Promoting responsible forestry and biodiversity in Laos

Context

Laos, known for its rich biodiversity, faces challenges from deforestation and the loss of biodiversity, primarily driven by agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, and illegal wildlife trade. In response, the government has pledged to increase forest cover to 70 per cent through responsible management and reforestation efforts. However, obstacles remain in improving forest governance, developing eco-friendly forest-based value chains, and involving local communities in these initiatives.

Objective

Local communities, particularly women, actively engage in enhanced forest-based value chains, promoting the responsible use and conservation of forests in Laos.

Approach

The project promotes inclusive multi-stakeholder processes to use forest resources responsibly and conserve biodiversity. The following activities are central to this effort:

• Facilitating dialogues and enhancing the policy-making and legal frameworks to create an inclusive, biodiversity-friendly, and deforestation-free forest management approach
• Supporting important actors in Laos to engage in inter-institutional and transboundary cooperation for wildlife conservation and management, particularly in the Hin Nam No and Phong Nha-Ke Bang conservation landscape
• Enhancing research, training, and technical expertise for the effective use and responsible management of forest resources across Laos
• Fostering partnerships among various stakeholders, including private enterprises, village communities, government bodies, and civil society organisations, to enhance climate-resilient restoration of forest landscapes and biodiversity conservation
• Establishing commercial partnerships to develop micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises that support responsible and competitive forest-based value chains.

Last update: August 2024