Empowering Villagers to Preserve Forests in Khammouane

In 2023, CEGGA II small grant grants extended its support to 23 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) across eleven provinces, empowering them to implement projects aimed at fostering inclusive socio-economic development and addressing pressing concerns of citizens. Among these CSOs, the Community Association for Salvation and Environment (CASE) has received a CEGGA II small grant to implement a transformative project in three villages; Namakba, Nahy and Nondeng in Mahaxay District, Khammouane Province.

With a clear vision and unwavering commitment, CASE has been embarking on a journey to promote citizen engagement in forest preservation and sustainable development. The project aims to increase the forest cover to 75%, ensuring more trees as a resource to maintain riverbanks and reclaim barren lands, thereby ensuring food security for local inhabitants and fortifying them against the impacts of climate change. Through extensive community mobilization efforts, over 100 villagers and local leaders convened to discuss land and forestry management practices, sharing insights and understanding the importance of responsible stewardship.

One of the project's significant achievements is the heightened awareness among villagers regarding forest conservation laws and regulations. By equipping communities with knowledge and tools to identify and protect various forest types, villagers have become vigilant guardians of their natural heritage. This newfound awareness has not only deterred destructive practices but it has also fostered a culture of collective responsibility, with villages actively allocating protected forest areas and safeguarding them against encroachment.

This project is just one of many supported by CEGGA II. Through their grants and capacity-building efforts, more and more organizations like CASE are joining the cause. Together, they're making a big difference in their communities, helping everyone, especially those who are most vulnerable, live better lives and protect the environment for the future.

Thanks to the dedication of CASE and the support of CEGGA II, the villagers of Namakba, Nahy and Nondeng in Mahaxay District have become better guardians of their forests, ensuring that future generations can continue to benefit from these precious natural resources. This success story shows that when communities come together, they can make a big difference in protecting the environment and building a better future for all.

The CEGGA Programme is a joint initiative of Lao PDR and its “Team Europe” partners, Switzerland, Germany and the EU. The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) has been tasked to implement this first flagship programme of Team Europe in Laos, together with Lao partners to enhance citizen-state interaction for inclusive development, thereby contributing to the promotion of good governance, human rights, and the rule of law.