Impact Snapshot

Location: Nong Loup Ian and Nam Ping Wetlands, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR

Survey Dates: February 17–20, 2025

Assessment Type: Rapid Biodiversity Assessment (RBA) as part of the NATURA Project

Community Role: Active participation in interviews and field support

Key Story Points

Biodiversity Value: Despite being urban wetlands, both sites support diverse flora and fauna, with some globally threatened species recorded.

Livelihood Link: Communities depend on wetlands for food and income, including fishing, collecting crabs and snails, and harvesting aquatic plants.

Major Threats: Habitat loss from encroachment, pollution, electric fishing, bird hunting, and invasive species.

Conservation Solutions: Propose urban conservation designation, enforce wildlife protection laws, and raise local awareness.

Community Voices: Local villagers emphasize the wetlands’ role in daily life and income generation.

Feature Story

Beneath the quiet waters of Nong Loup Ian and Nam Ping wetlands lies a treasure trove of biodiversity — and a lifeline for communities. In February 2025, a team of scientists from National University of Laos, with support from MFAT, joined forces with local villagers to assess the health of these urban wetlands in Vientiane. What they found was both hopeful and urgent.

Over four days, the team documented more than 200 species of plants, fish, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and birds. The Ornate Softshell Turtle (Amyda ornata), listed as Vulnerable, and the Near-Threatened Ptyas korros (Indochinese Rat Snake), were recorded by both experts and local fishers. These findings mark the wetlands as vital urban biodiversity hotspots that need protection.

But just as remarkable were the voices of local villagers who depend on these ecosystems.

“In the dry season, we collect snails and catch shrimp,” said a resident of Ban Nonkhilek.

“One bucket of snails can sell for 60,000–70,000 kip. It’s how we buy rice and school supplies.”

Wetlands provide more than food—they offer economic security. From fishing to gathering aquatic vegetables like Phakbong (morning glory), residents use traditional, low-impact harvesting techniques passed down over generations. Yet, these practices are under threat.

“We see more people using electric fishing and filling land along the wetland edges,” shared a fisher from Nong Ping. “The waterbirds don’t come like they used to.”

The RBA report identifies these destructive activities—encroachment, pollution, and illegal wildlife harvesting—as urgent risks that could wipe out both biodiversity and livelihoods. Mimosa pigra, an invasive plant, has overtaken large patches of the wetlands, further disrupting the ecological balance by outcompeting native vegetation.

To reverse the decline, the NATURA team recommends immediate conservation action. Proposals include designating the wetlands as Urban Conservation Zones, enforcing existing environmental laws, eradication and management of invasive plants and launching a community awareness campaign.

As Lao PDR continues urbanizes rapidly, these wetlands remain natural buffers against flooding, while quietly sustaining families living at the margins. Protecting them is not just about saving wildlife—it’s about securing dignity, food, and resilience for people who live closest to the land and water.

Species Identified

– 49 species of fish

– 23 amphibian and reptile species

– 127 species of aquatic macroinvertebrates

– 38 species of birds

– 173 plant species

Globally Threatened Species Found

Vulnerable Species:

Amyda ornata (Ornate Softshell Turtle); Naja siamensis (potentially present in Nong Loup Ian)

Near Threatened Species:

Ptyas korros (Indo-Chinese Rat Snake)

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