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  • Fallow fields, slash and burn landscape, Luang Prabang province, Lao PDR. Slash and burn cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao PDR consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. To rebuild the soil fertility after growing crops on a shifting cultivation plot, farmers ‘abandon’ that plot and allow vegetation to regrow for a number of years.  This is called the ‘fallow period’.  In the meantime, they grow crops on other new plots. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    20-07_1_1.jpg
  • Fallow fields, slash and burn landscape, Luang Prabang province, Lao PDR. Slash and burn cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao PDR consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. To rebuild the soil fertility after growing crops on a shifting cultivation plot, farmers ‘abandon’ that plot and allow vegetation to regrow for a number of years.  This is called the ‘fallow period’.  In the meantime, they grow crops on other new plots. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    20-02_1_1.jpg
  • Slash and burn landscape in the Phunoi ethnic minority village of Sinesai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Swidden cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A0016641cc_1.jpg
  • 'The Green Season', a swidden rice field almost ready for harvesting Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Slash and burn cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A0019065cc_1.jpg
  • Slash and burn landscape, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Swidden cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A0016833cc_1.jpg
  • A partially harvested rice field, Ban Na Nam, Phongsaly Province, Lao PDR. Slash and burn cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A_11304cc_1.jpg
  • A recently harvested upland rice field, Ban Cha Wang, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Slash and burn cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A0019913cc_1.jpg
  • 'The Green Season', a swidden rice field almost ready for harvesting Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Slash and burn cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A0019081cc_1.jpg
  • 'The Green Season', a swidden rice field almost ready for harvesting Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Slash and burn cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A0019041cc_1.jpg
  • 'The Green Season', a swidden rice field almost ready for harvesting Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Slash and burn cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A0019034cc_1.jpg
  • 'The Green Season', a swidden rice field almost ready for harvesting near the Ko Pala village of Honglerk, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Slash and burn cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A0018990cc_1.jpg
  • Slash and burn landscape, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Swidden cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A0016845cc_1.jpg
  • Slash and burn landscape, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Swidden cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A0016827cc_1.jpg
  • Slash and burn landscape, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Swidden cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A0016705cc_1.jpg
  • Slash and burn landscape, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Swidden cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A0016703cc_1.jpg
  • Slash and burn landscape, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Swidden cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao PDR consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A0016697cc_1.jpg
  • An Akha Oma woman from Ban Na Nam village eats sunflower seeds as a snack during a break from harvesting hill rice with a sickle. Upland rice is the main crop grown by Lao shifting cultivators but several other crops including sunflowers are often grown in smaller quantities in the same plot.  Slash and burn cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A_11338cc_1.jpg
  • An Akha Oma man from Ban Na Nam village harvests his hill rice. Slash and burn cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao PDR consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A_11316cc_1.jpg
  • An upland rice field in the 'green season', Vientiane Province, Lao PDR. Slash and burn cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao PDR consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A0011175cc_1.jpg
  • 'The Green Season', a swidden rice field almost ready for harvesting Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Slash and burn cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A0019037cc_1.jpg
  • Slash and burn landscape, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Swidden cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A0016843cc_1.jpg
  • Slash and burn landscape, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Swidden cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A0016834cc_1.jpg
  • 'The Green Season', Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Slash and burn cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A0019012cc_1.jpg
  • Slash and burn landscape, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Swidden cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A0016702cc_1.jpg
  • Two Khmu ethnic minority women planting rice seeds in an upland field. In slash and burn cultivation, the man (usually) walks round the land with a big stick making small indentations in the soil. The woman follows behind throwing from quite a height and with incredible precision, a handful of rice into the hole.  When it next rains the soil will wash into the hole and cover the rice.
    A0017037cc_1.jpg
  • Two Khmu ethnic minority women planting rice seeds in an upland field. In slash and burn cultivation, the man (usually) walks round the land with a big stick making small indentations in the soil. The woman follows behind throwing from quite a height and with incredible precision, a handful of rice into the hole.  When it next rains the soil will wash into the hole and cover the rice.
