(KPL) The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and with financial support from the Republic of Korea through the "ROK Mekong Project," has launched the Relief Fund Facility (RFF) in Champassak and Khammouane Provinces.

Vice Minister of MONRE Chanthanet Boualapha, Director General of the Department of Water Resources Oudomsack Philavong,  Deputy Director General of Department of Water Resources Kingkham Manivong and Ms. Bounkan Phongoudom, Representative of the Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment (PONRE) in Khammouane Province were attended the event on May 27.

The new initiative aims to empower local communities through locally led interventions focused on disaster risk management and preparedness, integrated water resources management, climate-resilient agriculture, and financial capacity-building.

A total of LAK 1.4 billion will be distributed as grants to eight targeted villages across four districts in the two provinces. Each village will be eligible to receive up to LAK 175.5 million over the next six months to implement small-scale, community-driven projects.

Water management remains a critical issue for the Lao PDR, with approximately 90% of its territory located within the Mekong River watershed and contributing around 41% of the river’s total water volume. The effective and sustainable management of these natural resources is vital for the country’s socio-economic development and climate resilience.

In alignment with this national priority, the Department of Water Resources, supported by UNDP, is promoting integrated water resources management to build the resilience of vulnerable communities. The ROK Mekong Project, which underpins this initiative, exemplifies regional cooperation in addressing shared environmental challenges in the Mekong Basin.

Over the next six months, UNDP, in close coordination with MONRE, Department of Water Resources, and provincial and district authorities, will support local communities in identifying needs, developing proposals, and implementing projects funded through the RFF. The initiative places special emphasis on supporting vulnerable groups, including women and ethnic minorities, who are often disproportionately affected by climate change.

Communities have already begun planning the use of funds to meet urgent local needs. For instance, Dondonh village in Thakhek district intends to invest in medical clinics and first aid kits to improve healthcare access, while other villages have prioritized purchasing drinking water machines to ensure safe water during floods and natural disasters.

The launch of the Relief Fund Facility marks a significant step forward in strengthening climate resilience and sustainable water management in the Lao PDR. By fostering collaboration among communities, government agencies, and international partners, the RFF aims to create long-term impact, enabling communities to thrive amidst environmental challenges and reinforcing Lao PDR’s commitment to sustainable development.

KPL