In recent years, Laos has been facing a rapid increase in plastic waste. According to a World Bank study, plastics account for up to 24% of municipal waste, with 95% of plastic pollution coming from just ten single-use items. Despite the growing volume of waste, collection and recycling capacities lag behind—an estimated 40–60% of waste remains uncollected. This situation has direct impacts on the environment, public health, and the local economy. The National Plastic Action Plan 2024–2030 therefore emphasizes reducing plastic consumption and systematically improving waste management. In response, a new project focusing on this issue has been launched. During a two-week mission in the provinces of Savannakhet and Thakhek, a team from the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences (FTZ), Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU Prague), initiated data collection that will serve as the foundation for realistic and sustainable plastic management solutions.

Nadace Neuron otevřela další ročník výzvy Expedice Neuron 2026, která podporuje vědecký terénní výzkum po celém světě. Výzkumné týmy se mohou ucházet o podporu až 1 000 000 Kč na realizaci svých projektů – bez ohledu na obor.

How can studying at the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, open doors to a global conservation career? Maxine Piron’s journey shows that the path can lead from Belgium to Prague — and onward to Africa.