Welcoming this new year 2021.

2020. A year most of us will certainly remember as a challenging one. The year an outbreak of a pandemic disease struck the world.

Association Anoulak has been actively working for now over six years on the front line of biodiversity conservation. A difficult task indeed. This year 2020 was, once again, a challenge. But even more than usual, and challenging in a different way. When I look back at these past 12 months, I see how much we have accomplished, on the ground in Laos, despite all the struggles. A testimony of our continued dedication.

This year 2020 also reaffirmed and brought deeper reflections on the importance of nature conservation. This year more than ever, many realized the importance of nature for human well-being (both physically and mentally).

People can be as much vulnerable as they can be resilient.

At Association Anoulak, we are convinced that the solutions will arise from local initiatives, driven by communities themselves, taking on challenges. We must remember that every day, we have the power to make a difference. From the tiniest of gestures (such as looking at that tree in front of you and be grateful for the oxygen it is producing or a simple act of kindness towards a stranger) to bigger actions (such as community initiatives to support local farmers or local minorities or contribute into an association). All of these actions, your actions, are like little drops of water. But taken all together across the planet, they produce an ocean of generosity, reciprocity, solidarity, optimism. Your actions are like small twigs, but put all together, they can form a bird’s nest that will support new life. Our little actions lead to much much more.

But let us not forget that you should always be kind and take care of yourself first.

We welcome the new year 2021 and we wish it to be more joyful, peaceful and kind to us all, and that it will bring meaningful connections to ourselves, others and nature.