The project is focused on integrating climate risk and adaptation data and principles into three key sectors of the economy of Lao PDR, namely agriculture and forestry, urban development and transport, and water resources. This will boost the long-term resilience of these sectors. The project is led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Government of Lao PDR, with technical support from GGGI Lao PDR and financial assistance from the Green Climate Fund. Sectoral ministries and departments of the Government of Lao PDR play a critical role in project delivery, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

– Strengthen governance and institutional coordination for climate change adaptation
– Strengthen the evidence base for the design of climate change adaptation solutions
– Increase the flow of finance for climate change adaptation solutions

In 2020, the Government of Lao PDR updated and enhanced its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), laying out a suite of policy priorities for tackling climate change. This included prioritizing increased adaptation in critical sectors, namely the agriculture and forestry, urban development and transport, and water resources sectors. In addition, Lao PDR’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) also lays out key priorities for these sectors.

In Lao PDR, these sectors touch the lives of million of people, yet adaptation progress has been slow. Key challenges include:
– An estimated 76% of Lao PDR’s labor force engages in agriculture – When droughts, floods or other disasters occur, farming families across the country suffer. Finding inclusive, sustainable opportunities to better manage climate risks within the sector is urgently needed.
– Lao PDR is urbanizing, and some cities, such as Vientiane Capital, are growing quickly – Urban infrastructure, such as waste management, transport, sanitation and energy systems, need to be upgraded and enhanced to ensure that they can continue to operate despite extreme climate events.
– Lao PDR is a country of rivers – The Mekong River forms a key waterway with 14 main tributaries flowing into it. These play a critical role in hydropower production, irrigation for agriculture and drinking water, among others. Managing these and other water resources for the long-term requires an adequate understanding of climate change and possible impacts.

To enhance Lao PDR’ capacity to adapt to climate change, this project is delivering a comprehensive approach to climate adaptation planning include training government officials, conducting sectoral vulnerability assessments, and developing new adaptation investment projects.

– 30 government officials with increased capacity

– 100 policymakers engaged with vulnerability assessment information

– USD 80 million in unlocked adaptation finance

– 2 investment projects designed for adaptation technologies

– 3 sectoral plans enhanced for climate resilience

Read and download full project factsheet here: Lao version & English version