The meeting was chaired by Vice President of the National Assembly Mr. Kongkeo Xaysongkham and British Ambassador to Laos Ms. Mel Barlow. Representatives from the National Institute of Economic and Social Sciences (NIESS), WWF-Laos, international organisations and domestic civil society organisations also attended the event.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Kongkeo highlighted the importance of stone and sand resources in supporting livelihoods and infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, buildings and urban facilities. He stressed that effective, efficient and sustainable management of these natural resources is essential for the country’s socio-economic development.

He noted that the Lao government has prioritised green and sustainable development through policies and legal frameworks, including the National Green Growth Strategy to 2030, the Environmental Protection Law, the Minerals Law and other related regulations aimed at promoting responsible resource management.

The study reviewed policies, laws, regulations and coordination mechanisms governing stone and sand extraction along the Mekong River and its tributaries. It aimed to identify achievements, challenges, weaknesses and gaps in the current governance system while proposing policy recommendations to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of resource management.

According to Mr. Kongkeo, the research has largely been completed and has already undergone several rounds of technical consultations at both central and local levels. The meeting was organised to present the findings, gather further comments and refine the report to ensure its practical use in policy development and management.

Participants received presentations from relevant agencies and the research team before engaging in discussions and offering recommendations to strengthen the final report and enhance its usefulness for policymakers and local authorities.

Addressing the event, British Ambassador Ms. Mel Barlow said the United Kingdom was proud to support the dialogue as part of its broader partnership with Laos to strengthen climate resilience, promote sustainable natural resource management and support inclusive economic development across the Mekong region.

She noted that the meeting coincided with London Climate Action Week, which gathers delegates from more than 100 countries to discuss global climate challenges and solutions.

Ms. Barlow stressed that while climate-related challenges are global, solutions must be rooted in national and local contexts through strong partnerships and practical actions. She underscored the importance of healthy natural systems in building resilience, particularly in the Mekong Basin, where sustainable river systems support livelihoods, fisheries, water security and ecosystem stability.

She added that addressing environmental pressures such as unsustainable sand mining is essential for long-term resilience and sustainable development.

Through the United Kingdom’s Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) programme, support is being provided to countries in the region to strengthen evidence-based decision-making and promote forward-looking, risk-informed approaches.

Ms. Barlow also highlighted the importance of science-based policymaking, noting that the research presented by NIESS offers robust analysis that can help governments anticipate risks and take preventive measures before environmental damage occurs.

The research study was conducted by the National Institute of Economic and Social Sciences with financial support from the Government of the United Kingdom through WWF-Laos. The project was implemented in cooperation with the National University of Laos, research institutes and other stakeholders.

KPL