Dagmar Zwebe, Country Representative, GGGI Lao PDR, and Dr. Bounta Onnavong, Director-General of Department of Housing and Urban Planning are giving the opening remarks.

On 24 February 2026, in Vientiane Capital, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the Department of Housing and Urban Planning (DHUP) brought together key partners for the 1st Project Management Unit (PMU) Meeting. The gathering marked an important milestone to ensure the effective implementation of the Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Adaptation (NATURA) project in 2026. 

Funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), NATURA is working to protect flood-prone communities in Vientiane from the growing impacts of climate change – while helping families build more stable livelihoods through wetland-based income opportunities. With the Project Steering Committee already established in November 2025, this PMU meeting was the next essential step in turning plans into action. 

Mme Bannaseng Syphoxay, DDG, DHUP, MPWT Lao PDR

The primary purpose of the event was to clearly define and assign detailed roles and responsibilities for all PMU members while designating focal points for key technical and coordination functions.  The meeting provided an important opportunity for the PMU to discuss the detailed 2026 work plan and to agree on the leading agencies responsible for supporting, facilitating, and coordinating its effective implementation. By establishing a clear and agreed operational framework, the session aimed to provide a common strategic direction and enhance accountability among all implementing partners to ensure the timely delivery of project outputs. 

During the session, participants discussed the project’s progress from 2025 to date and committed to the 2026 roadmap presented by NATURA Project team. The meeting demonstrated a robust multi-level collaborative approach, engaging over 30 stakeholders. This diverse group included leadership from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT), provincial departments of finance, agriculture, and environment, and district administration officials from both Sikottabong and Chanthabuly districts. 

Following the event, GGGI and its partners will move forward with the formalized coordination structure to support the project’s goals. As noted during the proceedings, this meeting was essential to “ensure effective implementation of the NATURA project in 2026” and to establish the accountability necessary to achieve the expected results. 

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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