(KPL)The Government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), had officially launched the project titled Generating Multiple Benefits Through Strengthened Protection of Primary Forest Landscapes of the Lao PDR (CFB-Lao), funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

With USD 9.78 million in funding, the project aims to promote nature-positive development, curb ecosystem degradation, and generate socio-economic and environmental benefits by strengthening the protection of approximately 500,000 hectares of primary forest landscapes across four key national protected areas: Phou Xieng Thong, Xebang Nuan, Xe Sap, and Phou Xang Hae. Strengthening the protection of these landscapes will not only conserve globally significant biodiversity but also contribute to climate change mitigation efforts and enhance the resilience of local communities who depend on these ecosystems for their livelihood.

The CFB-Lao project is part of a broader global initiative by the GEF to protect Critical Forest Biomes — the world's most vital and vulnerable forest ecosystems, including the Amazon rainforest in South America, the Congo Basin in Africa, and the Indo-Malayan forests in Asia. These ecosystems serve as irreplaceable reservoirs of biodiversity, carbon storage, and critical ecosystem services. Conserving them is crucial for sustaining millions of livelihoods and maintaining global ecological balance.

The Lao PDR, situated in the heart of the Indo-Malaya Biome, is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, with natural forests covering over half its land area. These forests are home to between 8,000 and 11,000 species of flowering plants and provide vital support for approximately 67% of the rural population through food, income, and traditional medicine.

However, rapid development has contributed to the loss of around 1.7 million hectares of humid primary forest between 2002 and 2023. The CFB-Lao project responds to this challenge by taking a holistic, cross-sectoral approach to safeguard biodiversity, strengthen institutional capacity, and advance the Lao PDR’s sustainable development goals.

The project was officially launched during an inception workshop on April 29, co-chaired by Mr. Somvang Phimmavong, Director General, Department of Forestry, Ministry Agriculture and Forestry, and Ms. Martine Thérer, UNDP Resident Representative in the Lao PDR. The workshop provided a comprehensive introduction to the project’s goals, outcomes, and implementation strategies, and emphasized the importance of coordination among stakeholders, the need to adhere to UNDP-GEF reporting standards, and into seek maximum impact on the ground.

Building on longstanding UNDP support, including previous GEF-funded initiatives to strengthen Lao PDR’s readiness under the Global Biodiversity Framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the CFB-Lao project will promote greener development pathways by halting and reversing biodiversity loss, particularly within the country's critical forest landscapes.

"This is more than just a conservation project — it represents the way forward for Lao PDR as we shift from development that extracts from nature to development that restores and gives back to the land, to our forests, and to our people," said Director General Somvang.

Ms. Martine Thérer, UNDP Resident Representative, expressed her deep appreciation for GEF’s support and called on all partners to sustain their engagement:

"Let this workshop remind us all of our shared responsibility to protect Laos’ forest landscapes and biodiversity. Through innovative solutions, partnerships, and collective action, we can ensure that our efforts leave a lasting legacy for generations to come"

As the Lao PDR advances on its path toward sustainable and inclusive development, safeguarding the country’s rich natural heritage remains a national priority. Through strong collaboration among the Government, UNDP, GEF, and other partners, theLao PDR is laying the foundation for a future where people and nature coexist in harmony, ensuring a healthier planet for all. 

KPL