This book examines social and natural environmental changes in present-day Laos and presents a
new research framework for environmental studies from an interdisciplinary point of view. In
Laos after the Lao version of perestroika Chintanakaan Mai in 1986 for better or worse
rural development and urbanization have progressed and people's livelihoods are about to
change significantly. Compared to those of the neighboring countries of mainland Southeast Asia
however many traditional livelihoods such as region-specific ethnic-specific livelihood
complexes which combined traditional rice farming with a variety of subsistence activities
have been carried over into the present in Laos. The biggest challenge this book presents is to
elucidate livelihood strategies of people who cope successfully with both social and
environmental changes and to illustrate how to maintain this rich social and natural
environment of Laos in the future. The book includes chapters on social cultural and natural
concerns and on ethnicity urbanization and regional development in Laos. All chapters are
based on original data from field surveys. These data will greatly contribute not only to local
studies in Laos but also to environmental studies in developing countries.
