Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) – especially rattan – play a vital role in supporting livelihoods and linking rural economies to global markets. When managed responsibly, they help conserve biodiversity, strengthen ecosystems, and build resilient futures. From 2006 to 2025 – thanks to long-term support from IKEA – WWF worked alongside local communities and the Lao government to strengthen the value chains for responsibly produced rattan and other NTFPs. By promoting responsible harvesting and improved forest stewardship, the work has contributed to biodiversity conservation and improved forest-based livelihoods in rural Laos. Achievements include the formation of village handicraft groups that support families to produce and sell their goods, enabling more stable incomes, and Laos becoming the first country in the world to certify wild rattan under FSC standards. Over 30,000 hectares of rattan and community forests are now responsibly managed by villagers.

Responsible rattan production in Laos connects forest stewardship with community livelihoods. From 2006 to 2025, WWF, with financial support from IKEA, worked with government partners and local authorities to improve harvesting practices, support weaving groups through capacity building, and improve marketing. From seedling nurseries to finished handicrafts, the project strengthened skills across the value chain. Villagers also grew and sold rattan shoots, generating additional income while helping preserve forest resources.

Broom grass is one of the non-timber forest products that many local communities in Laos depend on for their livelihoods. WWF has worked with government partners and local communities to promote responsible harvesting practices, strengthen processing and marketing skills, and improve value chains. The project has supported income generation while aiming to maintain the sustainability of broom grass resources.

The rattan bag production highlights a practical example of a more sustainable supply chain in Laos – linking community forest management, responsible harvesting, and value-added production to support local livelihoods and access to markets.