H.E. Mr. Detsongkham THAMMAVONG, Vice Minister of MPWT, is giving his remark. On the left is Mme. Dana Avram, Head of International Development at the New Zealand Embassy and on the right is Mme. Dagmar Zwebe, Country Representative, GGGI Lao PDR.

Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR – November 18, 2025 – The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) with Department of Housing and Urban Planning under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) and supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, held the first Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting for the Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Adaptation (NATURA) Project. This meeting marks a significant step towards enhancing climate resilience in Vientiane through the implementation of nature-based solutions.

The NATURA Project aims to mitigate urban flood risks by restoring the natural flood management capabilities of wetlands around Nong Loup Ian. It also seeks to support sustainable livelihoods through micro-enterprises tied to these rehabilitated ecosystems. The initiative will enhance policy frameworks and strengthen local capacity for long-term success.

The purpose of the first PSC meeting was to solidify working relationships and formalize the high-level roadmap needed to guarantee the project’s success. During the session, the committee achieved several tangible outcomes: they reviewed all accomplishments made throughout 2024, formally adopted the detailed work plan and budget, and provided executive decisions that will strategically shape the project’s continuing trajectory. This process decisively reinforced the national and international commitment required to mitigate the critical impacts of climate change.

The PSC was co-chaired by H.E. Mr. Detsongkham THAMMAVONG, Vice Minister of MPWT; Mme. Dana Avram, Head of International Development at the New Zealand Embassy; and Mme. Dagmar Zwebe, Country Representative, GGGI Lao PDR. A diverse group of approximately 40 participants attended, including the  representative of departments of Vientiane Capital and various representatives from district offices and local village leaders, underscoring the project’s deep connection to community-level governance.

Speaking on the national vision for the project, H.E. Mr. Detsongkham THAMMAVONG, Vice Minister of MPWT, stressed the importance of visible results:

“I sincerely hope this project will become a model project that will truly benefit the local people, especially by emphasizing activities that create tangible benefits—such as improving infrastructure and restoring the natural wetland ecosystem to reduce flooding and be developed into a recreational area.”

The funding partner, Mme. Dana Avram, Head of International Development at the New Zealand Embassy, encouraged strong commitment to achieving the final outcomes:

“We look forward to seeing the concrete results and the long-term impact of this partnership on the environment and the communities around Nong Loup Ian.”

In acknowledging the need to translate strategy into action, Mme. Dagmar Zwebe, GGGI Country Representative, reinforced the commitment to timely delivery:

“We share the collective sense of urgency to speed up progress so that communities can begin to witness the tangible benefits of NATURA work—healthier wetlands, reduced flood risks, and improved livelihoods.”

Moving forward, the project will implement the approved work plan, engage communities in wetland restoration, and strengthen local governance mechanisms.

Village Chief is giving her feedback to the meeting

Learn more about the project: Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Adaptation in Lao PDR (NATURA) Phase I — Global Green Growth Institute