Vientiane, Lao PDR July 26th, 2024 – H.E. Mr. Ngampasong Muongmany, Minister of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) of the Government of Lao PDR, Rt. Hon. Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Government of New Zealand, and Dr. Frank Rijsberman, Director-General of Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), commemorated the official launch of the ‘Nature-Based Solution for Urban Adaptation (NATURA)’ program at the Nong Loup Ian wetland and marsh, in Sikhottobong District of Vientiane Capital. The launch ceremony took place on the edge of the wetland, was also attended by district authorities and village chiefs from surrounding areas.

As stated by H.E. Mr. Ngampasong Muongmany, “the NATURA Program aligns with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport’s goal to create urban environments resilient to climate change. It also supports the ministry’s slogan: Advance public works and transportation with a focus on effectiveness, modernization, safety, climate resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability.” He added, “Adopting Nature-Based Solutions in urban development is a suitable approach for Lao PDR’s socio-economic needs. It is cost-effective for maintenance, promotes sustainability, supports the ecosystem, and helps absorb carbon and heat in cities.”

“New Zealand is pleased to support this project to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable flood prone communities in Lao PDR. We are committed to working with Lao PDR and our other ASEAN partners across a range of development, economic, security and environmental initiatives and this project is another demonstration of that.” Said Mr Peters.

Over the years through Vientiane Capital’s expansion and population increase, many of its wetlands and waterways including the biodiversity within them are being lost. With climate change also driving increases in the intensity of monsoon storms and rainfall, flood events are becoming more frequent affecting thousands of people. “Every year 30-40% of our village is flooded during the monsoon, sometimes up to the roof. We welcome this program which will benefit the whole community,” one of the village chiefs participating in the program said.

“Nature-based solutions provide a cost-effective approach to reducing community-level urban flood risk and vulnerability by restoring ecosystems and waterways for improved flood management,” Dr. Frank Rijsberman, Director General, GGGI said. “Urban wetland restoration can create opportunities for enhancing the local – green – economy, create livelihoods and green jobs, and function as areas for recreation and education.” Dr. Rijsberman added.

The NATURA program aims to reduce the impact of flooding on vulnerable urban communities, contributing to safe, resilient and inclusive sustainable development by building and engaging the local people to green jobs and preserving biodiversity of Nong Loup Ian. The program will support the integration of biodiversity values into national and local planning while contributing to habitat restoration as well. To implement the program GGGI will work in partnership with the Department of Housing and Urban Planning (DHUP) of MPWT and will engage with the district and village authorities in the Nong Loup Ian area to ensure that the project resolves flooding, and benefit impacted communities the most.

The NATURA program is proposed to last two phases of five years each. The program will undertake extensive flood resilience improvements through nature-based solutions such as marsh restoration around Nong Loup Ian wetland (Phase I) and Nam Ping River and wetland (Phase II). Across these two phases, the program will directly benefits 140,000 people. Phase I of the program has received USD 6.5 million in financial support from New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

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About the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)
The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) was founded as a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization in 2012 at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. GGGI supports its Member States in transitioning their economies toward a green growth model that simultaneously achieves poverty reduction, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and economic growth. With 48 Member States and over 25 Partner countries and regional integration organizations in the process of accession, GGGI delivers programs and projects in over 51 countries. These initiatives encompass developing innovative green growth solutions, technical support, capacity building, policy planning & implementation, and assistance in building a pipeline of bankable green investment projects, project financing, investments, and knowledge sharing. GGGI’s work contributes to its Member States’ efforts to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals and the Nationally Determined Contributions to the Paris Agreement.

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For more information, visit: https://gggi.org |A photographic journey in urban wetlands of Vientiane Capital