Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR, May 14, 2026 – The Department of Planning and Cooperation (DOPC) and the Department of Land Administration and Management (DLAM), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), in partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and with funding from the French Development Agency (AFD), convened the first Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting of the Building Long-Term Climate Resilient Agriculture and Landscapes in Lao PDR (LTS Project).

Chaired by H.E. Dr. Saynakhone Inthavong, Vice Minister of MAE, the meeting brought together senior government representatives to discuss the project’s initial phase and chart a course toward advancing sustainable management standards for agriculture and landscapes that are resilient to climate change.

Following the project launch on April 7, 2026, representatives from nine government departments met to confirm objectives, governance arrangements, and near-term delivery priorities. The PSC also aligned participating institutions across MAE, the Ministry of Finance (MOF), and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) to strengthen cross-ministerial coordination on long-term Food–Energy–Water (FEW) policy.

H.E. Dr. Saynakhone Inthavong stated: “Our goal through this project is to provide a toolkit of policies, strategies, and technologies that empower investors and farmers to mitigate climate risks and achieve long-term success. This directly supports the three core programs of the Agriculture and Environment sector- Food Security, Commercial Agricultural Production, and Environmental Protection.”

The PSC meeting confirmed several key outcomes that will drive the project forward. On governance, the roles and mandates of the PSC and Project Implementation Unit (PIU) were officially confirmed, establishing clear lines of accountability across partner departments. The responsibilities of the nine-department interministerial working group were also defined, enabling coordinated action on long-term FEW policies.

The meeting underscored the national commitments to supporting provinces in developing long-term investment plans for climate-resilient agriculture. The committee discussed how the project will work alongside provincial authorities to identify priority investments in sustainable land and water management, strengthen the conditions needed to attract private capital, and foster productive partnerships between government, farmers, and the private sector — enabling businesses and smallholders alike to adapt to climate risks and pursue long-term agricultural growth.

Related article: https://gggi.org/82396-2/