The year 2023 was not even a month old when we found ourselves in Laos. There, we witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Laotian government and our partner organisation. This happy day enabled the long-awaited release of our IT hardware.

We then sent almost 2,500 monitors, 300 computers and over 100 laptops to Laos in spring in two 40-foot containers filled to the top.

During our visit in the autumn of 2023, we were finally received by the Vice Governor of Vientiane Province, who wanted to thank us for our tireless efforts and honour our achievements. During the friendly reception, we couldn't help but emphasise that our Laotian partner is primarily carrying out the great work.

The IT for Laos project, which is reaching a significant milestone this year, also kept us very busy in 2023 - both in terms of time and money. However, there were also other more minor successes to celebrate. For example, the successful campaign for the Angkor Hospital for Children in Siem Reap raised around USD 50,000 for the purchase of a mobile X-ray machine. Or the funding and publication of another book by Big Brother Mouse, which we are particularly pleased about, even if it is only relatively small.

Unfortunately, A real miracle at the Elephant Conservation Centre ECC in August turned into a sad drama just a few weeks later. Baby elephant Noy was the third elephant calf in three years to see the light of day. However, the birth was challenging, and Baby Noy barely had enough strength to survive. Despite the tireless efforts of everyone involved at the ECC, Baby Noy died a few weeks after birth. And we know from the stories of current and former ECC employees that such an event is a tragedy of indescribable proportions for everyone. This is all the more reason for us to admire the ongoing dedication with which the ECC is working on its own rearing programme for the Asian elephant. We are honoured to be our partner and long-time supporter of the Elephant Conservation Centre.

Further details and the 2023 financial statements are in our Annual Report (German only).

We thank you for your support and hope to have you at our side again in the future.

Raphaël Surber

Director und founder of association basmati