Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR, March 24, 2026 – Lao PDR officially launched the ASEAN–Korea Cooperation for Methane Mitigation (AKCMM) project through a partnership between the Department of Environment (DoE), the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MoAE), and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and advance climate action in Lao PDR. This launch marks Lao PDR’s entry into a regional ASEAN initiative to implement methane mitigation activities across nine ASEAN Member States, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand, Viet Nam, and Lao PDR. 

Mr. Bounthee Saythongvanh, Deputy Director of GHG Mitigation Division, DoE

Ms. Daovin Souphonpacdy, Deputy Director of GHG Mitigation Division, DoE

Mr. Bounma Thor, Senior Policy Analyst, GGGI Lao PDR 

AKCMM is a three-year program valued at USD 20 million under the Partnership for ASEAN-ROK Methane Action (PARMA), supported by the Government of the Republic of Korea through the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF). The program aims to strengthen institutional, technical, and financial foundations for methane mitigation across ASEAN Member States and to support concrete reduction activities. A key focus is to enhance cooperation between ASEAN and the Republic of Korea, particularly through technology-based climate solutions that drive innovation and sustainable economic growth. 

Of the total funding, approximately USD 2.7 million has been allocated to Lao PDR to support national efforts to reduce methane emissions and promote environmental sustainability. 

The project has been implemented at the regional level since 2024 and is expected to run until 2027. Its overall objective is to reduce methane emissions through four key outcomes: strengthening enabling policies and institutional frameworks, improving methane measurement and monitoring systems, designing and financing methane reduction projects, and promoting regional knowledge sharing and partnerships. In Lao PDR, the project will focus on major methane-emitting sectors, including agriculture, waste, and energy. 

At this early stage, the project is establishing coordination mechanisms to ensure effective implementation. This includes defining the roles of the Project Steering Committee (PSC), Project Management Unit (PMU), and Technical Advisory Group, which will guide project oversight and sector prioritization. Following the establishment of these structures, the project will proceed with technology selection, pre-feasibility studies, and the implementation of pilot mitigation initiatives once the foundational framework for methane mitigation in Lao PDR is in place. 

With the official launch of the project, the next steps will include formalizing the PSC, PMU, and Advisory Group, endorsing the project workplan, and initiating technical assessments and capacity-building activities. These efforts will support Lao PDR in accelerating methane reduction and contributing to sustainable, low-carbon development. 

On the left: Mr. Dong Gyu Lee, Minister Counsellor, Republic of Korea Embassy in Lao PDR. In the middle: Mr. Amphayvanh Oudomdeth, Deputy Director General, Department of Environment. On the right: Ms. Dagmar Zwebe, Country Representative, GGGI Lao PDR

“The AKCMM project will support Lao PDR to accelerate in achieving our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction target as outlined in the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), in particular through our effort to reduce methane emission which has much higher global warming potential when compared to carbon dioxide,” stated Mr. Amphayvanh Oudomdeth, Deputy Director General, Department of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

Mr. Dong Gyu Lee, Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Lao PDR, affirmed, “Achieving the GHG emissions reduction target is committed by the government of RoK. Moreover, it contributes to global efforts in addressing climate change. The government of RoK remains committed to working with Lao PDR and ASEAN to achieve inclusive and sustainable development.”

Ms. Dagmar Zwebe, Country Representative for GGGI Lao PDR, highlighted the value of the partnership. “Methane emissions have a significant impact on global warming, yet mitigation offers a unique opportunity for rapid climate gains. In Lao PDR, where methane is closely tied to the economy, GGGI is honored to support Lao PDR and ASEAN through the AKCMM project funded by AKCF to implement this initiative. We are fortunate to have the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to provide guidance and relevant sectors to ensure the effectiveness of project implementation.”

 —————————————————————————————————-

Learn more about AKCMM project: https://gggi.org/project/asean-korea-cooperation-for-methane-mitigation/ | https://akcmm.org/country-level/lao-pdr/methane-reduction-plan-at-a-glance |  

 —————————————————————————————————–

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 55 Member States and 30 Partner countries and regional integration organizations in the process of accession, GGGI delivers programs and projects in over 57 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.   

Follow us on X | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram   

For more information, visit:  https://gggi.org 

Lao Country Office
Namchaythip Souvannavong, Communications & Knowledge Sharing Unit Lead, GGGI Lao PDR
namchaythip.souvannavong@gggi.org