Vientiane, Lao PDR, February 21, 2024 – The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) hosted a project validation meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) of New Zealand and the Government of Lao PDR on a new project worth USD 6.5 million, titled “Nature-Based Solution for Urban Adaptation (NATURA) in Lao PDR”. This project focuses on extensive flood resilience improvements at Nong Loup Ian wetland as part of GGGI Lao PDR’s latest venture in urban adaptation.
The ceremony was chaired by Ms. Eva Diaz Ugena, Deputy Country Representative of GGGI Lao PDR, and Mr. Matthew Allen, First Secretary Development of MFAT. Representatives from New Zealand including Ms. Gabrielle Isaak (Senior Policy Officer), Ms. Sophie Chrisp (Policy Officer), and Ms. Siritharin Chareonsiri (Development Programme Coordinator) were also present at the event. The ceremony also included key stakeholders from the Government of Lao PDR, such as Dr. Viengnam Douangphachanh, Director-General of the Department of Housing and Urban Planning (DHUP) of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT), Mr. Sinlapakone Phommaxaisee, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Planning and Investment (DPI) of Vientiane Capital, and Mr. Santi Songnavong, Head of UN Division of the Department of International Cooperation (DIC) of the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI).
The ceremony symbolized a collective commitment towards reducing the impact of flooding on vulnerable urban communities and contributing to resilient and inclusive sustainable development of Vientiane Capital. Through the NATURA project, funds will support the restoration of Nong Loup Ian wetland while benefiting the local community. This includes sustainable urban planning, bolstering community livelihoods, improving urban sanitation, and capacity building and awareness raising on resilience.
MFAT aims to support the government of Lao PDR in enhancing the urban adaptation capacity towards the negative effects of climate change while supporting the accomplishment of their sustainable development agenda. This is also in line with the Government of New Zealand’s commitment to collaborate and partner to innovate, and develop and deploy solutions to support resilience in the face of future climate impacts.
“This project is highlighting the support from the Government of New Zealand on building resilience towards adverse effect of climate change with considerations on economic, social, and environmental aspects. In addition, the project will fully take into account gender components and needs of the vulnerable groups,” Mr. Matthew Allen, First Secretary Development of MFAT said.
“This project will provide a comprehensive solution for urban adaptation problems in Vientiane. It encompasses different needs to provide practical nature-based interventions that can be used as a precedent for future resilient urban planning when facing consequences of climate change,” Ms. Eva Diaz Ugena, Deputy Country Representative of GGGI Lao PDR.
