The extensive forests of Laos produce teak and other timber, benzoin (a balsamic resin), cardamom, and stick lac (used to make shellac). Much of the deforestation in the country has been blamed on logging operations and on the cutting of wood for fuel, which are believed to have caused the erosion of hillsides and the silting of rivers that has heightened the severity of droughts and floods. The regulation of logging by the government has been difficult because of poor communications and the high number of illegal operations.
Fishing is important for lowland dwellers, and aquaculture has increased. Livestock raising has grown in importance since 1980.