Location: Nonkhilek and Tadthong village, Nong Loup Ian wetland, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR

Survey dates: 20-26th August 2025

Assessment Type: ESIA – Focus Group Discussion (FGD) as part of the NATURA Project

Key Impact & Learnings from the Frontlines: 

– Learning 1: Addressing past project failures is the critical first step to ensuring community buy-in.

– Learning 2: Community priorities center on health, flood safety, and livelihoods—solutions must meet these human needs first.

– Learning 3: Listening to vulnerable residents provides the clearest understanding of problems and ensures equitable solutions.

After years of failed promises, residents of Nonkhilek and Tadthong had lost faith in outside assistance—until the NATURA project transformed skepticism into partnership.

Regular floods turn Nong Loup Ian into a waste-choked basin that swamps homes and strips away livelihoods. Past projects arrived with plans and pictures, then disappeared. “They visited our village and disappeared,” one farmer recalled. “We lost nothing but trust. If development is truly intended here, please make it happen—just make it happen”. 

The Breakthrough

The NATURA team listened before offering solutions. Within six focus group sessions, deep skepticism shifted to active collaboration. Villagers shared their realities: “Garbage floats past my door—sometimes even old mattresses,” one woman said. A young mother worried: “How can we keep our children healthy when our homes are filthy?” Another mother caring for her disabled son described raising his bed on blocks during floods.

These conversations revealed the crucial insight: community priorities weren’t abstract environmental goals but urgent human needs—health, safety, and livelihoods. This became the cornerstone of our collaborative approach.

The Impact

By the end of discussions, skepticism had transformed into active partnership. All participants agreed to join the upcoming co-design workshop, with village leaders committed to serving as communication channels. This shift—dismantling years of mistrust—represents the project’s most significant achievement.

From Listening to Action

Armed with these insights, the NATURA project is translating community voices into action. The October workshop will produce a community-validated restoration plan with specific timelines and success indicators. Working with government partners and technical specialists, we will ensure our approach is scientifically sound and community-driven.

Our project isn’t just restoring a wetland—it’s rebuilding trust and restoring hope. The people of Nonkhilek and Tadthong are now active partners building a future where their families can thrive.

Community Commitments:

– Partnership Building:  NATURA established trust by prioritizing community voices and promising collaborative solutions.

– Transparent Communication: Regular updates through trusted village channels confirmed as core principle.

– Action over Promises: Collaborative workshops critical to maintaining confidence and delivering commitments.

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This story was developed through the NATURA Project, supported by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) in partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the Government of Lao PDR.

Download this September News Story here: PDF

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