PROJECT SUMMARY

The ASEAN Municipal Solid Waste Enhancement (AMUSE) project in Lao PDR, is led by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) and the Vang Vieng Urban Development Administration Authority (UDAA), implemented by Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and funded by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ). The project aimed to enhance waste recycling and improve municipal solid waste management in Vang Vieng’s tourism sector. The project introduced circular economy principles, engaged 75 private tourism businesses and installed and operationalized 75 waste recycling banks (WRBs); developed two technical advisory policy recommendations aimed at improving sustainable waste management, establishing a circular economy system and processing organic waste in Vang Vieng.

CONTEXT & BACKGROUND

Vang Vieng, a popular tourist destination in Lao PDR, faces increasing waste generation due to urbanization and consumption trends, projected to double by 2030.  The influx of 590,000 annual tourists, alongside a resident population of 55,500, generates 16,000 tons of waste annually, primarily plastic and food scraps.  This places significant pressure on the city’s waste management system, which currently struggles with limited collection capacity (25-35%), ineffective waste reduction, and a lack of organic processing facilities.  These deficiencies lead to environmental pollution caused by waste dumping and open burning.

PROJECT OBJECTIVE

To address this challenge, this project aimed to improve waste management and promote sustainability in line with ASEAN’s marine debris action plan. The project transformed the waste management practices in Vang Vieng by:

– Improved environmental quality in small and medium ASEAN cities by implementing sustainable waste management solutions.

– Strengthened waste management in Vang Vieng through source separation in the tourism sector by promoting and facilitating effective waste segregation practices.

– Increased the city’s recycling rate through the development and implementation of recycling infrastructure and initiatives.

PROJECT COMPONENTS

Development and Implementation of Waste-to-Resource Initiatives

The project successfully established 75 waste recycling banks (WRB) in hotels, restaurants, and guesthouses.  This enhanced waste recovery and recycling efficiency with 108 tons/month safely collected and processed by two recycling companies. Awareness-raising campaigns were conducted to encourage source separation, responsible public waste disposal and promote sustainable tourism.  Waste audits were conducted, and 13 businesses awarded the Green, Clean, Beautiful certification for demonstrating dedication to waste reduction and environmental stewardship.

Strengthening Local Government Capacity to Manage Municipal Solid Waste Management

The project conducted a sustainable municipal solid waste management system assessment and pre-feasibility for establishing a circular economy-based system in Vang Vieng district. A comprehensive policy recommendation was developed for effective organic waste processing technologies, combining technical and economic aspects. A successful South-South knowledge exchange program was convened in Singapore to enhance knowledge and capacity of public officials and business entities to implement best practices in effective and proper waste management within tourist cities. In addition, the project enhanced capacity of 286 hospitality service providers and informal waste pickers mostly women to champion circular economy solutions in Vang Vieng city.

– 75 waste recycling banks established

– 24% of waste recovered and diverted from landfill

– 5% of waste recycling banks increased VangVieng’s recycling rate to 7%

– 17 tons/day of waste amount reduced from reaching the landfill

– 16 business entities certified

– 2 policy recommendations made

– 286 people trained (individuals and government officials)

IMPACT STORY

Turning Waste into Opportunity: A Sustainable Future for Vang Vieng

“The AMUSE Project has been changer for waste management in Vang Vieng. By integrating waste recycling into the tourism sector and strengthening our municipal waste system, we’ve turned waste into an opportunity. This is just the beginning of process for creating a cleaner, more sustainable future for our community” – Ms. Hatsady Khounsy, Director General, Urban Development and Administration Authority

Expand waste recycling banks, strengthen policy enforcement, and promote circular economy investments. GGGI will continue to enhance community awareness and improve waste collection infrastructure to sustain Vang Vieng’s journey toward a cleaner, greener future.

VangVieng town will use the AMUSE project results to pursue the ASEAN Green and Clean Tourist City Standard Award.

Download the full project PDF: Lao version & English version