(KPL/VNA) Laos has reaffirmed its strong commitment to protecting forests and enhancing climate change adaptation, calling for deeper regional cooperation to safeguard ecosystems and promote sustainable development.

Speaking at the 28th Meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials on Forestry (ASOF 28) recently held in Luang Prabang, Lao Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Kikeo Singnavong stressed that forests play a vital role in biodiversity conservation, disaster risk reduction, and ensuring sustainable growth for all countries in the region. He urged joint actions to protect forest ecosystems and maximise their contributions to national and regional goals.

As ASEAN Chair in 2024, Laos identified forestry cooperation linked to climate change adaptation as a priority. Dr. Somvang Phimmavong, Director-General of the Department of Forestry and Head of the Lao ASOF delegation, said the country will promote forest landscape restoration, expand participation in carbon markets, strengthen community-based forest management, combat cross-border forest crime, and boost incomes from sustainable products such as bamboo, medicinal plants, and other forest-based goods.

The ASOF, held annually, reviews and sets the direction for forestry cooperation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

ASOF 28 brought together delegates from ASEAN member states, representatives of the ASEAN Secretariat, and international development partners, making preparations for the 46th Meeting of ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF 46).

ASOF 28 adopted several key documents, including the Forestry Law Enforcement Handbook, a Nature-based Solutions Toolkit for forestry, and the Sustainable Ecosystem Management Action Plan. Delegates also called for closer collaboration with international organisations such as the Asian Forest Cooperation Organisation (AFoCO), the UN-REDD+ Programme under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the European Forest Institute to mobilise expertise and financial resources.

Dr. Somvang reiterated Laos’s commitment to the ASEAN forestry agenda, affirming that the country is ready to work closely with member states and development partners to protect forests, build a more sustainable future, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

Malaysia will host the 29th ASOF Meeting in 2026.

KPL