    A0017036cc_1.jpg
  • Rice seeds planted in an upland rice field in the Khmu ethnic minority village of Ban Lad Kok, Luang Prabang province, Lao PDR. In slash and burn cultivation, the man walks around the land with a big stick making small indentations in the soil. The woman follows behind throwing from quite a height and with incredible precision, a handful of rice into the hole.  When it next rains the soil will wash into the hole and cover the rice.
    A0017080cc_1.jpg
  • Two Khmu ethnic minority women planting rice seeds in an upland field. In slash and burn cultivation, the man (usually) walks round the land with a big stick making small indentations in the soil. The woman follows behind throwing from quite a height and with incredible precision, a handful of rice into the hole.  When it next rains the soil will wash into the hole and cover the rice.
    A0017040cc_1.jpg
  • A Khmu ethnic minority woman with a handful of rice seeds ready to plant in an upland field. In slash and burn cultivation, the man walks round the land with a big stick making small indentations in the soil. The woman follows behind throwing from quite a height and with incredible precision, a handful of rice into the hole.  When it next rains the soil will wash into the hole and cover the rice.
    A0017048cc_1.jpg
  • A Phunoi ethnic minority subsistence farmer accompanied by her young son clears her land by slashing and burning to grow hill rice and coffee as a cash crop in Ban Sinesai; Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Swidden cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation. The practise is gradually being taken over by the planting of permanent cash crops such as coffee.
    A0016610cc_1.jpg
  • A Phunoi ethnic minority subsistence farmer clears her land by slashing and burning to grow hill rice and coffee as a cash crop in Ban Sinesai; Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Swidden cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation. The practise is gradually being taken over by the planting of permanent cash crops such as coffee.
    A0016635cc_1.jpg
  • A Hmong woman harvesting 'khao kam' (brown sticky rice) in the village of Ban Chalern, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Slash and burn cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao PDR consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation. The remote and roadless village of Ban Chalern is situated along  Nam Ou river and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    A0026236cc_1.jpg
  • A Khmu ethnic minority man lights a fire to burn the dry vegetation on his upland field, Ban Non Boun Kang, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Swidden cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A0016996cc_1.jpg
  • A Hmong woman checking her rice whilst harvesting 'khao kam' (brown sticky rice) in the village of Ban Chalern, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Slash and burn cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao PDR consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation. The remote and roadless village of Ban Chalern is situated along  Nam Ou river and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    A0026352cc_1.jpg
  • A Hmong woman harvesting 'khao kam' (brown sticky rice) in the village of Ban Chalern, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Slash and burn cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao PDR consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation. The remote and roadless village of Ban Chalern is situated along  Nam Ou river and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    A0026229cc_1.jpg
  • A Hmong woman harvesting 'khao kam' (brown sticky rice) in the village of Ban Chalern, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Slash and burn cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao PDR consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation. The remote and roadless village of Ban Chalern is situated along  Nam Ou river and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    A0026228cc_1.jpg
  • Hmong women harvesting 'khao kam' (brown sticky rice) in the village of Ban Chalern, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Slash and burn cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao PDR consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation. The remote and roadless village of Ban Chalern is situated along  Nam Ou river and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    A0026218cc_1.jpg
  • A Khmu woman stands in her upland rice field which is almost ready for harvesting, Ban Chaleunsouk, Luang Namtha Province, Lao PDR. Slash and burn cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    39-03_1_1.jpg
  • A Khmu ethnic minority man lights a fire to burn the dry vegetation on his field, Ban Non Boun Kang, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Swidden cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A0016985cc_1.jpg
  • 'The Green Season', swidden rice fields in Houaphan province, Lao PDR.  Slash and burn cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A0026756cc_1.jpg
  • A Hmong woman harvesting 'khao kam' (brown sticky rice) in the village of Ban Chalern, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Slash and burn cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao PDR consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation. The remote and roadless village of Ban Chalern is situated along  Nam Ou river and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    A0026340cc_1.jpg
