About us
Our Mission
UPLAO is dedicated to fostering sustainable livelihoods and preserving the natural landscapes of northern Laos through the cultivation of organic, shade-grown coffee. Our mission revolves around empowering upland communities, promoting sustainable agriculture, and conserving the environment, guided by a commitment to ethical practices, community development, and environmental preservation.
The uplands
In the scenic landscapes of northern Laos, diverse ethnic minority communities call the uplands their home. Towering forested mountains paint the backdrop to these vibrant communities, each with its rich cultural heritage. Traditionally, these landscapes have been shaped by slash-and-burn agriculture, a practice that, while sustaining livelihoods, has also led to deforestation and biodiversity loss.
These resilient communities,primarily the Hmong, Muser, Akha and Khmu ethnic groups, have a deep connection to their land and heritage. However, changing agricultural practices and economic pressures have led to shifts towards monocrop cultivation, particularly rubber plantations, posing threats to the traditional landscapes and the way of life for these upland communities.
Amidst these challenges, there's a growing need to strike a balance between sustaining livelihoods and preserving the fragile ecosystems of the region. It's within this context that UPLAO operates, striving to empower these communities through sustainable practices, specifically focusing on organic coffee cultivation. The landscape's beauty, diversity, and the resilience of its people form the foundation upon which UPLAO builds its commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation.
Meet the UPLAO Team
Mr. Sandor Scheeres
Founder & Visionary
With a passion for sustainable development and rural empowerment, Sandor Scheeres is the driving force behind UPLAO. His vision and commitment guide the foundation's journey toward fostering sustainable livelihoods and preserving the natural landscapes of northern Laos.
Mr. Vongchanh Raxamountry
Mr. Vongchanh Raxamountry
Bringing a wealth of experience from working with the EU and the FAO in Laos, Mr. Vongchanh Raxamountry serves as a strategic advisor to UPLAO. His expertise and insights into developmental strategies add immense value to the foundation's initiatives.
Mr. Chang Vaipided
Field Team Manager
As the Field Team Manager, Mr. Chang Vaipided plays a pivotal role in overseeing on-ground operations. His leadership ensures the seamless execution of UPLAO's initiatives, particularly in the field of organic coffee cultivation.
Field Worker Team
Lod, Saun, Phonenoi, and Lar.
Lod, Saun, Phonenoi, and Lar are the heart of our field team - four young locals deeply ingrained in the upland communities. Trained extensively in organic coffee cultivation practices, they work tirelessly alongside local communities, embodying UPLAO's commitment to fostering sustainable agriculture and community development.
Operational Manager
Mr. Saisamone
With extensive expertise in coffee cultivation, processing, sustainable production, and trading, Mr. Saisamone enriches our team with invaluable knowledge and expertise, driving our team's commitment to excellence in every aspect of our operations, ensuring our endeavors align with industry best practices and community empowerment.
Country Director
Mr. Jacobus van de Star
With a proven track record of driving business success on an international scale, our country director, Jacobus, brings extensive experience and strategic acumen to our team. His leadership ensures our initiatives are executed with precision, fostering growth and sustainability in our endeavors.
The foundation
Driving Sustainable Change
At UPLAO Foundation, our commitment lies in cultivating sustainable livelihoods and preserving the natural landscapes of northern Laos. Our journey is centered on empowering local ethnic minority communities and promoting environmentally conscious practices.
Empowering Communities Through Strategic Initiatives
Empowering Communities: We work hand in hand with ethnic minority groups, fostering empowerment through sustainable agricultural practices, skill-building initiatives, and economic diversification.
Coffee Cultivation & Sustainability
Through organic coffee cultivation, agroforestry models, and the introduction of high-value crops, we aim to enhance local economies while preserving the region's biodiversity.
Environmental Conservation
We are dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of northern Laos by promoting reforestation, restoring degraded landscapes, and advocating for sustainable land use practices.
Collaborative Partnerships
Collaborating closely with local authorities, governmental departments, and international agencies, we strive for cohesive partnerships that drive impactful and scalable change.
Our Vision
UPLAO Foundation envisions a future where upland communities thrive sustainably, embracing their cultural heritage while fostering economic growth in harmony with nature. Our efforts are dedicated to creating a resilient and vibrant landscape where both people and the environment flourish together.
