513K
hectares under improved management in 4 PAs
Lao PDR
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Generating multiple benefits through strengthened protection of primary forest landscapes
The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) is strengthening the integrated management of primary forest landscapes within and around four National Protected Areas- Phou Hang He, Xe Bang Nouan, Xe Sap, and Phou Xieng Thong- together covering over 513,000 hectares across different biogeographic regions of the country, including the Annamite Range.
Working across policy, governance, finance and community dimensions, it aims to durably reduce deforestation, enhance ecosystem services, and support the Indigenous Peoples and local communities whose lives and livelihoods are rooted in these forests.
Targets and Global Environment Benefits (GEB)
Partners
The project is implemented by the Department of Forestry (DOF) in the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Lao PDR with execution support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
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Led by
Our Funding
9M
GEF investment
41.6M
Co-finance
How the project responds
1. Strengthening the enabling environment
Integrating primary forest landscapes into national forest management and land-use planning, including a national primary forest policy linked to 2035 National Forest Strategy and an integrated management strategy for the Annamite Range.
2. Enhancing Protected Area governance and management
Promoting inclusive area-based conservation, empowering local communities, women and ethnic groups through sustainable livelihood opportunities and collaborative management, and building PA management and governance capacities at subnational levels.
3. Expanding inclusive conservation beyond Protected Areas
Strengthening the management of primary forests in buffer zones and ecological corridors through collaborative village planning and landscape restoration, while promoting sustainable agricultural practices and producer–public–private partnerships that reduce pressure on forest edges. The project also explores recognition of Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs), including community-conserved areas, Indigenous lands, and sacred forests.
4. Mobilizing sustainable finance
Assessing opportunities to expand and diversify conservation financing, piloting innovative financing instruments in project landscapes, and building institutional capacity to design and apply solutions for primary forest conservation.