  • A Hmong woman harvesting 'khao kam' (brown sticky rice) in the village of Ban Chalern, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Slash and burn cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao PDR consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation. The remote and roadless village of Ban Chalern is situated along  Nam Ou river and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    A0026317cc_1.jpg
  • After drying on the upland field for several days, an Akha Cherpia ethnic minority woman threshes the rice sheaves with a wooden threshing tool to remove the grain before carrying back to the village in sacks.  Swidden cultivation or ’hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A0019882cc_1.jpg
  • After drying on the upland field for several days, an Akha Cherpia ethnic minority woman threshes the rice sheaves with a wooden threshing tool to remove the grain before carrying back to the village in sacks.  Swidden cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A0019855cc_1.jpg
  • After drying on the upland field for several days, an Akha Cherpia family thresh the rice sheaves to remove the grain which will then be put into sacks and carried back to the village. Swidden cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A0019850cc_1.jpg
  • Clearing of the land for planting cash crops, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Swidden cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation. In this area the practise is gradually being taken over by the planting of permanent cash crops such as coffee and tea.
    A0016503cc_1.jpg
  • After threshing the rice in the upland field, an Akha Cherpia ethnic minority couple transfer the grain into sacks to carry down to the village. Swidden cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A0019834cc_1.jpg
  • After drying on the upland field for several days, an Akha Cherpia ethnic minority man threshes the rice sheaves with a wooden threshing tool to remove the grain before carrying it back to the village in sacks.  Swidden cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A0019810cc_1.jpg
  • After drying on the upland field for several days, an Akha Cherpia ethnic minority woman threshes the rice sheaves with a wooden threshing tool to remove the grain before carrying back to the village in sacks.  Swidden cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation.
    A0019868cc_1.jpg
  • Collecting and stacking the harvested glutinous rice in the White Hmong village of Ban Hauywai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. The rice stems are cut and let dry for 3 to 5 days in the fields. If threshing has to wait for several days, until the end of the harvest, the sheaves are then put together in stacks, with the ears towards the inside, before threshing them in the field.
    A0019772cc_1.jpg
  • The rice stems are cut and let dry for 3 to 5 days in the upland fields, Ban Pichermai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. On the northern uplands of Laos alone, farmers are said to grow more than 500 different varieties of glutinous rice.  Such seed biodiversity testifies to the continued vibrancy of Laos’ traditional subsistence rice culture which relies more on indigenous seeds rather than on a few high-yielding hybrid varieties favoured by rice exporting countries like Thailand and Vietnam.
    A0019586cc_1.jpg
  • A traditional rice cutting tool used by a White Hmong ethnic minority man harvesting glutinous rice on an upland field, Ban Hauywai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019654cc_1.jpg
  • A young Akha Pouli ethnic minority woman harvesting glutinous rice using a sickle, on an upland field, Ban Pichermai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019611cc_1.jpg
  • An upland rice field after burning in remote Kayah State on 22nd March 2016 in Myanamr. Slash and burn or swidden cultivation consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser
    DSCF5899cc_1_1.jpg
  • A White Hmong ethnic minority woman taking a break from collecting the harvested glutinous rice on an upland field, Ban Hauywai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019748cc_1.jpg
  • A pregnant White Hmong ethnic minority woman harvesting glutinous rice using a sickle, on an upland field, Ban Hauywai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019687cc_1.jpg
  • A pregnant White Hmong ethnic minority woman harvesting glutinous rice using a sickle, on an upland field, Ban Hauywai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019686cc_1.jpg
  • A White Hmong ethnic minority woman wearing her traditional clothing harvesting glutinous rice using a sickle, on an upland field, Ban Hauywai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019665cc_1.jpg
  • A young Akha Pouli ethnic minority woman harvesting glutinous rice using a sickle, on an upland field, Ban Pichermai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019587rtcc_1.jpg
  • A White Hmong ethnic minority family take a break from collecting the harvested glutinous rice on an upland field, Ban Hauywai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019767cc_1.jpg
  • A White Hmong ethnic minority woman harvesting glutinous rice using a sickle, on an upland field, Ban Hauywai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019728cc_1.jpg
  • A White Hmong ethnic minority woman harvesting glutinous rice using a sickle, on an upland field, Ban Hauywai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019715cc_1.jpg
  • A young Akha Pouli ethnic minority woman harvesting glutinous rice using a sickle, on an upland field, Ban Pichermai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Compared to more modern sedentary lowland farmers, shifting cultivators generally use much fewer purchased inputs.  The main inputs are family labour, hand tools and seeds. Purchased fertilisers are never used on sloping land.
