Please note that this is an on-going project.
Project Description
Lao PDR is rich in water resources both in terms of quantity and quality. However, water use in the country at the river basin and national scales have increased to support rapid social-economic development, which has impacted availability, quality, and sustainability of the resource. The outdated 1996 Water and Water Resources Law was updated in 2017 alongside the development of various strategies and river basin analyses, including the Nam Ou River Basin Profile and the National Water Resources Management Strategy. The updated law contains new provisions on water rights and use, including wastewater discharge permits, wetland and water resources protection, groundwater management, and river basin management. Despite the existing legislation on water resource management, there are gaps in the understanding and application of the regulations for effective and integrated water resource management (IWRM) which also reflect the ongoing socio-economic development.
This project focuses on supporting the Lao Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in its leading role and facilitating reform in the use and management of water resources and developing river basin plans. This is especially true for water quality and wastewater management to allow adequate water quality for all users. Reforms include the development and formation of water resource conservation zone management to secure good sources of water for users by demarcation and regulating measures, including securing water for basic local livelihoods and environmental needs.
Project Personnel and Beneficiaries
A key stakeholder in the project is the Lao Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and beneficiaries include communities, the society as a whole, and the environment by achieving more effective integrated water resources management and to secure good sources of water for all users and at all times.
Outcomes to Date
When finalised, the two ministerial agreements will help water resource management in Laos and ultimately contribute to achieving the SDGs in Lao PDR, most notably targets 6.3 (improving water quality) and 6.6 (protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems).
Project Significance
The project is important as it provides technical support in the development of effective and appropriate water legislation and ministerial direction in Lao PDR. The project will support the Department of Water Resources in the Lao Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in public engagement, formulation, publication, and dissemination of water quality and wastewater management and water resource conservation zone agreements.