, requesting, accepting bribes from individuals, legal entities or organizations; 3. Performing their duties carelessly, negligently, and irresponsibly; 4. Delaying, withholding and destroying the documents; 5. Demanding payment of fees, service charges and using technical revenue in an unlawful manner; 6. Conducting or participating in business operations related to wild animal; 7. Performing other actions that violate the laws. Chapter VI Case Proceedings Related to Wild Animal

Article 64 (New) Case Proceedings Related to Wild Animal Case proceedings related to wild animal refer to the process of the investigation agencies of the Forestry Authority, People’s Prosecutor Office, People’s Court and other parties in the legal process, investigate thoroughly and completely wrongful acts as a matter of urgency in order to subject offenders to prosecution and ensure justice and the correct application of the law. The case proceedings related to wild animal of the People’s Prosecutor Office, People’s Court and other parties are prescribed in the Law on People’s Prosecutor Office, the Law on People’s Court and the Law on Criminal Procedure.

Article 65 (New) Investigation Agencies of the Forestry Authority The investigation agencies of the Forestry Authority include : 1. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, for which the Department of Forest Inspection is the Secretariat; 2. Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office, for which the Provincial/Capital City Office of Forest Inspection is the Secretariat; 3. District Agriculture and Forestry Office, for which the District Forest Inspection Unit is the Secretariat. The rights and duties of the investigation agencies of the Forestry Authority and the Forestry Authority are specified in the Law on Forestry. Unofficial Translation by WCS, reviewed and approved by DOF

Article 66 (New) Investigation Procedure In conducting the investigation on the case related to wild animal, it is required to follow the procedure and use the investigation methods and preventive measures as specified in the Law on Forestry and the Law on Criminal Procedure.

Article 67 (New) Seizure or Confiscation Wild animal including carcasses, parts and products thereof, and the tools and equipment that the investigation agencies of the customs authority, police, army, anti- corruption authority and other parties have seized or confiscated shall be handed-over to the investigation agencies of the Forestry Authority, as the case may be, for conducting the case proceeding in accordance with the laws. In case the type, quantity and location of storage of the wild animal carcasses, parts and products connected with the offense are clearly known and will be useful for the prosecution of the case, the Chief of Investigation Agency of the Forestry Authority or the Chief of the People’s Prosecutor Office or the President of the People’s Court must issue an Order to seize or confiscate such wild animal carcasses, parts and products. Chapter VII Management and Inspection of Wild Animal Activities Section 1 Management of Wild Animal Activities

Article 68 (Amended) Wild Animal Management Authorities The Government is charged with the management of wild animal activities in a centralized and uniform manner throughout the country by assigning the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to be directly responsible and take the lead to coordinate with relevant Ministries, Agencies and Local Administrations. The Wild animal Management Authorities include : 1. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry; 2. Provincial/Capital City Agriculture and Forestry Office; 3. District/Municipality/City Agriculture and Forestry Office; 4. Agriculture and Forestry Sub-Unit of the Village Economic-Financial Unit.

Article 69 (Amended) Rights and Duties of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry In the management of wild animal activities, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has the rights and duties as follows: 1. Conduct research and develop policies, strategies, laws related to wild animal activities for submission to the Government for consideration; 2. Develop policies, strategies, and laws into plans, programs, and projects related to wild animal activities; Unofficial Translation by WCS, reviewed and approved by DOF 3. Conduct the dissemination and education on the policies, strategies, laws, plans, programs, projects, conventions to which Lao PDR is a party and relevant international agreements relating to wild animal activities; 4. Issue, suspend or cancel the Decisions, Orders, Instructions and Notifications on wild animal activities; 5. Lead, manage, and monitor the implementation of wild animal activities; 6. Manage, and approve the wild animal list of all categories in Lao PDR; 7. Issue, suspend or withdraw the Business Operating License related to wild animal; 8. Establish, manage and use the wild animal information system; 9. Conduct scientific and technological research on wild animal reproduction; 10. Summarize and disseminate the results of scientific and technological research and provide information related to wild animal; 11. Receive and consider to address the requests of individuals, legal entities or organizations in relation to wild animal activities; 12. Develop, provide training to and upgrade the capacity of personnel on wild animal activities; 13. Coordinate with other relevant ministries, agencies, local administrations and parties; 14. Ensure the relation and cooperation with foreign countries, regional and international bodies on wild animal activities; 15. Summarize and report the implementation of wild animal activities to the Government on a regular basis; 16. Exercise other rights and perform other duties as provided in the laws.