    A0019596cc_1.jpg
  • Typical landscape view of Houaphan province with bamboo forests and swidden rice fields, Lao PDR. The terrain of Houaphan province is rugged, with dense mountainous forest forming much of the province, particularly on the western side bordering Vietnam. Bamboo is important in rural parts of the province and used as a principal building material and the women collect bamboo shoots both for food and for sale. In Viengxay district there are two bamboo processing factories which produce items such as floormats, fences, chopsticks and toothpicks for the Vietnamese market.
    DSCF2293cc_1.jpg
  • Two Phunoi women weeding an upland rice field, Ban Phou Soum, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. In swidden cultivation the rice field needs to be weeded by hand several times during the rainy season which is a very time consuming and laborious task undertaken mainly by women and children.
    A0026117cc_1.jpg
  • Farmers stoke the fire to clear the field of leftover vegetation after a sugar cane harvest at a state-owned farm near Nanning, Guangxi Province,  China on 05 January 2010. Guangxi produces over 70 percent of all sugar in China.
    QS100105Nanning025.jpg
  • A handmade child's bib made by Hmong ethnic minority women for sale at the Luang Prabang night market, Lao PDR. The Hmong have recently settled in the town of Luang Prabang - a consequence of the government’s efforts to suppress both the cultivation of opium poppies and slash and burn agriculture, which they have traditionally practiced, and of their own desire to take advantage of the expansion of tourism, which provides an important outlet for their crafts. Using their skilful embroidering and combining the sophisticated, colourful motifs that have traditionally adorned their clothing they have created aprons, tablecloths, cushion and bed covers, slippers and more which they sell to tourists at the Luang Prabang night market.
    A 5748_1_1.jpg
  • 3 generations of Hmong women make textile products in Ban Kok Wa village to sell at the Luang Prabang night market, Lao PDR.The Hmong have recently settled in the town of Luang Prabang - a consequence of the government’s efforts to suppress both the cultivation of opium poppies and slash and burn agriculture, which they have traditionally practiced, and of their own desire to take advantage of the expansion of tourism, which provides an important outlet for their crafts. These women have developed an artisanal textile industry based on their remarkable heritage.  Using their skilful embroidering and combining the sophisticated, colourful motifs that have traditionally adorned their clothing they have created aprons, tablecloths, cushion and bed covers, slippers and more which they sell to tourists at the Luang Prabang night market.
    A0010335cc_1.jpg
  • Yee Song, an elderly Hmong women from Ban Kok Wa village makes textile products with a cross stitch design to sell at the Luang Prabang night market, Lao PDR. The Hmong have recently settled in the town of Luang Prabang - a consequence of the government’s efforts to suppress both the cultivation of opium poppies and slash and burn agriculture, which they have traditionally practiced, and of their own desire to take advantage of the expansion of tourism, which provides an important outlet for their crafts. Using their skilful embroidering and combining the sophisticated, colourful motifs that have traditionally adorned their clothing they have created aprons, tablecloths, cushion and bed covers, slippers and more which they sell to tourists at the Luang Prabang night market.<br />
<br />
Portrait of Yee Song,
    A0010162cc_1.jpg
  • A handmade child's bib made by a Hmong ethnic minority woman for sale at the Luang Prabang night market, Lao PDR. The Hmong have recently settled in the town of Luang Prabang - a consequence of the government’s efforts to suppress both the cultivation of opium poppies and slash and burn agriculture, which they have traditionally practiced, and of their own desire to take advantage of the expansion of tourism, which provides an important outlet for their crafts. Using their skilful embroidering and combining the sophisticated, colourful motifs that have traditionally adorned their clothing they have created aprons, tablecloths, cushion and bed covers, slippers and more which they sell to tourists at the Luang Prabang night market.
