Activity summary

– Location: Nong Loup Ian, Vientiane Capital

– Date: October 2025

– Activity Type: NbS Training Workshop

– Partners: Monash University, NUOL, Porous City Network, NbS projects from Luang Prabang and Paksan

– Participants: 38 Lao government officials trained

Sharing insights on sustainability: The group’s representative outlines the potential Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) for successful integration into the project.

The Concrete Trap

For years, Vientiane, particularly Nong Loup Ian, was caught in the “Concrete Cycle.” Wetlands that once protected homes and provided food were replaced by concrete, trapping the area in pollution and floodwater. Even after the 2018 flood, costly grey infrastructure projects offered only temporary relief. With little data to guide new approaches, Nature-based Solutions (NcS) remained out of reach.

“We felt trapped. Every Kip we spent on new concrete drains was a huge number and just patching a hole that would open again next season.”— Government Technical

The Strategic Pivot

The necessary shift arrived via the Laos-New Zealand Urban NbS Knowledge Series, delivering hard data and true partnership. District staff gained the Lifecycle Cost Analysis (LCA) tool. They used it to crunch the numbers and prove that the sustainable, lower-maintenance costs of green solutions dramatically outweighed the long-term economic burden of concrete.​

“Nature-based Solutions are a critical, cost-effective long-term investment. Unlike conventional system, multi-purpose, offering benefits that are easier to maintain.” – souphanny singsayyachack, Project Manager Wetland Improvement for Climate Change Adaptation project at Luang Prabang

Lasting Legacy

Crucially, the project demanded a bottom-up approach. Teams partnered directly with community leaders, integrating valuable local knowledge that fundamentally shaped the design. The skills built today ensure Vientiane’s future development strategically leverages the power of nature, leading to a more resilient city that can restore its lost ecological and communal assets.​

“This project gave us more than flood control. It gave us back the power to design our own future and restore the land our community once relied on.”— Oudomphone Xaypanya, Community Leader, Nong Loup Ian

Key Findings and Challenges

– Concrete Failed: Greyinfrastructure alonecouldn’t solve flooding; itcreated a “vicious cycle” ofcostly repairs. ​

– Data Proved Nature: The Lifecycle Cost Analysis (LCA) showed NbS as themost sustainable and cost-effective solution​

– Success through Partnership: Community knowledge was essential to shaping effective design.​

– New Resilience: Vientiane now has the tools and mindset to build with nature, not against it.

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​Learn more about the project: Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Adaptation in Lao PDR (NATURA) Phase I — Global Green Growth Institute

Download the story (pdf) here