Article 70 (Amended) Rights and Duties of the Provincial/Capital City Agriculture and Forestry Office In the management of wild animal activities, the Provincial/Capital City Agriculture and Forestry Office has the rights and duties according to the scope of its responsibilities as follows: 1. Implement the policies, strategies, laws, plans, programs, projects related to wild animal activities; 2. Conduct the dissemination and education on the policies, strategies, laws, plans, programs, projects, conventions to which Lao PDR is a party and relevant international agreements relating to wild animal activities; 3. Make the proposal to issue, suspend or cancel the Decisions, Orders, Instructions and Notifications relating to wild animal activities; 4. Lead, manage, monitor the implementation of wild animal activities; 5. Ensure the management, protection and development of wild animal; 6. Manage and use the wild animal information system; 7. Issue, suspend or withdraw the Business Operating License related to wild animal; 8. Summarize and disseminate the results of scientific and technological research and provide information related to wild animal; 9. Receive and consider to address the requests of individuals, legal entities or organizations in relation to wild animal activities; Unofficial Translation by WCS, reviewed and approved by DOF 10. Develop, provide training to and upgrade the capacity of personnel on wild animal activities; 11. Coordinate with other relevant provincial offices, agencies, local administrations, and parties to implement wild animal activities; 12. Ensure the relation and cooperation with foreign countries on wild animal activities as entrusted by the higher authority; 13. Summarize and report the implementation of wild animal activities to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Provincial/Capital City Administration on a regular basis; 14. Exercise other rights and perform other duties as provided in the laws.

Article 71 (Amended) Rights and Duties of the District/Municipality/City Agriculture and Forestry Office In the management of wild animal activities, the District/Municipality/City Agriculture and Forestry Office has the rights and duties according to the scope of its responsibilities as follows: 1. Implement the policies, strategies, laws, plans, programs, projects related to wild animal activities; 2. Disseminate the policies, strategies, laws, plans, programs, projects, conventions to which Lao PDR is a party and relevant international agreements relating to wild animal activities; 3. Make the proposal to issue, suspend or cancel the Decisions, Orders, Instructions and Notifications relating to wild animal activities; 4. Lead, encourage, monitor the implementation of activities of the Village Economic-Financial Unit, particularly the protection and development of wild animal in accordance with the Village Forest Management Plan; 5. Encourage the village administrations to mobilize the village people to participate in the management, protection, and development of wild animal; 6. Use the wild animal information system; 7. Receive and consider to address the requests of individuals, legal entities or organizations in relation to wild animal activities; 8. Coordinate with relevant district offices, village administrations and other parties to implement wild animal activities; 9. Summarize and report the implementation of wild animal activities to the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office and the District/Municipality/City Administration on a regular basis; 10. Exercise other rights and perform other duties as provided in the laws.

Article 72 (New) Rights and Duties of the Agriculture and Forestry Sub-Unit of the Village Economic-Financial Unit In the management of wild animal activities, the Agriculture and Forestry Sub- Unit of the Village Economic-Financial Unit has the rights and duties according to the scope of its responsibilities as follows: 1. Implement the laws and regulations relating to wild animal activities; 2. Disseminate the laws and regulations relating to wild animal activities; Unofficial Translation by WCS, reviewed and approved by DOF 3. Study and propose to the Village Administration authorities to issue regulations on wild animal utilization at village level in compliance with the laws and sub-law legislations; 4. Mobilize the people in the village to participate in the management, protection and development of wild animal; 5. Coordinate with relevant parties to combat and prevent the encroachment and destruction of wild animal habitats or feeding zones; 6. Report on the situation of encroachment and destruction of wild animal habitats, feeding zones or violation of laws to the District/Municipality/City Agriculture and Forestry Office and the Village Administration. 7. Exercise other rights and perform other duties as provided in the laws.