    A 5753_1_1.jpg
  • Mai Xiang, an elderly Hmong women from Ban Kok Wa villagemakes textile products with an elephant appliqué design to sell at the Luang Prabang night market, Lao PDR. The Hmong have recently settled in the town of Luang Prabang - a consequence of the government’s efforts to suppress both the cultivation of opium poppies and slash and burn agriculture, which they have traditionally practiced, and of their own desire to take advantage of the expansion of tourism, which provides an important outlet for their crafts. Using their skilful embroidering and combining the sophisticated, colourful motifs that have traditionally adorned their clothing they have created aprons, tablecloths, cushion and bed covers, slippers and more which they sell to tourists at the Luang Prabang night market.
    A0010433cc_1.jpg
  • A Hmong woman accompanied by her young son, from Ban Long Lao village, make textile products with a cross stitch design to sell at the Luang Prabang night market, Lao PDR. The Hmong have recently settled in the town of Luang Prabang - a consequence of the government’s efforts to suppress both the cultivation of opium poppies and slash and burn agriculture, which they have traditionally practiced, and of their own desire to take advantage of the expansion of tourism, which provides an important outlet for their crafts. Using their skilful embroidering and combining the sophisticated, colourful motifs that have traditionally adorned their clothing they have created aprons, tablecloths, cushion and bed covers, slippers and more which they sell to tourists at the Luang Prabang night market.
    A0010383cc_1.jpg
  • A young Hmong ethnic minority woman breastfeeds her 2 month old baby inbetween making textile products to sell at the Luang Prabang night market, Ban Na Ouane village, Luang Prabang province, Lao PDR. The Hmong have recently settled in the town of Luang Prabang - a consequence of the government’s efforts to suppress both the cultivation of opium poppies and slash and burn agriculture, which they have traditionally practiced, and of their own desire to take advantage of the expansion of tourism, which provides an important outlet for their crafts. These women have developed an artisanal textile industry based on their remarkable heritage.  Using their skilful embroidering and combining the sophisticated, colourful motifs that have traditionally adorned their clothing they have created aprons, tablecloths, cushion and bed covers, slippers and more which they sell to tourists at the Luang Prabang night market.
    A0010087cc_1.jpg
  • A handmade fabric purse with an elephant design made by Hmong ethnic minority women for sale at the Luang Prabang night market, Lao PDR. The Hmong have recently settled in the town of Luang Prabang - a consequence of the government’s efforts to suppress both the cultivation of opium poppies and slash and burn agriculture, which they have traditionally practiced, and of their own desire to take advantage of the expansion of tourism, which provides an important outlet for their crafts.
    A0010458_1.jpg
  • Na Kia, an elderly Hmong women from Ban Kok Wa village makes a bag with an elephant design to sell at the Luang Prabang night market, Lao PDR. The Hmong have recently settled in the town of Luang Prabang - a consequence of the government’s efforts to suppress both the cultivation of opium poppies and slash and burn agriculture, which they have traditionally practiced, and of their own desire to take advantage of the expansion of tourism, which provides an important outlet for their crafts. Using their skilful embroidering and combining the sophisticated, colourful motifs that have traditionally adorned their clothing they have created aprons, tablecloths, cushion and bed covers, slippers and more which they sell to tourists at the Luang Prabang night market.
