Under a cooperation programme between the two provinces, Thanh Hoa helped train Lao forestry staff in how to prevent forest fire, grow trees, as well as to take care of forest and forest animals. 

In addition, Thanh Hoa authorities worked together with Houaphan officials to hold educational campaigns to raise the local people’s awareness of forest protection and strengthen teams of forest rangers. 

Thanh Hoa shares a 192-km border with Houaphan. The forest along the border boasts abundant fauna and flora, including rare species enlisted in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).