Article 73 (New) Rights and Duties of other Relevant Sectors, Local Administrations and Parties Other relevant sectors, local administrations and parties have the rights and duties to coordinate with the Wild animal Management Authorities with regard to the management, protection and development of wild animal according to their respective mandates and responsibilities. Section 2 Inspection of Wild Animal Activities

Article 74 (Amended) Wild Animal Activities Inspection Organizations The wild animal activities inspection organizations comprise: 1. Internal inspection organizations which are the same as the Wild animal Management Authorities as specified in Article 68 of this Law; 2. External inspection organizations which are the National Assembly, Provincial People’s Assembly, State Inspection Authority of each level, State Audit Organization, Lao Front for National Development, Lao National Federation of Veterans, mass organizations and mass media.

Article 75 (New) Content of Inspection The inspection of wild animal activities has the following content: 1. Implementation of the laws and regulations relating to wild animal activities; 2. Performance of duties of the forestry officers and relevant officials/civil servants; 3. Implementation of activities and business operations related to wild animal activities; 4. Preparation and implementation of plans relating to wild animal activities; 5. Other necessary content.

Article 76 (Amended) Forms of Inspection Inspection of wild animal activities consists of three forms as follows: 1. Inspection according to a regular system which is an inspection conducted according to a regular plan with specified time period; Unofficial Translation by WCS, reviewed and approved by DOF 2. Inspection with prior notice which is an inspection outside the plan and conducted when deemed necessary by giving the notice in advance to the inspection target; 3. Emergency inspection which is an inspection carried out urgently without giving the notice in advance to the inspection target. The inspection of wild animal activities shall be conducted in strict compliance with the laws. Chapter VIII Budget and National Wild Animal Day

Article 77 (New) Budget The budget used in wild animal activities includes : 1. State budget; 2. Forest Protection Fund; 3. Grant and contribution from individuals, legal entities and state organizations, both domestic and overseas; 4. Other lawful revenues. The management and use of budget shall be performed in compliance with the Law on State Budget and relevant regulations.

Article 78 (Amended) National Wild Animal Day The Government designates the 3rd of March of every year as the National Wild animal Day with the aim of ensuring the management, protection and development of wild animal to become abundant and sustainable. Chapter IX Rewards for Persons with Good Performance and Measures Against Violators

Article 79 (Amended) Rewards for Persons with Good Performance Individuals, legal entities or organizations having outstanding performance in the implementation of this Law, such as becoming the role model in the protection, development of wild animal and in combating, preventing, controlling the encroachment and destruction of wild animal habitats, feeding zones and species conservation zones shall receive the rewards and other benefits in accordance with the regulations. Persons who provide information on violation of this Law shall receive the benefits in accordance with the regulations.

Article 80 (Amended) Measures Against Violators Individuals, legal entities or organizations having violated this law shall be subject to re-education, disciplinary actions, fines, payment of compensation for civil damage that they have caused or criminal sanctions in accordance with the laws. Unofficial Translation by WCS, reviewed and approved by DOF

Article 81 (Amended) Fine Measures Individuals, legal entities or organizations having violated this Law, particularly Prohibitions, that are not criminal offences and do not cause significant damage shall be subject to fine double the value of damaged wild animal. The second- or third-time repetitive offences shall be subject to fine four times the value of damaged wild animal of List II and three times the value of damaged wild animal of List III while unlawfully obtained assets shall be seized and confiscated under the ownership of the State. The rates of the fine are determined in a separate regulation. Chapter X Final Provisions

Article 82 Implementation The Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic shall be responsible for implementing the present Law.

Article 83 (Amended) Effectiveness This Law shall enter into force from the 2nd of October 2023 onwards after the President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic issues a promulgation decree and after notarization in the Official Gazette. This Law supersedes the Wild animal and Aquatic Law No. 07/NA, dated 24 December 2007. President of the National Assembly