    A0010352cc_1.jpg
  • View of Luang Prabang night market in the early evening, Lao PDR.  The traders in the night market are 80% Hmong ethnic minority, almost all of whom are women who sell cotton embroidery and applique work. Many Hmong have moved to Luang Prabang in response to government pressure to end opium production and curtail slash and burn agriculture and to take advantage of educational opportunities for their children.
    A0010193_1.jpg
  • Tea plantation in the Phunoi village of Ban Phou Soum, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. For a long time, Komaen was the only important tea plantation in the province. However, since the 1990’s when the government decided to put an end to slash and burn rice and opium growing, tea was developed as a commercial crop. The Chinese demand for tea was great, and so tea became an important resource for Phongsaly province.
    A0026121cc_1.jpg
  • Tea plantation in the Phunoi village of Ban Phou Soum, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. For a long time, Komaen was the only important tea plantation Phongsaly province. However, since the 1990’s when the government decided to put an end to slash and burn rice and opium growing, tea was developed as a commercial crop. The Chinese demand for tea was great, and so tea became an important resource for Phongsaly province.
    A0026107cc_1.jpg
  • A Phunoi ethnic minority woman grading young tea leaves in Ban Cha Phou, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. For a long time, Komaen was the only important tea plantation in the province. However, since the 1990’s when the government decided to put an end to slash and burn rice and opium growing, tea was developed as a commercial crop. The Chinese demand for tea was great, and so it became an important resource for Phongsaly province.
    A0025663cc_1.jpg
  • Weeding around the tea bushes in the Phunoi village of Ban Phou Soum, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. For a long time, Komaen was the only important tea plantation in the province. However, since the 1990’s when the government decided to put an end to slash and burn rice and opium growing, tea was developed as a commercial crop. The Chinese demand for tea was great, and so tea became an important resource for Phongsaly province.
    A0026108cc_1.jpg
  • A Phunoi ethnic minority woman grading young tea leaves in Ban Cha Phou, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. For a long time, Komaen was the only important tea plantation in the province. However, since the 1990’s when the government decided to put an end to slash and burn rice and opium growing, tea was developed as a commercial crop. The Chinese demand for tea was great, and so it became an important resource for Phongsaly province.
    A0025658cc_1.jpg
  • Handmade children's slippers made by Hmong ethnic minority women for sale at the Luang Prabang night market, Lao PDR. The Hmong have recently settled in the town of Luang Prabang - a consequence of the government’s efforts to suppress both the cultivation of opium poppies and slash and burn agriculture, which they have traditionally practiced, and of their own desire to take advantage of the expansion of tourism, which provides an important outlet for their crafts.
    A0010479_1.jpg
  • A Phunoi ethnic minority woman grading young tea leaves in Ban Cha Phou, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. For a long time, Komaen was the only important tea plantation in the province. However, since the 1990’s when the government decided to put an end to slash and burn rice and opium growing, tea was developed as a commercial crop. The Chinese demand for tea was great, and so it became an important resource for Phongsaly province.
    A0025667cc_1.jpg
  • A handmade fabric watch made by Hmong ethnic minority women for sale at the Luang Prabang night market, Lao PDR. The Hmong have recently settled in the town of Luang Prabang - a consequence of the government’s efforts to suppress both the cultivation of opium poppies and slash and burn agriculture, which they have traditionally practiced, and of their own desire to take advantage of the expansion of tourism, which provides an important outlet for their crafts.
    A0013723_1.jpg
  • Burned out lorry on the roadside on 3rd March 2020 in Selma, Alabama, United States. This image is an hommage to a racist incident on Mother’s Day, May 1961 when a group of Freedom Riders traveling by bus from Washington, DC, to New Orleans were met by a white mob in Alabama. ⁠The mob attacked the bus with baseball bats and iron pipes. They also slashed the tires. When the hobbled bus pulled over, the mob pulled riders off the bus and beat them with pipes. Then they set the bus on fire.⁠
    _E6A6803.jpg
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