Vientiane, 23^rd July 2024 —From 23 to 26 July 2024, the UNDP Resident Representative in Lao PDR, Ms Martine Thérer, and the Vice-Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, H.E. Mr, Chanthanet Boualapha, led a joint field visit to Savannakhet and Champassak provinces to showcase their collaborative efforts and commitment to fight climate change, protect Lao PDR’s rich biodiversity and build communities’ resilience to extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts.

The field mission, which took place shortly after the commemoration of the Lao National Day for Wildlife and Aquatic Animal Conservation, celebrated each year on 13 July, aimed to raise public awareness about biodiversity conservation while taking stock of successes, challenges, and lessons learned in protecting ecosystems, building resilience, and improving livelihoods. 

High-level officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) and the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), as well as provincial authorities and other partners took part in the visit, which included key conservation sites in Savannakhet, including the Eld’s Deer Ecotourism Center and Sanctuary established under a UNDP/GEF project, and the crocodile conservation initiative of the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP). In Champassak, the delegation met with local authorities and villagers in flood-prone areas who benefit from UNDP support to strengthen sustainable water resources management and disaster preparedness.

The mission was an opportunity for participants and beneficiaries to share knowledge, experience and best practices in biodiversity conservation and climate action. It started with a youth workshop in Savannakhet where students were invited to reflect on environmental challenges and propose innovative ideas and solutions to protect Lao PDR’s natural heritage.

At the outset, UNDP Resident Representative Ms Martine Thérer emphasized the need for urgent action:

“If we don't act now, the future generations will pay for the current generation’s failure to preserve the planet. Today's workshop is an opportunity for you, the youth, to better understand the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss and to find ways to work together for a better and more sustainable tomorrow.”

His Excellency Chanthanet Boualapha echoed the statement and added: 

“As we bring different generations into the same room, we hope everyone takes this opportunity to share experiences, knowledge and innovative ideas to transform ideas into solutions to these pressing issues.”

Throughout the joint mission, participants underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing environmental challenges. While highlighting the significant advances made in biodiversity conservation and climate resilience, they recognized that much remains to be done and that providing livelihood opportunities for the communities was essential to ensure sustainable progress. 

UNDP Lao PDR remains dedicated to supporting sustainable development efforts that benefit people and the planet.

Media contact 

For more information, please contact

Aksonethip Somvorachit, Communications Analyst, UNDP Lao PDR

Email: aksonethip.somvorachit@undp.org