The high-level meeting on Nature-Positive Investment through the Biodiversity Mitigation Hierarchy Towards No Net Loss and Net Gain Outcomes was chaired by Minister of Agriculture and Environment Linkham Douangsavanh, with technical and financial support from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in Lao PDR under the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Forest Governance, Markets and Climate Programme and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The event brought together representatives from key government agencies, development partners, the private sector, environmental service providers, and national and international conservation organisations to discuss approaches for balancing economic development with biodiversity conservation.

In his opening remarks, Minister Linkham Douangsavanh highlighted the challenge of maintaining economic growth while safeguarding the environment, noting that development activities could have lasting impacts on biodiversity and rural communities if appropriate safeguards and mechanisms are not in place. He reaffirmed the Government of Lao PDR’s commitment, under its Green Growth Strategy, to adopt international best practices and strengthen national legislation to guide sustainable development.

Under the Government’s policy direction for green economic growth, a key objective is to ensure that investment and development projects achieve biodiversity no net loss and, where possible, net gain outcomes through the application of the biodiversity mitigation hierarchy. Implementing this policy will require a dedicated decree to provide guidance and a framework for practical implementation.

“Achieving biodiversity ‘no net loss’ is not a constraint, but an opportunity to strengthen investor confidence, enhance development outcomes, and position Lao PDR as a regional leader in nature-positive investment,” said ADB Country Director for Lao PDR Shanny Campbell.

“ADB remains committed to supporting the Lao PDR Government in translating policy ambition into practical solutions, in close collaboration with development partners and stakeholders, to strengthen the country’s resilience and unlock inclusive and sustainable growth. In addition, it is important not only to focus on improving future outcomes but also to address existing challenges within current no net loss programmes,” she added.

Participants noted that the development of a national biodiversity offset framework presents an important opportunity to reduce project risks by aggregating offset obligations, targeting priority landscapes, and delivering measurable biodiversity gains through specialised implementation mechanisms. Such an approach would be supported by robust monitoring systems and adaptive management practices.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of strong partnerships among government agencies, development institutions, conservation organisations and the private sector to ensure the successful implementation of biodiversity offset policies and frameworks.

Mekong Development Counsellor at the British Embassy to Lao PDR Louis Mulvaney reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s support for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in Laos.

“The United Kingdom is proud to work closely with the Government of Lao PDR and partners to support biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. By promoting nature-positive investment, we aim to safeguard vital ecosystems and strengthen resilience. We encourage continued collaboration and shared commitment to conserving Laos’ rich biodiversity for future generations,” he said.

Deputy Country Director of WCS Lao PDR Manoly Sisavanh stressed the importance of integrating conservation objectives into development planning and investment.

“WCS cares deeply about the future of Laos and its people. We have been working closely with the Lao Government and partners to help identify practical ways to reconcile development and conservation. Operationalising the Biodiversity Mitigation Hierarchy, No Net Loss and Net Gain is one important pathway, including through the use of concession models,” she said.

“We look forward to helping translate these principles into practical systems that support responsible development, stronger biodiversity governance and the long-term protection of Laos’ rich biodiversity. Sustainable economic growth and nature conservation must advance together.”

The meeting concluded with a strong sense of momentum and consensus among participants, who expressed their commitment to advancing a coordinated national approach to operationalising the biodiversity no net loss and net gain policy through continued collaboration among government agencies, development partners, technical organisations and investors.

KPL