Ms Phakkavanh Phitsamai (centre right) and Ms Khaliungoo Ganbat (centre left) stand with Dr Saynakhone Inthavong, Ms Benita Sommerville, and other participants at the MOU signing ceremony in Vientiane on Monday.

Laos, The Asia Foundation partner to strengthen environmental and social impact assessments

The Department of Environment under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and The Asia Foundation (TAF) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthen the environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) review process in relation to infrastructure development in Laos.
The agreement was signed in Vientiane by the Director General of the Department of Environment, Ms Phakkavanh Phitsamai, and Country Representative of The Asia Foundation in Laos, Ms Khaliungoo Ganbat.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment, Dr Saynakhone Inthavong, and Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian Embassy in Laos, Ms Benita Sommerville, and TAF’s Vice President for Strategic Partnerships, Mr Thomas Parks, witnessed the signing.
Representatives from ministries, development partners and other organisations also attended.
Dr Saynakhone thanked the Australian government for its continued support to Laos.

Ms Phakkavanh Phitsamai (right) and Ms Khaliungoo Ganbat (left) shake hands after signing the Memorandum of Understanding in Vientiane on Monday.	Dr Saynakhone Inthavong speaks at an event held in Vientiane on Monday to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on strengthening the environmental and social impact assessment review process.

“This collaboration between the Department of Environment, the Australian Government, and The Asia Foundation will strengthen environmental and social impact assessment processes in Laos to better manage the environmental and social risks of infrastructure development, and build the capacity of our technical staff, including at the provincial level, to ensure sustainable development,” he said.
Deputy Head of Mission Ms Sommerville reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to Laos and the wider Mekong region.
“This initiative represents the commitment of Australia to Laos and the Mekong subregion. We are pleased to partner with the Lao Government to support sustainable and inclusive infrastructure development,” she said.
Mr Parks said “We’re excited about continuing our strong partnership with the Department of Environment and helping Laos sustainably protect its natural and social assets.”
The partnership is supported by the Australian Government through the Mekong-Australia Partnership under the Mekong Safeguards Programme.
The initiative aims to build the capacity of national and provincial government officials in dealing with ESIA reviews in relation to infrastructure development, particularly in the fields of renewable energy and mining.
The project builds on an earlier collaboration between the Department of Environment and The Asia Foundation from 2022 to 2023, which strengthened the technical capacity of government staff to review and monitor environmental and social impact assessments.
This second phase includes the development of technical guidelines for renewable energy and mining, and a field visit to Vietnam to gain practical insights and share knowledge on managing environmental and social impacts in these sectors.
It also integrates principles of gender equality, disability, and social inclusion across all activities to support inclusive project development.
This project will contribute to the use of the ESIA process as a practical and cost-effective planning tool to safeguard Laos’ natural resources and communities while enhancing climate resilience throughout the Mekong subregion.
The Mekong Safeguards Programme promotes environmental and social safeguards in infrastructure development across the Mekong subregion.
It supports policymakers, government agencies, the private sector, civil society and communities with technical assistance, knowledge and tools to ensure consistent environmental and social standards, especially in the energy, transport and water sectors.
The programme is supported by the Australian Government through the Mekong-Australia Partnership and implemented by The Asia Foundation.
Launched in 2020, the Mekong-Australia Partnership responds to shared regional and cross-border challenges to support a peaceful, stable and prosperous Mekong subregion.
Australia works with Mekong partners to improve water security and climate resilience, counter transnational crime, strengthen economic resilience and regional integration, build leadership and skills through scholarships and short courses, and promote inclusive development, including gender equality and disability equity.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update February 24, 2026)