Launched in 1997 with funding from the French government in collaboration with Dr Jacques Lemoine of the the Paris-based Centre d'anthropologie de la Chine du sud et de la péninsule indochinoise (CACSPI), the Ethnographic Databank of Laos project aims to safeguard and promote the intangible heritage of ethnic minority groups in Laos by documenting and making available information on the art, costume, development, economy, ecosystems, political organisation, society, health, myths, religion, history and language of each ethnic group. Computers and digital recording equipment were purchased and an ethnographic databank established at the Institute. ICR staff were trained in data-collection methodology and they in turn have since trained local cultural administrators in the collection of raw ethnographic material, including photographs, sound recordings and video. Today the project also enjoys support from UNESCO and the Rockefeller Foundation. To date research has been undertaken in Sekong, Attapeu, Saravane, Champassak, Sayaburi, Borikhamxai and Oudomxai Provinces, the findings of which were launched on the Internet in March 2005.