On August 29th, 2024, in Vientiane, Lao PDR, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) presented the results of their National and Sub-National Solid Waste Management assessments. This project, implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Lao PDR and funded by the ASEAN-Korean Cooperation Fund (AKCF), aimed to evaluate waste management practices, policies, infrastructure and investments across Lao PDR.

The workshop was co-chaired by Mr. Sounadeth Soukchaleun, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Planning and Finance from MoNRE, and Mr. Rowan Fraser, Country Representative of GGGI Lao PDR. It discussed the findings of national assessment, examining waste generation, policies, key players, and recycling activities in 18 provinces across Lao PDR, while the Sub-national assessment has a focus on four specific cities and districts.

“Accurate data and thorough studies are essential for effective waste management. As the Department of Planning and Finance develops the Environment Chapter of the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP), the assessment reports will play a vital role in strengthening the infrastructure and green growth needs of our cities, ensuring the adoption of best practices and investment opportunities nationwide.” Said Mr. Sounadeth Soukchaleun

Between November 2023 and August 2024, MONRE and GGGI visited Vientiane Capital, Pek district in Xiengkhuang Province, Sam Nuea in Huaphanh Province, and Paksan in Bolikhamxay Province. These visits involved engaging with local stakeholders, including governments, development partners, and private sectors, to gather accurate data on waste management practices. The study revealed that each of the three districts generates approximately 50-55 tons of waste per day with less than 7% being recovered or recycled.

The National Waste Management Assessment began in March 2024 with data collection from 18 provincial governments across Lao PDR, aimed to understand relevant regulations enforcements, waste management practices, and state of waste generation, collection, transportation, recovery and disposal infrastructure so to ensure alignment of regulations and policies and to assess the possible investment needs.

“Collaborative efforts in improving solid waste management are crucial for attracting green investments. Gathering data, ideas, and insights from stakeholders is essential to support the development of the NSEDP.” Stated Mr. Rowan Fraser. “Mobilizing financing for a green economy transition depends heavily on accurate data, which is vital for identifying opportunities and entry points for private sector and donor funding.” He added.

The workshop brought key participants from Pek, Sam Nuea, and Paksan district and representatives from line ministries, development partners, academia and private sector. It provided a platform for the Lao PDR Government to present these comprehensive assessments, fruitful discussion and enabling stakeholders to identify challenges, policy gaps, and investment opportunities to enhance circular economy solutions. The assessments highlighted the waste management status, challenges, and opportunities in small towns, which have often been overlooked in previous studies.

These insights will contribute to developing sustainable waste management policies, strategies and investment opportunity for Lao PDR in line with ASEAN’s Circular Economy framework and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint (ASCC). The assessments are part of a broader ASEAN initiative involving six countries, which will inform the ASEAN Waste Management and Circular Economy Strategy and highlight investment opportunities under the ASEAN-Korean Cooperation Fund in Integrated Municipal Solid Waste Management (IMSWM) for Environmentally Sustainable Cities, with a goal of mobilizing $250 million in green investments. Learn more.

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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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