Vientiane, Lao PDR, March 12, 2025 – The Department of Housing and Urban Planning (DHUP) under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) have formalized a collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement marks an important milestone in the implementation of Phase 1 of the Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Adaptation (NATURA) Project, which aims to enhance urban resilience to climate change through nature-based solutions (NbS).

The signing ceremony was attended by H.E. Saysongkham Manodham, the Vice Minister of Public Works and Transport, along with representatives from key government ministries, including the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and local authorities from Vientiane Capital. The MOU signing was honored by the presence of Ms. Visaphone Inthilath, the Acting Director General of the Department of Housing and Urban Planning, and Ms. Dagmar Zwebe, the Country Representative of GGGI Lao PDR.

The NATURA Project, funded by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), is a five-year initiative (2024-2029) designed to reduce urban vulnerability to climate change by restoring and conserving wetland ecosystems. The project will integrate NbS into urban planning to address flood risks, improve ecosystem functions, and enhance community resilience.

Phase 1 of the project will focus on the restoration of Nong Loup Ian wetland in Sikhottabong District, with data collection also covering the Nam Ping River, which is expected to be a key restoration site in Phase 2. The project has received USD 6.5 million in funding from MFAT, reflecting New Zealand’s commitment to supporting sustainable urban development in Lao PDR.

Following approval from the Government of New Zealand, the project underwent initial consultations in February 2024 between GGGI and relevant national and local agencies. As a result, DHUP was designated as the main government counterpart responsible for implementation, working in close coordination with GGGI. After further technical discussions, the project received formal approval from the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) in July 2024. The partnership is now moving towards an official MOU signing between MPWT and GGGI, ensuring strong institutional support and clear governance for project execution.

The integration of NbS provides a cost-effective and sustainable method for managing floods while also encouraging community involvement. However, NbS is still a relatively new concept in urban planning in Lao PDR. Raising awareness and building capacity among local stakeholders is essential for the effective implementation of these solutions.

By embedding NBS into urban planning policies and strengthening institutional capacity, the NATURA Project contributes directly to MPWT’s strategic goal of enhancing climate-resilient infrastructure in Lao PDR. It also aligns with national priorities for sustainable urban development, supporting efforts to build a greener, more adaptive, and more inclusive future.

The NATURA Project aims to establish a benchmark for incorporating NbS within urban planning, ensuring that cities in Lao PDR are more prepared to face the increasing challenges brought on by climate change.

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About the NATURA Project

The NATURA Project (Nature-Based Solution for Urban Adaptation) is a collaborative initiative aimed at enhancing urban climate resilience in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR, through wetland restoration and urban planning. Funded by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and implemented in partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the Government of Lao PDR, the project focuses on improving flood management, supporting local communities, and integrating nature into urban planning.